Girls Soccer Previews

Source: The Bergen Record
Wayne Valley: After being the premier program in Passaic County for more than a decade, the Indians struggled in 2009. Their inexperience showed and they struggled to score consistently. Smith is still tinkering with where to play Marissa Madison, but she will likely play in the midfield alongside Megan Leonard. After a great freshman season, forward Natalie Opirhory was held in check in 2009, but Smith feels she has the tools to be a good scorer. Defense is where this team will be strong, with four players — Rachel Herrick, Audra Kalinowski, Megan Bellardini and Carly Campbell — returning. They will play in front of a new goalie. Smith said three girls are vying for the job. Expect a talented freshman class to give the Indians a boost. This team is hoping last year’s hard lessons pay off. Click here to read more


Wayne Hills:The Patriots look like the team to beat in Passaic County and might be one of the best teams in North Jersey. The biggest question mark is in goal, where Kelly Burian takes over for Ally Kass who graduated. Burian has been the back-up the last two seasons and the coaches feel she is ready. Defensively, the Patriots bring back their entire back row. It’s extremely athletic with Christie Cherup on one side and Corey Mania on the other. The midfield is in terrific shape with the return of sophomore Nickolette Driesse, who is coming off an outstanding freshman season in which her received All-Passaic County honors. Siara Koplon is a natural scorer, who can play midfield or forward. This is a team with an established defense, playmaking midfielders and scoring punch. Click here to read more

DePaul:The Spartans have been a factor in Passaic County the last two seasons and Kacar believes they will be again. They will open 2010 with a new goalie, as Erica Keil graduated. There has been a competition between junior Maggie Oliver and freshman Tiffany Martinez. Sophomore sweeper Liz Monsen anchors the defense. The midfield will be athletic - even without standout Jenna Gibney, who will miss the season with a knee injury. Alexa Canfora is the most experienced midfielder and will direct the offense. Kacar is trying out a number of players at forward. Junior Ashley Sanchez has the ability to be a 20-goal scorer. Click here to read more.