Sports
Girls Soccer: Look for Speed and Skill This Season
With heavy pressure on young keeper Sara Marinelli and goal scorer Emily Rosenthal, the Vikings hope to succeed in Conference II this season once again.
2009 Record: 8-3-1 (Lost in first round of Class AA playoffs)
League: Conference II
Head Coach: Lauren Bishar
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Top Players: Sr. Defender Lily Thrope, Sr. Midfielder Carly Rosenberg, Jr. Forward Emily Rosenthal, So. Goaltender Sara Marinelli
Position Breakdown: Although there isn't any one specific "star player" on the team, Emily Rosenthal's name will continuously be brought up throughout the season because of her knack for goal scoring. Last year, she managed to put nine soccer balls in the back of the net and only more is expected out of her this season. At the forward position, senior Ava Cotlowitz impressed with speed during the opening match against Valley Stream North. An underrated sophomore this season is going to be Brenna Betsch, a stud defender that made the varsity squad as a freshman. Midfield play will be dominated by veteran leaders Carly Rosenberg and Bridgette McDermott; sophomore Gabby Meyer will start as well. Somewhat of a young phenomenon, freshman Lindsey Edwards is the future of the Vikings program and is sure to get playing time as a midfielder. A lot of pressure will also be on sophomore Sara Marinelli to stand tough in front of the net.
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Expectations: After talking to a few players, it was clear this team is hungry for the playoffs. "It's going be hard since we're playing the top teams but if we work hard, we definitely have the potential to beat them," sweeper Brenna Betsch said. The Vikings got knocked off last season by girls soccer powerhouse MacArthur and will sure to be tough competition as well this year. The expectations are high for this group to do well on local television against Hicksville. A win in that game can show Conference II that Port Washington is a real contender to make the playoffs. This season, with fresh talent in sophomores and juniors, these Port Washington athletes will need to rely on their skill, and not leadership, to regain their spot in the Class AA playoffs. This time though, the "goal" is to win in the first round and go from there.
Key Matchups: September 20 vs. Hicksville, September 24 vs. East Meadow, October 4 vs. MacArthur, October 14 @ East Meadow, October 25 @ MacArthur
