Experienced Old Bridge squad off to slow start
Girls soccer team
expects to contend
for division title
With 13 players back, expectations were high for the Old Bridge High School girls soccer team this season, but the Lady Knights have struggled a bit in the early going and own a 2-2 mark.
Coach Rob Lozzi’s team has defeated Edison, 7-1, and Scotch Plains, 2-1, thanks in part to a penalty kick by Liza Mendelewski, and has lost to Hunterdon Central and South Brunswick. The latter was a 2-1 decision where the Vikings scored with just eight seconds remaining.
Lozzi explained that although the team has struggled a bit in the early going, he expects them to pick up their play as the season progresses.
"Even though we have a lot of players back, we’re still looking for the right mix," Lozzi said. "I’m still making changes to the lineup looking for the combinations that gel."
The Lady Knights’ lineup includes a veteran defense with senior Cori Edley at one fullback slot, and juniors Kim Stengle and Kristen Palumbo.
Versatile senior Jen Rebelo, who scored 10 goals last season, has moved to the sweeper slot.
Senior Stefanie Luicci, a three-year starter, is in goal.
Juniors Marybeth Lyons and Mendelewski, and sophomores Kim Cannon and Lauren Lavallo are all back in the middle. Up front, seniors Kim Johnston and Alexis Brook are the main scoring threats.
Johnston scored 10 goals and added 10 assists last fall, and Brook is coming off a three-goal game against Edison.
Other members of the team include senior fullback Danielle Buonantony, who may also see some time in goal; junior midfielders Dara Nalven and Heather Connor, as well as sophomore fullback Tara Nardella. Nalven scored a pair of goals in the win over Edison.
Lozzi expects the Knights to begin to play better as a team over the course of the next few games, and is confident that the squad will be in contention for a division title towards the end of the regular season.
"I was hoping we’d get off to a better start, but we just haven’t played that well yet," Lozzi said. "We certainly have plenty of talent on this team, and I think they’re going to win their share of the games. I have a lot of confidence in them. Right now we need to put a few good games together and that will help us get some confidence and come together as a team."