By: Sean Richards
Traditionally one of the better teams at Monroe High School, the Falcons’ girls’ soccer side enters this year with both an optimistic and cautious approach.
Optimistic because the Falcons were a strong 11-6-1 last year and have a host of returning varsity letterwinners.
Cautious because six key players graduated and only time will tell if they can be adequately replaced.
"We have some big shoes to fill," coach Kathy Dillon said. "But our motto is we’re not rebuilding; we’re reloading. The good thing is we do have a lot of experienced juniors and we’ve looked very good in scrimmages."
Although it made significant progress last year with an impressive goal differential of 41-18 on the plus side, Monroe’s biggest concern entering the year is probably its ability to score goals.
One player it can certainly count on in that department is junior midfielder Alana Carr, who found the back of the net 10 times last season. Other offensive contributors who have returned include sophomore midfielder Sarah Gibbons (four goals), senior striker and co-captain Alyssa Gioino(three goals, two assists) and junior midfielder Allison Arnold (three goals).
Monroe was hit even harder in the back, but this shouldn’t be a major concern because the Falcons are traditionally a strong defensive team. The Falcons know they have a dependable player in junior sweeper Nicole Ragucci, who named to All-GMC White Division team. Also returning in the back are senior co-captain Sarah Payne and junior Monica Polick.
The other senior on this young squad is midfielder Diana Stelmaszczyk. Other returning juniors include forwards Elyse Micciulla, and Stephanie Salvador, and midfielders Alyssa Theinert and Kelsey Schobert.
Two players who saw action last year as freshmen are sophomore goalie Caitlin Hoskins and defender Danielle Rotundo.
New to the team his year are junior defenders Tori Bartley and Kim Soltys, junior midfielder Serena Tsang, sophomore midfielder Annie Rosenberg, sophomore defender Rebecca Jones and freshman defender Danielle Klecha.
"Our strength usually is on our defense," confirmed Dillon, whose team advanced to the semifinals of the Central Jersey Group III Tournament last year and was 8-4-1 in division play.
"We do have a nice strong midfield. We’re hoping we can do a better job of scoring goals and taking advantage of our opportunities."
Monroe opens its season today (Friday) at Sayreville and will be home against South Plainfield Monday.
