Portage County girls soccer previews
Here is our glance at all 10 Portage County girls soccer teams, helped by all of our area coaches filling out our preview form (all of the below quotes are from that team's head coach):
Aurora Greenmen
Head Coach: Domenica McClintock (7th season, 4th at Aurora)
Assistant Coaches: Adam Gharky, Paul Frankmann, Kristen Lembo
2021 Record: 7-11-0 (4-3-0 Suburban American)
Returning Letterwinners (9): Bailey McGee, Brigid Boyle, Kasey Walter, Grace Barbour, Lizzy Pike, Cailyn Ries, Charlotte Hart, Sophie Petrash, Skylar Rule
Letterwinners Lost (5): Madison Burick, Samantha Stern, Alyssa Marotta, Tori Miller, Madison Sweatt
Outlook: The Greenmen have key returners at every level of the field. Up top, Grace Barbour is coming off an eight-goal junior campaign for Aurora. In the midfield, Bailey McGee returns and brings "technical and tactical abilities on and off the ball" that "will influence our offensive attack." Sophomore Sophie Petrash "will prove to be a consistent piece of the back line" in her second year with the Greenmen varsity, while senior keeper Lizzy Pike is coming off a strong season in which she posted several shutouts.
Crestwood Red Devils
Head Coach: Tait Taylor (1st season)
Assistant Coaches: Ray Ferrari, Jeff Julian
2021 Record: 6-10-0 (2-2-0 Chagrin Valley Conference)
Returning Letterwinners (13): seniors Reagan Mory, Bella Leister-Zeleznik, Destiny Knipper; juniors Allie Bartell, Aspen Baynes, Kami Ferrari; sophomores Ava Julian, Delaney McMahon, Taylor Larch, Erin Hallis, Alyssa Hallis, Lilly Stoots, Addison Harner
Letterwinners Lost (5): Ava Mory, Kylie Krupp, Alexis McKenzie, Gracie Schweickert, Valerie Wright
Outlook: With the Red Devils having lost five letterwinners, including Ava Mory (8 goals, 3 assists) and Gracie Schweickert (10 goals, 6 assists), as well as standout keeper Kylie Krupp, they will be "young with a strong core" in 2022. Crestwood is experienced up top, led by seniors Bella Leister-Zeleznik and Reagan Mory and junior Allie Bartell. The Red Devils tack on an athletic midfield, including junior Aspen Baynes and sophomores Erin Hallis, Addison Harner and Ava Julian, as well as Leister-Zeleznik. Crestwood will be particularly young on the back end with a pair of sophomores in net (Alyssa Hallis and Lilly Stoots) and a pack of sophomores surrounding senior Destiny Knipper on defense (Kami Ferrari, Alyssa Hallis, Delaney McMahon, Dakota Renneker and Stoots)
Field Falcons
Head Coach: Jason Schindler (2nd season)
Assistant Coach: Nick Miletti
2021 Record: 14-3-1 (6-1-0 Metro Athletic Conference), league co-champ, sectional champion
Returning Letterwinners (8): Taryn Allen, Ariana Bright, Abby Harlin, Ally Harlin, Emma Norman, Delilah Rahe, Savannah Rahe, Cassie Wilde
Letterwinners Lost (11): Rachel Ruggles, Delanie Simpkins, Hannah Siudak, Tessa Allison, Heather Siudak, Kelly Troup, Courtney Campbell, Ella Leonard, Lauren Lowden, Mallory Martin, Elaina Sheeler
Outlook: Coming off a stellar 14-win campaign that included a Metro Athletic Conference Tournament title and wins over Suburban American foes Highland and Tallmadge, the Falcons return plenty of top-end talent even if they did graduate a sizable Class of 2022. Field's reservoir of top-end talent includes senior forward Cassie Wilde, who scored a preposterous 37 goals last season, and sophomore midfielder Taryn Allen, who has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the conference's very best at her position. Sophomore Delilah Rahe will play all over the midfield and back line and will be an "integral part" wherever she plays. Her sister, junior Savannah Rahe, will "anchor" the back four, where sophomores Abby and Ally Harlin also stand out thanks to their endless work ethic. Talented sophomore McKayla Miller will help Wilde up top, freshman Hailey Hershberger is a strong "finesse" player in the midfield and senior Grace Kessler and sophomore Carlee Fafrak return in net after both got varsity minutes last season. Expect senior Claire Philip; juniors Adriana Bright and Emma Norman; sophomores Olivia Prof and Lena Wymer and freshman Makayla Norman to help out in the midfield, while juniors Mickey Herendeen and Olivia Kessler and sophomores Brianna Gabele, Zoey Matijakovic and Savannah Phillips will help out on the back line.
Garfield G-Men
Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert (6th season)
Assistant Coaches: Kelliann Collins
2021 Record: 5-11-0 (4-8-0 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference)
Returning Letterwinners (11): Ella Badovick, Hallie Cebulla, Maggie Fogel, Kyndall Hahn, Lizzie Moore, Allie Runewicz, Sophia Scott, Aby Seiler, Lille Shackelford, Riley Swigonski, Nora Trent
Letterwinners Lost (8): Ella Brann, Alison McHenry, Kierstin Williams, Zoe Turner, Caitlin Lutz, Annabelle Moore, Emma Thornton, Ketley Fresch
Outlook: The G-Men mix experience in back with intriguing new talent up top. A defense led by second team all-league standout Riley Swigonski "should be a strength of this year's team as it returns the most experience of any position." Multiple-year starters Nora Trent and Swigonski "should anchor the back line," while Ella Badovick and Maggie Fogel add "experience to the position," with Lille Shackelford and newcomers Sierra Nerby and Elise Edwards providing "added depth." They'll be backed up by third-year keeper Sophia Scott, who "has gained confidence each year and proved to be one of the top keepers in the county and in the conference." Garfield has "good speed and skill" up top, led by newcomers Camille Arana and Laura McCoy, with Allie Runewicz and Aby Seiler providing "depth to the position and experience." In the midfield, Hallie Cebulla, Kyndall Hahn and Lizzie Moore "will use their athleticism and skill to create problems all over the field," while newcomers Rylie Turner and Taylor Wade "provide depth and speed at the position."
Roosevelt Rough Riders
Head Coach: Samantha Spicer (1st season)
Assistant Coaches: JonMichael Weigel, Tanjanae Harris
2021 Record: 5-11-1 (1-5-1 Suburban American)
Returning Letterwinners (11): Lea Parham, Corinn Wolfgang, Brooke Saxton, Mary Kline, Ava Baucco, Abby Carbone, Ella Hassler, Sara Yanelli, Kaleigh McMullen, Eleanor Morris, Lillian Sköld
Outlook: Under new coach Samantha Spicer, the Rough Riders are "learning a whole new style of soccer." They return plenty of talent, including first team all-district forward Lea Parham, who notched 10 goals and eight assists last season. The senior is a "great athlete" with blazing speed, as everyone saw when she went to state last year in the hurdles, but she also is "great with the ball at her feet" and "sees the game well." Gianna Yanelli will join Parham up top. Roosevelt also returns an experienced standout in net in Corinn Wolfgang, who made 99 saves last season and is "incredibly technical" and "willing to take chances." She'll be backed up by Brooke Saxton. Juniors Abby Carbone and Sara Yanelli and freshman Hannah Hido will lead the midfield, as all "are very skillful" and "all see the game very well" and "feed off one another beautifully." Senior Ava Baucco, junior Ella Hassler and sophomore Lillian Sköld will also factor into the midfield. Center back Kaleigh McMullen will be "our go-to" on the back line, where she'll be joined by Francesca Ferrara, Mary Kline, Brooke Saxton and Katarina Vorhauer.
Ravenna Ravens
Head Coach: Noah Cunningham (3rd season)
Assistant Coaches: Valerie Davis, Amanda Davis
2021 Record: 5-12-2 (2-4-1 Metro Athletic Conference)
Returning Letterwinners (10): Brooklynne Skidmore, Avonlea Jefferson, Reese Johnston, Bri Cathan, Camille Thomas, Sam Weber, Natalie Clark, Natalee Denyer, Aundrea Semen, Ava Wojtkowski
Letterwinners Lost (6): Amanda Davis, Kayla Bisson, Melody Hardy, Faith Fitzgerald, Aireal Trenter, Hannah Fletcher
Outlook: The Ravens graduated significant talent, including honorable mention all-league standouts Amanda Davis, a longtime leader on defense, and Kayla Bisson, long one of the area's top keepers. They return plenty of talent as well, especially in the midfield, where sophomores Natalie Clark (10 goals) and Natalee Denyer (5 goals, 6 assists) are coming off strong freshman campaigns and will be joined by junior Camille Thomas and sophomore Ava Wojtkowski. Ravenna's defense should also be stout, "coming back stronger and faster" even with the graduation of Davis. Junior Sam Weber, a starter for the past two years, is "the girl everybody always talks about," drawing praise from opposing coaches for her jaw-dropping speed. Sophomore Aundrea Seman already looks like a "mini-Amanda Davis," standing out for her attitude and "the way she carries the ball [and] the way she'll go into challenges and 50-50 balls." That defense will be tasked with protecting freshman keepers Lilly Franklin and Giani Torres. Up top, junior Brynn Scott returns after missing last season and has the ability to be a "lethal goal scorer." Meanwhile, Reese Johnston will be a "secret weapon" all over the field, "playing everywhere."
Rootstown Rovers
Head Coach: Jason Opritza (2nd season)
Assistant Coaches: Shana Varner, Alina Mille
2021 Record: 12-5-1 (7-0-0 Portage Trail Conference), league champ, sectional champ
Outlook: The Rovers bring back a massive amount of talent with 23 returning letterwinners in all. That includes speedy midfielder Rylee Durbak, who recorded double-digit goals last season; set-piece maestro Carlee Clifford, who topped 20 goals; and steady defender Peighton King. Rootstown also returns first team all-league midfielders Melanie Plecko (4 goals, 6 assists) and Natalie Opritza (3 goals, 3 assists) and second team all-league midfielder Porter Smith, who will combine with Durbak to form one of the area's fastest and most skilled midfields. The Rovers have depth all over, with second team all-league forwards Taylor Monegan and Sophia Opritza pairing with Clifford up top and second team all-league defender Payton Curall pairing with King on the back line. The Rovers also "brought in a goalie coach this season to elevate the play" of returning goalies Abby Goforth and Natalie Opritza and backups Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt and Sophia Opritza.
Southeast Pirates
Head Coach: Dean Dunlavy (25th season)
Assistant Coach: Hannah Riffle
2021 Record: 8-9-0 (6-2-0 Portage Trail Conference)
Returning Letterwinners (20): Kendra Shute, Sophia Fischer, Emma Chaney, Erin Chaney, Cami McPeak, Anna Keto, Payton Kittle, Katie Long, Lucy Reynolds, Emmi Smallfield, Lexi Morris, Mya Sutcliffe, Claire Dillner, Payten Vrudney, Addison Goldstein, Hannah McPeak, Frankie Dalesandro, Maddie Lutes, Bailey Long, Sacha Ciavarella
Letterwinners Lost (2): Jaden Smallfield, Abby Fischer
Outlook: The Pirates have more than enough pieces to bounce back from a rare losing season in the five townships. Indeed, Southeast returns an absurd 20 letterwinners, while graduating just two. The Pirates have a "good mix of speed and power" up top, led by first team all-league standouts Cami McPeak (10 goals, 6 assists) and Sophia Fischer (9 goals, 3 assists). Mya Sutcliffe (4 goals), Anna Keto, Sarah Craver, Lucy Reynolds and Maddie Lutes will also play forward. Southeast is similarly stout in the midfield, where longtime standout Payton Kittle was a second team all-league honoree in 2021. She will be joined by Sacha Ciavarella, Lexi Morris, Claire Dillner, Frankie Dalesandro, Bailey Long, Addison Goldstein and Arianna Fiorentino. The Pirates' defense includes Emmi Smallfield, a second team all-PTC honoree in the midfield a season ago, as well as both Chaney sisters (Emma and Erin) and Kendra Shute, Payten Vrudney, Bailey Morris, Hannah McPeak and Reese Diehl. Returning in net is senior Katie Long, who "stays in position and has a strong punt."
Streetsboro Rockets
Head Coach: Ryan Willard (16th season, 15th at Streetsboro)
Assistant Coaches: Alyssa Hendrix, Taylor Donovan
2021 Record: 16-4-0 (7-0-0 Metro Athletic Conference), league co-champ, district runner-up
Returning Letterwinners (11): Heidi Timmons, Alyssa Schofield, Kelsey Rich, Jordyn Lytle, Sydney Carmen, Claire Collins, Lainey Klein, Maddie Genovese, Lydia Schofield, Makayla Claflin, Grace Thompson
Letterwinners Lost (10): Brooke Tacsar, Maddie Maynard, Ella Deevers, Mariah Embry, Lina Muller, Jordan Hehmeyer, Emma Flick, Kenzie Mobley, Renee Rose, Alexandra Madden
Outlook: There's no doubt that the Rockets, winners of three straight Metro championships, will look very different in 2022 following the graduation of a massive senior class that included Ella Deevers, Kenzie Mobley and Division II Player of the Year Emma Flick, a trio that facilitated their attack for years. Lydia Schofield is Streetsboro's "only returning player who played significant minutes at forward last year," having scored nine goals and three assists as a freshman, and the Rockets will "certainly look to her to take on a bigger load." Alyssa Schofield is the lone returning starter in the midfield. Sydney Carmen, Claire Collins and Maddie Genovese, all of whom excelled on defense last season, will "all probably get time in the midfield this year," along with Kelsey Rich. Carmen and Collins will also spend time on a back line with "a totally different look" alongside Grace Thompson, who "is ready to make a big step up in playing time." Streetsboro also returns its top two keepers from a year ago as Heidi Timmons "helped lead us to the best year in school history" and Lainey Klein "will certainly earn herself playing time as well."
Waterloo Vikings
Head Coach: Bill Jackson (1st season)
Assistant Coaches: Shannon More, Mackenzie Webb
2021 Record: 8-4-2 (8-3-1 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference)
Returning Letterwinners (12): seniors Rose Couts, Kayla Turcsak; juniors Kaira English, Lilly Foster, Grace Yarian, Sydney Jackson, Olivia Boyle; sophomores Carletta Henry, Courtney Eisenbraun, Gabriela Gonzalez, Sophia Wood, Mya Bennett
Letterwinners Lost (5): Olivia Johnston, Mackenzie Webb, Kim Eland, Kelly Rach, Hailey Waldeck
Outlook: With 12 returning letterwinners, including an endless array of scoring options, the Vikings have the talent to repeat and even expand upon a 2021 campaign that was their best in recent memory. Their returning talent includes the top scorer in program history, Kaira English, who scored a preposterous 54 goals last season. Waterloo's "experienced group" of forwards also includes Rose Couts, who notched double-digit goals (12) and assists (10) in 2021, and Olivia Boyle (5 goals, 6 assists), with freshman Chloe Guth poised to help out as well. Sydney Jackson, who set a school record with 18 assists last year, highlights a deep midfield that also includes Mya Bennett (10 goals), Carletta Henry (4 assists), Courtney Eisenbraun, Sophia Wood and freshman Bayley English. On the back end of the pitch, Grace Yarian made a school-record 170 saves last season, while sophomore Aracely Camacho has similarly "quick reflexes" in net. They'll be protected by an experienced defense that includes Lilly Foster, a "disciplined defender with great footwork," two speedsters in Gabriela Gonzalez and Kayla Turcsak, and senior newcomer Lille Snyder.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage County girls soccer previews
