Twinsburg girls soccer finishes regular season undefeated
A hungry Twinsburg girls soccer squad looks toward the post season after an outstanding regular season – one of the finest in school history.
Twinsburg finished with an undefeated regular season with a sensational 13-0-3 overall record and was ranked seventh in the latest Division I Ohio poll.
In capturing the Suburban League National Conference championship with a 4-0-2 record, veteran head coach John Garber saw his troops earn 14 points while Brecksville finished second with 13 points and Hudson was third with 12 points.
Since 2018, Twinsburg has won three district championships, a pair of Suburban League titles, and one regional championship.
Behind some gifted veterans and some young talent, the Tigers are now looking to make more noise in the post season.
Last fall, Twinsburg captured the second consecutive district title and its third district crown in the last four years. The Tigers lost to eventual Ohio runner-up Walsh Jesuit in the Sweet 16.
Twinsburg wants a deeper post season push this fall as the Tigers host 22nd-seed Chardon Thursday at 6 p.m. in a sectional final.
Chardon beat Massillon, the 32nd seed in the super district, 12-0 in first round action Saturday.
“We were fortunate to earn the overall number one seed in the draw,” commented Garber, of the Cleveland 2 district bracket. “There are many good teams in our district.”
If Twinsburg defeats Chardon, they will play a district semifinal clash Oct. 24 at a site to be determined. Sixth-seeded Stow-Munroe Falls would likely be the opponent.
Twinsburg and Stow had a tough 0-0 tie on Oct. 6.
“The girls are working hard and preparing for our upcoming match-up with Chardon,” emphasized Garber.
With 11 shutouts this season, Twinsburg’s defense will be a huge focal point.
“I think our defense has been solid all season long and we have only conceded seven goals in 16 matches, and posted 11 shutouts,” pointed out Garber.
“Our defense has been led by senior captain and goalkeeper Alexis Cellura, senior Rien Cummings, sophomore Lily Carroll, freshman Camryn Pucky, and freshman Kayla Cellura,” said Garber.
Cellura is one of the program’s most decorated keepers with 36 career shutouts.
Garber also has received strong depth on the defensive side as it is incredible to think that the Tigers lost four starters from its defense on last year’s club to graduation and is playing so well.
“Seniors Annikka Banerjee, Tyra Johnson, and Kaiden Hoon have contributed meaningfully throughout the season in our back line and senior keeper Sophie Rodin has also contributed to five shutouts during the season.”
Twinsburg’s midfield also has experience and talent, led by senior Brenna Utrup, who has 21 points on six goals and nine assists this fall.
“The midfield has been exceptional all season,” noted Garber. “Led by senior captain Brenna Utrup, combined with strong play from seniors Olivia Zelenka, Jackie McKenna and Lauren Glessman.”
“Senior Emily Turle and freshman Dalia Sabet have added quality play in the midfield for us all season long,” added the Tiger mentor.
Coupled with the play of the midfield, Twinsburg’s attack features a lot of weapons with Jadyn Harris (35 points), Arriah Gilmer (41 points), Utrup, Zelenka, and junior Bree Banach.
“Our attack has been strong, led by senior captains Jadyn Harris (12 goals, 11 assists) and Arriah Gilmer (16 goals, 5 assists), plus Bree Banach (9 goals, 3 assists), and strong contributions from sophomore Emma Trudell (3 assists),” commented Garber.
In addition, Garber also complimented the depth as well.
“Senior Tea Jimenez, juniors Carolyn Kramer and Madison Langston have all provided depth and solid performances in the attack this season,” offered Garber, who is assisted by Maria Kormanec and Nick Crevda.
Garber has also missed the services of senior Sophie Adick, a center back and backup goalkeeper, who was lost for the season with an ACL injury in the team’s final scrimmage at Westlake.
Four-year starters that help lead to the undefeated campaign are Utrup, Cellura, and Harris while three-year starters include Gilmer and the Zelenka.
The win that capped the undefeated regular season was a 4-2 victory on the road over Wadsworth at Art Wright Stadium.
Gilmer exploded for two goals while Harris and Glessman had one tally each. Harris had a pair of assists while Banach and Kayla Cellura each had one.
Garber only needs three more wins to reach 100 victories at Twinsburg, but he is thinking more about his athletes and adv
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Twinsburg girls soccer finished regular season undefeated
