Webster Schroeder girls soccer head coach Kent Brown welcomes back eight starters from last season’s 7-9-1 squad that lost to Aquinas in the opening round of sectionals.
Brown begins his 19th year coaching.
The key returnees include senior four-year starter Kristina McNamara, who will anchor the defense; senior Jackie Casale led the team in scoring the past two years. She has the ability to finish with both left and right foot.
Junior Kristina Roberti is the most improved player in the offseason, according to Brown. She has developed skill to match her speed.
“If she can get behind opposing defenses this year you will see her name in the box score quite a bit,” Brown said.
Sophomore Olivia Harris is a central mid who has matured into a strong central player.
“Her workrate in the middle of the field is fantastic,” said Brown. “If she can harness that energy and help join the attack with her speed Schroeder may have a potent attack this year.”
Sophomore Alexa Antetomaso had many near misses in her first season on varsity. If those near misses find the back of the net she could become an explosive offensive weapon.
“Casale’s composure in the final third and her ability to work with Roberti and Antetomaso will be key for our offense,” said the coach.
Strengths Challenges: “One of the faster teams we have had in a few years,” Brown said. “The key will be getting stability in goal after the loss of Dani Britt to graduation. Our defense is solid and our attack has the potential to become explosive. Our midfield is young, but does not lack talent. The key to the season will be avoiding injury and finding a style of play that fits our talent.”
League Contenders: “Monroe County Division 1 will be brutal,” said Brown. “The league is always competitive. Thomas, Victor, and Irondequoit are the clear frontrunners for league and sectional titles.”
