High school girls soccer success stories emerge from throughout New York State

Maybe no fall sport has as much depth of talent throughout New York state than girls soccer. That's been evident as the season approaches the midway point.

Ninth-graders energize two-time state champ Massapequa
Massapequa has produced clear and unmistakable signs that it has all the makings of a state championship contender through an impressive start in which its has been dominant on both offense and defense.

That may not exactly come as breaking news. The Chiefs, after all, have won back-to-back Class AA state titles.
What may be surprising is that two first-year freshman starters have two of the keys to Massapequa's quick start.
Julia Hannon (five goals, three assists through seven games) starts at center midfield along with another freshman, Grace Bernardi.

Hope Breslin, a junior who is tied with Hannon for most points, has a team-leading nine goals – just one goal away from equaling her goal total for all of last season.

Pearl River prevails in Rockland County showdown
It was a matchup of two of the top teams not only in Rockland County but all of the Empire State and Class A, and Pearl River picked up a 1-0 win over Class AA North Rockland (Thiells).

The Pirates won it on a goal by Caroline Mcgowan late in the first half and a strong defensive effort led by Alyssa Portington and Lauren Gallagher made it stand. Portington was paired against North Rockland's Naya Rivera, a creative playmaker who finished with 13 assists in 2014.

Gallagher, an all-America and all-state goaltender bound for Georgetown University, made 10 saves.

North Rockland has advanced to the state title game the last two seasons, falling to Massapequa both times.
With Rivera serving as feeder, North Rockland also has one of the top finishers around in Amber Alfonzo, a senior who had 27 goals last fall.

Niskayuna looks to take the next step
Niskayuna has been a force in Section 2 the last two years, taking the Class AA title two years ago and making it to the semifinals last year.

With a potent offense led by star striker Marika Contompasis and a senior nucleus, Niskayuna seems to be in good position to set its postseason sights on a possible run outside of the Albany area. The Silver Warriors have a solid midfield led by Alissa Franze and Hannah Munro and a strong defense that features Ericka Wasserbach.

Another year, another strong start for Smithtown East
It's become a happy routine for Smithtown East. Last season, the Bulls jumped out to a 7-0 start, and this fall, the Bulls are also unbeaten after seven games, but with one tie (1-1 vs. Kings Park).

Smithtown East hopes for one difference between 2015 and '14, however. Namely, a Suffolk County championship.
Smithtown East's success has come thanks to both underclass and upperclass talent. Magda Eschbach, a sophomore, had three goals in a 6-1 win over Riverhead.

Junior Lauren Couto scored two game-winning goals last week, including a 3-2 win over archrival Smithtown West.

Schalmont enjoys early surge
Schalmont (Schenectady) may be the team to beat in Class B this season. The Sabres have jumped out to an unbeaten start led by an outstanding offense that features Sydnee Metzold, who already has 11 goals, as well as Alexis Horwedel (nine goals), Julia Rossi and Davia Rossi, Kayla Longo, Molly Older and Kaylie Older, Vanessa Wainright and Rachel Cardinal.

Multimedia news and sports editor and producer Joe Lombardi is director of media initiatives and managing editor of the DailyVoice.com, as well as the primary author of the most recent edition of "Lacrosse for Dummies." Follow Joe on Twitter @Joe_Lombardi.