College of Staten Island women’s soccer kicks off the 2010 season today with a 5:00 pm game start against NYU-Polytech at the CSI Soccer Field. After finishing 3-11-2 in the 2009 season, the Dolphins are back and have been working hard for a more promising season.
With six freshmen and nine first year players, the young Dolphins have a lot to do. “We’re a new and young team,” states sixth year Head Coach John Guagliardo, “But we’re faster, quicker smarter and better.”
In goal for the Dolphins will be freshman Victoria Donegan. “She was the best goalie on the island in high school,” says Guagliardo of the 5-8 keeper, “Donegan will add atleast three or four wins to our schedule just by being in goal for us.” Sharing the duties of goalkeeper is former CSI basketball star Daniellie McLaughlin who sees her first year on the roster with senior status.
“She’s got a nose for the net,” says Guagliardo of freshman forward Demi-Jean Martorano who will serve as a key scorer. Moved from her original position, veteran player Paige Buono will be playing center-mid along with senior Lauren Neglia and senior Michelle Kelley. Guagliardo is confident with the trio reporting that, “The three of them are the base of our team’s strength.”
At mid-field are Christina Sgarlato and Natalie Tombasco. Defense will be led by two-team athlete Nicole Quattrocchi along with Jessica Levy and heavily recruited freshman Amanda Peccacio. “My mid-fielders are very physical and I’m very excited about defense is rock solid,” states the head coach.
Freshman Cassandra Black will add a lot of depth to the mid-field while Christina Jacob and Stephanie McNichol will share the stopper position defensively. Helping up front on offense will be sophomores Christina Flynn and Nicole Iacona.
The Dolphins suffer the loss of Valerie Incontrera who tore her ACL in the team’s scrimmage a few weeks ago.
Hoping to bring the CUNYAC Championship trophy back to CSI, Guagliardo believes, “We are a very young team but I am so optimistic about how the season will turn out.”