Post girls soccer beat writer Joseph Staszewski breaks down the top players across the city for the 2011 season.
F Jennifer Angione, Beacon
The senior was the Blue Demons’ leading scorer last season with 19 goals and 15 assists during a PSAL championship run. One of the city’s most complete players is more comfortable this season and has Tyler Sloan back out front with her.
GK Julia Bernhardt, Francis Lewis
Bernhardt was excited to be back in net in the preseason after rehabbing from a torn ACL. Talking to her teammates, the athletic and savvy senior was still in great shape and ready to lead Lewis to a PSAL title.
F Jackie Bruno, McKee/Staten Island Tech
The goal-scoring machine – 22 last season – has the pressure of college recruitment off her shoulders after committing to UMass. She and her fellow MSIT seniors can focus on returning to the city final, which they won as freshmen.
M Zoe Clark, Riverdale
The Falcons lost nearly a whole tea , of seniors from last year’s NYSAISAA title squad. Clarke, a skilled midfielder was a big part of that victory, but now her contributions and presence will be paramount to a repeat.
M Danielle Fuller, Staten Island Academy
No one had a better postseason than the Staten Island Academy senior. Fuller scored twice in two come-from-behind wins in the NYSAISAA tournament. The Tigers will need more of that magic this season.
M Rachel Gersh, Fontbonne Hall
Gersh, coming back from a leg injury, was part of the core that led the Bonnies to another CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens title. The creative senior captain’s role expands exponentially this season as should her offensive production.
D Aimée Kasmally, St. Francis Prep
The Terriers will rely heavily on Kasmally at sweeper as they find their offensive chemistry. The senior took her game to another level this summer by training in Trinidad and is primed for a big season.
D Victoria Roda, Petrides
There may not be a better sweeper in the city and that was a big reason why Petrides advanced to its first-ever semifinals last season. Panthers coach Kim Caccese would like to see her get more involved in the offense also.
F Gianna Smith, St. Joseph Hill
Smith is completely healthly again and that is bad news for CHSAA intersectional defenses. The senior is one of the fastest players with the ball at her feet and one of the city’s surest foots as well.
F Pamela Wishart, Leon Goldstein
Wishart is the lone junior on this list for a reason. She tallied an amazing 32 goals last year to help lead Goldstein to the PSAL quarterfinals. Her big leg and speed makes her one of the best players in New York City in recent years.
