While injuries definitely took their toll on the Huntington High School varsity girls’ soccer team, three Blue Devil players claimed post-season honors placing them among the best in Suffolk.
Coached by John Walsh and Vincent Tannazzo, Huntington was hit by injuries to several key players, but the team soldiered on. The Blue Devils compiled a 4-6-4 mark, but gave almost everyone a very competitive game.
Forward Marissa Stafford and goalie Ainsley Lumpe captured All-County honors. Midfield Emily Plachta was named All-Division.
A two-time All-County selection, Stafford tallied seven goals and 10 assists. She played all over the field as needed and always came through for the Blue Devils. “Marissa led the team on and off the field,” said Walsh, the team’s longtime head coach.
Lumpe was the team’s magnificent goalkeeper. She had six shutouts before a late-season injury forced her to the sidelines for the finals four games.
Plachta is an immensely talented sophomore who excels at both defensive and center midfield. She can press the offensive attack, play top-notch defense or help with Huntington’s transition game.
The roster also included freshman Gianna Forte; sophomores Katie Browne, Hanna Carlson, Teddi Carnesi and Edelyn Garcia; juniors Isabella Algieri, Alexa Amorison, Johanna Campos-Moreira, Giavanna Devoe, Jordan Forte, Sarah Giarraputo, Julia Gorecki, Kemberlin Hernandez-Veliz, Timmeree Koepele, Charlotte Maggio and Julia Steinberg; seniors Lena Annunziata, Riva Bergman, Alexandra Gerbavsits, Caroline Hartough and Jennifer Zeron-Salmeron.
“This was a great group that worked hard to compete,” Walsh said. “They enjoyed playing alongside each other. It’s a very close group.”
An excellent nucleus of players will be returning next fall. “We should have a strong defense,” Walsh said. “We are going to be very competitive.”
