The Huntington varsity girls’ soccer made it two-for-two, winning their second game in as many days as the Blue Devils topped visiting Riverhead, 4-0.
Huntington used a pair of first half goals to take a commanding 2-0 halftime lead, but continued pressing right through the final 40 minutes of play. One day earlier, the Blue Devils cruised past host Copiague in the season opener, 7-0.
Marissa Stafford was magnificent against Riverhead, tallying two goals and an assist to pace Huntington. Jordan Forte and Julia Steinberg also scored goals in the game. Teddi Carnessi added a pair of assists. Ainsley Lumpe also assisted on a goal. Lumpe recorded three saves in goal and Charlotte Maggio stopped four shots in the second half.
“I think we are off to a really great start,” said Stafford, who has produced four goals and three assists in two games. “These first two wins have been such a confidence booster. We are playing really well as a team, finding each other easily and scoring a lot. I’m very excited for the rest of this season.”
The Blue Devils are displaying more offensive power than they have in years. “I think that we have totally dominated these last two games,” Alexandra Gerbavsits said. “Everyone has been playing amazing. We have a very strong bond with one another, which reflects how we play on the field together.”
Veteran Huntington coaches John Walsh and Vincent Tannazzo are obviously pleased with what they are seeing, but the Blue Devils know they will be severely challenged by several teams in the coming weeks. However, the players insist they will be ready.
“I think being a tight group of girls has helped us a lot on the field,” Forte said. “We have been playing very well and working together, from the goalies all the way up the field to the forwards. Starting off the season with two shutout wins is a great confidence booster and a great opportunity to get everyone on the field.”
Huntington is getting strong play from players at every position and it shows. “The team has been clicking and played extremely well together so far this season and it’s paying off with wins,” Katie Browne said.
The Blue Devils feel that if they keep paying attention to all the little things that happen during a game, there is no reason why they can’t keep winning, even as the schedule gets harder.
“We’re playing great as a team and working together to move the ball up the field and getting as many shots on net as we can,” Alexa Amorison said.
Lumpe has looked sharp in the first two games with a pair of shutouts. “I feel like we have a really good team chemistry this year and you can see it on the field,” she said.
Steinberg has scored in both Huntington wins and is a big part of the team’s success so far. “I feel we are off to a strong start and that there is a tremendous difference from our first scrimmage to our most recent game in terms of how we are moving the ball and communicating,” she said. “It’s exciting to see how we have jelled together so early in the season.”
H-ton Defeats Copiague, 7-0
Huntington opened the season by overwhelming host Copiague, 7-0. The Blue Devils led at halftime, 2-0 and then used five second half goals to put the game on ice.
Stafford had two goals and two assists. Carnesi also tallied a pair of goals. Browne, Steinberg and Kemberlin Hernandez-Veliz also scored. Johanna Campos, Beanna Cumella, Gianna Forte, Jordan Forte and Edelyn Garcia all notched assists. Lumpe stopped a pair of shots and Maggio came on to record four saves in the net. Copiague goalies Miranda Espinal and Arianna Tirino combined to make 17 saves in a fine display.
