Many tears were shed after the Huntington High School girls’ soccer team dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision at Connetquot in the Section XI playoffs, but Blue Devil head coach John Walsh is optimistic that good times lie ahead.
Huntington topped Connetquot in the final regular season game, 3-1. But four days later the Blue Devils couldn’t overcome a late goal and fell in a playoff contest. Shortly after the game ended, Walsh and assistant coach Vincent Tannazzo took stock of where the team stands now and what its prospects are in the near future.
Huntington reached the Suffolk playoffs this spring. (Darin Reed photo.)
“With 14 players returning next fall, including nine starters, we should be very strong,” Walsh said.
While the loss of seniors Bella Algieri, Alexa Amorison, Johanna Campos-Moreira, Gigi DeVoe, Jordan Forte, Julia Gorecki, Kemberlin Hernandez-Veliz, Timmeree Koepele, Ainsley Lumpe, Charlotte Maggio and Julia Steinberg will assuredly be felt, the Blue Devil roster is so deep that the team is in a good position to absorb the graduation of so many talented players and still be one of Suffolk’s best.
Huntington compiled a 6-3-1 record this spring. “The team worked hard every day,” Walsh said. “Sometimes we were overmatched, but nevertheless these girls found a way to compete and win.”
The Blue Devils were led by five post-season honorees. Edelyn Garcia garnered All-League honors while Forte, Katie Browne and Emily Plachta were all named to the All-Conference team. Teddi Carnesi captured All-County recognition. All but Forte will be returning to the field for Huntington in the fall.
Forte and Plachta were defensive stars while Browne dominated the midfield and Carnesi was the team’s splendid center midfield.
“Teddi helped lead Huntington to the playoffs and Jordan is the toughest defender in the county,” Walsh said.
With the highly regarded Lumpe sidelined by injury, Maggio stepped into the goalkeeper position and was simply magnificent, recording six shutouts.
Challenges lie ahead for the Blue Devils, but Walsh is confident the 14 returning players, including nine starters will be able to form a very cohesive and successful unit.
Joining Garcia, Browne, Plachta and Carnesi as returnees will be Analisse Batista, Hope Bilkey, Hanna Carlson, Gianna Forte, Ashley Genao, Evelyn Henriquez, Adrianna LoScalzo, Caroline O’Rourke, April Swanson and Eliza Walther.
The fall season kicks off with the first day of practice on Monday, August 23. Walsh and Tannazzo are already getting excited.