Learning Experience for
Finley Girls’ Soccer
With such a large roster, the J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ soccer team can only look at its season as a learning experience. The 35-player squad compiled a 2-7-1 record under head coach Linda Costello-Roth.
Captained by Nicole Abbondandelo, Christina Aureliano, Amber Stieve, Katie Seccafico and Alexandra Lourenso, Despite its final mark, Finley had many talented players. Costello-Roth tried to give as much playing time as possible to as many seventh and eighth graders as she could.
“All the girls made positive contributions to the growth of the team,” Costello-Roth said. “Each girl gave her best each day. The more skilled players helped those less so, thus raising the level of play for all.”
The Falcons were outscored by their opponents, 28-18. The roster included 21 eighth graders and 14 seventh graders. The class year distribution portends well for Huntington High School’s junior varsity program next fall and for Finley’s 2014 prospects.
“As is often the case in middle school, the top player varied from game-to-game,” Costello-Roth said. “At some point in the season, each and every athlete played above their capabilities to help the team achieve a positive outcome.”
Finley defeated Stimson twice, 5-1 and 3-1. The Falcons lost a pair of games to Hauppauge (2-1 and 4-1), Oldfield (3-0 and 3-0) and Elwood (4-1 and 3-1). Finley tied Kings Park, 3-3 and lost 4-3 in the second game between the teams.
“The team came together nicely,” Costello-Roth said. “All girls raised their level of play, got into good physical condition and made new friends. This has been one of the nicest groups of girls I’ve had the pleasure of coaching.”