Finley Girls’ Soccer Builds for Future

Five of the J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ soccer team’s eight games ended in either a win or a tie, making for a successful season this fall.

Head coach Alicia Furman and assistant coach Lauren DeLillo led the team which was captained by Kelis Lewis, Avery Brown, Madeline Leiter and Nora Avery.

This year, we had a real good group of young ladies,” Furman said. “They were respectful and hard working. They did not give up during difficult games. The players had such great attitudes even when they lost a game, because they knew they gave it their all. I loved hearing them sing songs on the bus ride home after games.”

Kelis Lewis, Avery Brown, Amira Ingram, Taylor McAleavey, Marciela Moreira and Lilly Matarese led the team.

Some of Finley’s top players included:

• Kelis Lewis: Striker/forward; 1 goal, 1 assist 1 goal and 1 assist

• Avery Brown: Midfielder; 2 goals and 2 assists

• Lily Duke: Striker/forward; 2 goals

• Amira Ingram: Forward/striker; 1 goal

• Taylor McAleavey: Forward/midfielder; 1 goal

• Maricela Moreira: 1 goal and 2 assists

• Lily Matarese: Forward/striker; 1 assist

“Kelis Brown has great speed at striker and great dribbling skills,” Furman said. “She’s a playmaker. Avery Brown see the field well and is great at passing. She gets in the right positions to score. Lily Duke is a speedy striker and a fast dribbler with good ball control. Taylor McAleavey has powerful shots and good ball control. Taylor Morrell and Emma Harkinish are midfield playmakers. Marciella Moreira has good ball control, strong kicks and is a playmaker.

Furman also cited defensive players Nora Erardy, Taylor Flynn, Willow Henderson, Madeline Leiter and Ainsley Rhonemus for their contributions to the team. “All play aggressive, stop their opponents, are speedy when the ball gets by them and can run down their opponent,” the coach said.

Midfield/forward Isabella Castillo also displayed talent. “She did a great job dribbling around people and making key plays in the few games she played this season,” Furman said. “She got injured while playing on her club team but came to practices and games to help out and support the team.”

Phoebe Cohn and Angel Kekatos proved to be skilled first time goalkeepers. “Coach DeLillo and I are very proud of them and effort and dedication this season,” Furman added.

The highlight of the season was a nailbiter at home against Northport-Gold. “We trailed the entire game,” Furman said. “It was an awesome game played by everyone. We passed the ball, changed fields and communicated well. We did not give up. We rallied back. Both goalies, Phoebe Cohn and Angela Kekatos made some key saves. Lily Duke tied the game with a breakaway late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 1-1. What an amazing display of good sportsmanship and great teamwork. Go Finley. At the end of the game, the referee complimented us by saying how much the team improved on the field.”

With 14 players eligible to return, Finley looks to field a strong team next fall.