New Expectations: 2017 Girls Soccer Preview

The 2017 season is one of new beginnings for the Tyrone Girls Soccer team. From their uniforms, their formation, their field, and their coach, not much remains  the same from last season.

Four year head coach Bruce Makin stepped down after a disappointing 4-14 season, paving the way for first-time head coach Mike Sparacino to take over the reigns. Sparacino has brought with him a new philosophy, one that he and the team hope will bring success.

“Everybody is looking to improve on last seasons win total and hopefully return to the playoffs,” said Sparacino.

With eight returning starters, and six additional returning letterwinners, Tyrone certainly has the experience to do so. Though they will miss the experience and leadership of departed seniors Riean Minnich and Audrey Bowser, Tyrone returns their entire backline and most of their offense in last season’s leading scorer, Riley D’Angelo. And, with ten new players looking to make an impact, the roster is the largest in recent memory, providing both depth and numbers for a JV team.

After months of work, the girls are anxious to take the field. “I am excited to spend my senior year with this team,” said captain Elina Lure. “I can’t wait to see how far we’ll go.”

The team kicks off their season at home against Phillipsburg-Osceola on Tuesday at 4:00. $5 admission for adults and $3 admission for students will be charged as a result of some new additions to the field.

“I’m not sure how many people came to see this team last year, but I would love them to come and see [us] play this year,” said Sparacino. “We will have a whole new look.”

Roster

Head Coach: Mike Sparacino

Assistant Coach: Hannah Bowser

Assistant Coach: Gus Soellner

Seniors:

#3 Tori Crabtree D

#19 Elina Lure MF (c)

#17 Chloe Makdad D (c)

#6 Erin Mckenna D

Juniors:

#13 Lizzie Ake D

#2 Gabrielle Bowser MF/F

#4 Riley D’Angelo MF/F

#25 Kara Engle D

#10 Maqqel Kosoglow F

#16 Brooke Welsh D

#12 Aaryanna Wright F

Sophomores:

#15 Olivia Ake MF/F

#7 Cate Baran D/GK

#20 Jess Chronister

#18 Brianna Decker

#5 Taylor Green

#24 Kelsey Johnson GK

#30 Elizabeth McNelis F

#11 Jayden Shuke D

#21 Madison Soellner MF

#27 Mckenna Yaudes MF

Freshmen:

#14 Kendall Markley MF

#1 Ella Pearson F/MF

#26 Jocelyn Sims D