Coach of the Year

Jim MacDonald, North Carroll: At the beginning of the season the four-year varsity coach had high expectations, but after a 1-4 start, he figured he had better revise them. From there, however, "it was as though somebody threw the light switch," said player Stephanie Rogers. The Panthers won 10 and tied one of their next 12 games to reach the state final for the first time in school history. "The team came together," said MacDonald. Another school first was an overtime victory, this a 3-2 win over Liberty (first since 1993) after being behind 1-0 and 2-1. In a three-game regional sweep, North Carroll had two shutouts and stunned Central Maryland Conference champion Thomas Johnson, 3-2. MacDonald is a Reisterstown native, a graduate of Franklin High School, Salisbury State University, and earned a teaching degree from Towson University after being in the work force for 10 years. He teaches business and computer classes.

Player of the Year

Stephanie Rogers, North Carroll, senior, forward: One word best defines Rogers -- intensity. The deeper into the season, the more meaningful the game, the better she was. Her fierce desire to win rubbed off on her teammates, and they reached the state final before losing to Leonardtown, 1-0. "She raised her level of play by dedicating herself to the game," said coach Jim MacDonald. In so doing, she raised the level of play around her. For the season, the four-year regular was third in the county in scoring (13 goals, one assist), and broke ties with three game-winning goals. A three-time All-County choice, her other honors included team MVP, first team All-Central Maryland Conference, and second team All-State.

First team at a glance

Michelle Allen, Liberty, junior, forward: Last year's Player of the Year had another solid season, ending as the county scoring leader with 15 goals and 10 assists. She is technically sound with speed and can kick with either foot. She is especially dangerous in the open field. More comfortable up top, she came back to play in the midfield when the team was in a slump midway through the season.

Jodi Baier, South Carroll, senior, midfield: A two-time All-County choice, she had five goals and an assist for the 9-5-1 Cavaliers. She excelled in distributing the ball into the offensive end, despite being on a team without a strong finisher. Her five goals shared the team lead. She was named to the first team All-CMC.

Amy Bromwell, North Carroll, sophomore, defense: A tenacious back who was rarely beaten, she was best recognized for her 30-yard-plus throw-ins, which turned out to be offensive weapons. In the process, she had eight assists, setting up game- winning goals against Linganore and Westminster in the regular season, South Carroll and Walter Johnson in the regionals, and Bel Air in the state semifinals.

Kelly Fiorani, Liberty, freshman, forward: She contributed right away, becoming a starter with her speed and knack for going to the ball. She had four goals, three assists.

Katie Hancock, South Carroll, junior, defense: fense: One of three backs for the Cavaliers who resembled a gymnastics troupe physically, but they made up in skill and aggressiveness what they lacked in height and weight. Several county coaches cited her as the team's top defender. In three games vs. North Carroll, she held Stephanie Rogers scoreless. In fact, South checked North without a goal in two regular-season meetings, winning 2-0, and tying 0-0.

Mandy Hughes, South Carroll, senior, goalkeeper: A four-year starter and three-time All-County pick, she highlighted her senior year by allowing just six goals to go with 78 saves. She was first team All-CMC and joined Mandy Komar of Westminster as the only Carroll representatives on the All-State first team. She is one of several members of her team, as well as several on this honor squad, who plays three sports and carries a 4.0 average. During the season, she had nine shutouts (eight wins and a scoreless tie), raising her school record to 28 for a career.

Mandy Komar, Westminster, junior, midfield: field: A second-time All-County selection, she was the center of attraction on her team, and as one coach declared, "She's great to watch." She ran things out of the middle and was the second-leading county scorer with 14 goals and five assists. The collection included three-goal games against Frederick and North Carroll, two goals in a regional win over Annapolis, and the goal that gave the Owls a 1-0 regional lead for 50 minutes, before Severna Park tied in regulation and won in overtime. Her honors included first team All-CMC and first team All-State.

Jen Lee, North Carroll, sophomore, defense: fense: A fast defender (sixth in last year's state 100-meter dash), she got little recognition until the wins started piling up and opposing forwards had trouble finishing. Her skills and general tenacity were particularly evident through the playoffs.

Rachel Lindsay, Westminster, junior, forward: ward: She was second on the team in scoring with eight goals, two assists. A sound player, she came along to play well, complementing Komar.

Leah Onda, South Carroll, sophomore, defense: fense: At her best as a sweeper, she could either kick the ball out of danger, or trap, control, and dribble outside to set up teammates for runs. Her honors included first team All-CMC.

Crystal Rivas, Liberty, sophomore, defense: fense: An excellent marker, she was the most skilled of the team's defenders. She has an excellent throw-in and soccer intelligence unusual for a 10th grader.

Danielle Shearer, North Carroll, senior, forward: An offensive star, she converted Bromwell throws and Kellyn Hentz corner kicks into game-winning goals against Linganore, Liberty, Westminster, and, in the regional, against South Carroll. She and Bromwell worked their magic for the only goal in the Panthers' state semifinal win over Bel Air. A two-time All-County choice, she ended with seven goals, five assists, and was named first team All-CMC.

Kellan Webb, South Carroll, junior, defense: fense: She coordinated her play with those around her, and, as a stopper, checked Trish Young, Mandy Komar (penalty kick), and Danielle Shearer without a goal.

Trish Young, Liberty, senior, midfield: Another one who got the big goals for her team, she also used her quickness and athleticism to set up teammates. Coach Sam DeLaurence calls her, "box-to-box, the most dominating center midfielder in the county." A three-time All-County selection, she had five goals, four assists, and was named first team All-CMC.

Team selection

The Baltimore Sun 1998 All-Carroll County boys and girls soccer teams were selected by John W. Stewart after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.

Pub Date: 11/26/98