xml:space="preserve">
Advertisement

Girls soccer preseason poll

With nine starters and 11 seniors back from last year’s squad, Notre Dame Prep and goalkeeper Ashley Gabor are determined to take the next step in claiming the program’s first crown since 2003. (Amy Davis)

1. McDonogh

Coach: Harry Canellakis

Advertisement

Last season: 12-0, ranked No. 1

Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion

Advertisement

Outlook: The winning streak is at 35, the string of league titles is three and the Eagles show no sign of taking a step back despite graduating a prolific senior class. Marissa Vincent will anchor the middle, Julia Dorsey will be looked on to provide the scoring punch and Jenna Soriano will be the standout in back. The talent is there, so the leadership void is the biggest question.

2. Broadneck

Coach: John Camm

Last season: 16-0-3, No. 4

Advertisement

Postseason: Class 4A champion

Outlook: After claiming the state crown with an unbeaten season, Camm believes the Bruins can be even better in 2016. All signs point toward that prediction coming true. The Bruins have a strong senior tandem in All-Metro picks Hailey Small and Maddie Bragaw, an experienced sophomore class and plenty of surrounding talent.

Advertisement

3. Fallston

Coach: Mark Hannahs

Last season: 18-1, No. 5

Postseason: Class 2A champion

Outlook: The Cougars are determined to repeat. With nine starters back from last year's team and an influx of new talent, they have the ability to do just that. Maria Gentile and Alicyn Lose are a gifted combination that ignites the offense and four-year defender Sydney Crofton is the glue that keep things together in back.

4. Bel Air

Advertisement

Coach: Josh Clemmer

Last season: 19-0, No. 3

Postseason: Class 3A champion

Outlook: With that first state title in the books as part of a perfect 2015 season, what can the Bobcats do for an encore? They graduated a special senior class but have others ready to step up. Forward Lexi Kraemer, midfielder Haley Seabolt and a good chunk of last year's defense remain.

5. Notre Dame Prep

Coach: Val Teixeira

Last season: 8-5-1, No. 9

Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist

Outlook: With nine starters and 11 seniors back from last year's squad, the Blazers are determined to take the next step in claiming the program's first crown since 2003. Expect them to play fast, aggressive and organized, grinding for goals and leaning on an exceptional defense led by goalkeeper Ashley Gabor and defender Erica Carpenter.

6. Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Ashly Kennedy

Last season: 11-5-3, No. 10

Postseason: IAAM A semifinalist

Outlook: Could the Cavaliers be the team to knock off three-time defending champion McDonogh? With 15 players back, they are deep, experienced and talented. Playing with confidence and seizing important moments in big games will be crucial. All-Metro senior defender Emily Roberts runs the back and fellow senior Allie Brimmer controls play at center-midfield.

7. Arundel

Coach: Laura Coe

Last season: 10-5-2, No. 15

Postseason: Class 4A East finalist

Outlook: Inexperienced going into last season, the Wildcats managed an impressive playoff run to build momentum for this season. Every starter returns and they have gifted newcomers primed to make an impact. A defense that had nine shutouts will be the strong suit.

8. Sparrows Point

Coach: Joe Lambert

Last season: 17-0, No. 2

Postseason: Class 1A champion

Outlook: Big shoes will need to be filled as the three-time defending state champion Pointers graduated the program's most prolific class. They have quality starting points with senior Kasie Lambert, sophomore Julie Lynch and junior Emily Vetri returning in the middle. Several sophomores and freshmen are eager to make their own marks.

9. South River

Coach: John Sis

Last season: 12-2-2, No. 7

Postseason: Class 4A East Section II finalist

Outlook: With a mix of experienced seniors and promising newcomers, the Seahawks will again be competitive in a demanding Anne Arundel County. All-Metro forward Gracie Grimm (16 goals last season) is one of the metro area's top scorers and fellow seniors Erica Hill and Cassie LaTorre also will be leaned on to help lead the way.

10. Century

Coach: Sara Figuly

Last season: 17-2, No. 8

Postseason: Class 2A semifinalist

Outlook: The foundation is in place for more success at Century, where the Knights have won four straight Carroll County championships. They have experienced talent in every area with newcomers in place to fill limited voids. Senior forward Kylie Davis, injured for most of last season, returns to boost the offense.

11. Perry Hall

Coach: Matt Smoot

Last season: 10-6, not ranked

Postseason: Class 4A North Section I finalist

Outlook: The Gators improved last season and showed promise, reaching the Baltimore County title game. With their talented core largely intact, led by All-Metro senior forward Rachel Bohli, they are ready to reach greater heights. Confident and hungry, Perry Hall is equipped to unseat two-time county champion Sparrows Point and make an extended playoff run.

12. River Hill

Coach: Brian Song

Last season: 8-4-1, not ranked

Postseason: Class 2A North Section II semifinalist

Outlook: After winning three straight state titles, the Hawks fell on hard times last season with injuries and inexperience getting in the way. They have nine starters back but remain young with no seniors on the roster. Juniors Megan Chun, Carly Wetzel and Victoria Tran are quality starting points as River Hill look to return to top form.

13. C. Milton Wright

Coach: Paul Austin

Last season: 6-6-3, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A North Section II finalist

Outlook: Harford County foes Bel Air and Fallston are ranked higher coming off state title seasons, but the Mustangs don't plan to take a back seat. With 10 starters returning and standout midfielder Carolyn Mang back from injury, they are fast, skilled and deep. Senior midfielder Jordan Nichols, a four-year starter, brings skill and poise.

14. Manchester Valley

Coach: Denise Nott

Advertisement

Last season: 13-6, No. 13

Postseason: Class 1A semifinalist

Outlook: With Carroll County neighbor North Carroll closed, the Mavericks get an infusion of talent from their former rival. Nott also comes over from the Panthers to replace Joe Miller, who led Manchester Valley to two state crowns and five straight state playoff appearances.

15. Atholton

Coach: Stephanie Stoutenborough

Last season: 11-4, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A South Section II semifinalist

Outlook: Can this be the year everything falls into place for the Raiders? With Victoria Huxtable leading a balanced offense and Sofia Harrison and Ashley Ensor experienced standouts on defense, they hope to reach their potential after a couple of disappointing playoff runs.

Others considered: Hereford (10-5, not ranked); Howard (11-4, not ranked); Mercy (11-5-1, unranked); Northeast (10-5, not ranked); Patterson Mill (9-9-1, not ranked); Reservoir (10-4-1, not ranked); St. Mary's (16-0, No. 12). Severna Park (5-4-4, not ranked)

Advertisement
YOU'VE REACHED YOUR FREE ARTICLE LIMIT

Don't miss our 4th of July sale!
Save big on local news.

SALE ENDS SOON

Unlimited Digital Access

$1 FOR 12 WEEKS

No commitment, cancel anytime

See what's included

Access includes: