North wants to get better as season matures
Girls soccer

Meredith Kirby, far left, Megan Owens, Kelsey Mulvihill and Shannon Algoe will captain Williamsville North girls soccer this fall. Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The goal for Williamsville North girls soccer this fall is simple.

"Our goal is to compete in every game and be playing our best soccer by the time sectionals begin," said Lady Spartans coach Dan Greiner. "We have many players who can play a variety of positions at a high level. My challenge this year will be to get them to believe in the style of soccer they can play and find sufficient playing time to keep them happy."

Greiner said North, 9-6-3 overall and 7-5-3 in ECIC Division I last year, has several first-year varsity players and some other players who will be expected to increase their contribution to the team.

The Lady Spartans will be led by four senior captains - Shannon Algoe, Kelsey Mulvihill, Meredith Kirby, and Megan Owens. Algoe is a five-year varsity starter and a two-time All WNY first team (at defense and midfield respectively). This past summer, she helped the Western Region women's scholastic team take home a bronze medal at the Empire State Games.

Algoe will continue her soccer and academic career next year at the University of Connecticut.

"Shannon is a special player who makes others around her better," said Greiner. "We count on her for a lot, but she is only one player. We need a solid effort by everyone who steps on the field."

Mulvihill will anchor a very solid defense. Kirby will see most of her time at a forward position, and she and Owens will play at the outside midfield as well.

"The captains have done a lot of work with the team in the offseason and their personalities have meshed well with a fairly young team," said Greiner.

In addition to the four seniors, the Lady Spartans have 13 juniors, four sophomores and one freshman.

Greiner said two junior goalies who have shown well in the early season is second-year varsity player, Alexandra Nero, and first-year player, Courtney Ball.

"Both keepers have different strengths and they will both see time in net," said Greiner.

Joining Mulvihill and Algoe in the backfield will be second-year varsity players, junior Kristin Boreanaz and freshman Jenny Piaggione.

A welcome new addition to the team is junior Danielle Charboneau, who has solidified a starting position at an outside back position.

"Danielle and Kristin (Boreanaz) have been excellent in practice and game situations," said Greiner. "They give this team a physical presence in the back that compliments the other players very well."

Junior Kelsey Johnston has also played extremely well and will see time at a defensive position, Greiner said. Caitlin Triantafillou rounds out the defensive players. Triantafillou and Piaggione will also be called on in the midfield.

Second-year varsity player Kristin Neese, along with senior Megan Owens, will be expected to bring together a new group of midfielders. Sophomores Hannah Bachwitz and Molly Mitchell have started very strong at inside and outside midfield, respectively. Juniors Katie Braisted, Lauren Triantafillou, and Katie Plummer add to the versatility at midfield because they can all play inside or outside, Greiner said.

Greiner said many different combinations are being worked out at the forward position. Senior Meredith Kirby will be joined by returning varsity players, juniors Suzanne Jacobs and Elana Lesse, and sophomore Kristi Putzig. Farrah Dara and Gabrielle Rosen will both see time at forward and midfield.

North started its season with a 1-0 non-league home loss to East Aurora last Friday. The contest was dominated by both teams' defenses. East Aurora scored on a beautiful corner kick early in the second half and North could not respond.

"It was a very good non-league contest for us early because we were able to see some things we did very well and areas that we need to work on," said Greiner. "Unfortunately we have very little time before league play starts with Clarence (4:45 p.m. on Wednesday)."

North lost to Clarence, the eventual Section VI Class AA champs, in a double overtime shootout in the semifinals last year.
North 2007 Schedule
9-5 Clarence ................. 4:45 p.m.
9-7 South....................... 4:30 p.m.
9-8 at North Tonawanda . 5 p.m.
9-11 at Orchard Park .. 7:30 p.m.
9-14 Frontier................. 4:30 p.m.
9-15 at Sweet Home 10 a.m.
9-17 at W.S. West (W.S. Soccer
Complex) ...................... 4:45 p.m.
9-19 at Lancaster ......... 4:45 p.m.
9-27 Jamestown ................ 5 p.m.
9-29 Orchard Park.......... 10 a.m.
10-1 at Frontier............ 4:45 p.m.
10-3 W.S. West................... 5 p.m.
10-5 Lancaster.............. 4:45 p.m.
10-9 at Clarence........... 4:45 p.m.
10-13 at Ken. West.............. noon
10-15 at Jamestown (Jefferson
Middle School).................. 5 p.m.
10-19 East 4:30..................... p.m.