Youthful Girls' Soccer Team Keeps Goals

September 1, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School girls' soccer head coach Tony Crane hasn't led his team without the Class of 2010. Crane and 10 graduates entered the program at the same time in 2006.
“It is actually kind of strange,” said Crane. “I've had the three (2010) captains for four years, too.”
Seniors Cailynn Harding, Molly Dupont, and Kira Yasuda have remained together through the turnover.
“It feels great. Coming in as a freshman and playing four years, it is an honor,” explained Dupont, of the captain's title. “Me and Cailynn played (varsity as) freshman. Kira came up later. We are very close and all deserved it.”
“This year is all about our seniors,” added Crane. “We are so young behind them.”
Cheshire lost five starters to graduation. While less experienced, Crane feels this team is the most technically-sound he has had. Another strong freshman class signals continued success. According to Crane, four or five freshmen could immediately make the varsity squad.
“We are not as big as in the past, but we have quality players this year,” stated Crane. “I'm comfortable with three or four bench players.”
“It is different than last year. We have a lot of young players, so we have to play together,” reflected Harding. “It is challenging without the seniors.”
Cheshire plans to play through mid-field, their most experienced group. Harding produced three goals and four assists last season. However, her ability to control the tempo centrally is crucial.
“I still want to work as hard,” said Harding, of already committing to Central Connecticut State University. “It is a relief that I've made my choice.”
She has previously flied under the radar without All-State or All-Housatonic Division honors.
“She is the real deal and heart beat of the team. As she goes, we go,” explained Crane, who named Harding as the 2009 team MVP. “Anybody who knows the game can see how valuable she is to us.”
Dupont (four goals, assist) adds familiarity as a four-year starter and 2009 All-Housatonic selection. She provided timely offense as a junior right mid-fielder, scoring the lone goal in victories over host Amity and Hamden (Class LL first round). The former victory clinched the school's sixth Housatonic title in seven years.
“That puts more pressure on me,” reflected Dupont. “The bar is set higher every year.”
Crane has seen further development from junior Elena Manke (two goals), the 2009 Most Improved Player. Nicole Stauffer (two goals) returns size, after playing significantly during her freshman year.
“Nicole is coming along fantastic. She gives us a different look on the outside,” Crane said. “She (Manke) is in the best shape of her life. Elena improved her mental attitude toward the game last year.”
Crane believes the mid-field will initiate opportunities just like in the past. But, a focal point is finishing in the net. Cheshire compiled a 14-5-1 record last season, yet four losses were by two goals or less. The Class LL second round was an apt example. The Rams (eighth seed) out-shot visiting Greenwich (ninth seed) by a tally of 20-6, but the Cardinals took advantage of less shots and won 2-0. Kylee McIntosh (Marist College-Poughkeepsie, New York) graduated with a team-best 10 goals.
“Our basic goal is to possess the ball. We play the game the way it is supposed to be played in our eyes,” stated Crane. “We need some (players) to finish. A natural goal-scorer isn't something you train.”
The sophomore class is vital for the Rams. Kelsie Carlette (knee; two goals, four assists), Jenna Hart (quadricep; goal), and Claudia Martinez (sickness; two goals, two assists) are working back. Carlette started from the start of 2009, netting the game-winner at Shelton (1-0) and the tying goal of a 2-1 victory over Wilbur Cross in the Southern Connecticut Conference semifinals. Unfortunately in the process of scoring against Wilbur Cross, she collided with the goalkeeper and her knee injury required surgery.
“She is looking good. From what I've seen, she's between 80 to 90 percent. She is fantastic and fit,” explained Crane. “We can use her speed up top with (junior) Nicky (Iadarola).”
Iadarola (two goals, assist) often doesn't posses the height of the opposition, but counters with speed and aggressiveness. She has played varsity since freshman year and adds experience with the graduation of Amanda Roke.
“I think Nicky Iadarola will have a big year,” said Crane.
Defense has consistently been a team strength under Crane. This fall, it represents the youth movement. The starting unit will be entirely new from how the Rams finished last season. Casey Nowakowski, a four-year starter and 2009 captain with Marnee Dupont, has joined her older sister (Lauren; 2007 graduate) at Fordham University (Bronx, New York). Caitlyn Criscuolo is playing at Elmira College (New York). Erica Correa was the starting goalkeeper for four years and already secured the position for the University of New Hampshire (Durham).
“Our group last year was big. We lost solid players,” reflected Crane.
Yasuda is the leader of this defense. She started defensively two years ago and earned Most Improved Player. She came off the bench last season, in which she netted her first career goal and supplied an assist.
“Kira is all about smarts,” explained Crane. “She is back in the best shape of her life.”
Pre-season allows the Rams to find the right pieces. Junior Sarah Domschine, along with sophomores Lizzie Jentzen and Lauren Como, saw varsity minutes in 2009. Freshman Missy Bailey has played significantly in premier soccer.
“I'm really excited because it is a new playing style. Everyone is working really hard,” said Yasuda. “I think, after having such great leaders in the back, I've learned a lot from them. We will pull together, even though we are younger.”
The program has a unique trend in goalkeeping. School record-holder Jackie Fede (2006 graduate) and Correa have collectively started the last eight years. The program has a unique trend in goalkeeping. School record-holder Jackie Fede (2006 graduate) and Correa have collectively started the last eight years. Clare Samuelson, a 2008 graduate, did see time in 2006. Remarkably, the current position is between freshmen. Darien Dunham and Natalie Reynolds also excel in other sports.
“The job is open. I'm looking for one to step up and claim the position,” stated Crane.
Freshmen Erin Albrecht, Lily Dolyak, and Leah Chamberlin, among others, have displayed potential for the coaches. Chamberlin is the sister of 2010 graduate Danielle Chamberlin. The staff credit's the work of Academica Futebol Club, South Central Premier, and Cheshire Soccer Club in developing future players.
“If our girls come up through our system, they make us much better,” explained Crane. “We have a lot of girls being coached by great players, too.”
Upperclassmen want to extend the program's tradition. Cheshire earned their fifth SCC title in seven years, sharing the 2009 crown with Daniel Hand. The rivals played to a scoreless stalemate and following double-overtime, a torrential downpour caused organizers to stop the game. Hand, the two-time defending champion, meets Cheshire on Oct. 4 and 25.
“It is a contrast of styles,” stated Crane. “They have so much size. We are smaller, but have speed and are technical.”
The Rams will face Shelton (Oct. 6 and 27), Amity (Oct. 1 and 22), Sheehan (Sept. 24, Oct. 14), and Lyman Hall (Sept. 28, Oct. 18) in their attempt to win a fourth straight division title. Shelton has become a top rival. Last year, the Gaelettes defeated Cheshire 1-0 for their first Housatonic loss since 2006. Cheshire still claimed the title (7-1 record) by out-scoring their rivals, 20-2 overall.
“I think every year, we have goals to uphold,” said Yasuda. “We have to work our hardest to reach them this year.”
Cheshire will travel for scrimmages at Hamden (tonight, 6 p.m.), Pomperaug (Sept. 4, 10 a.m.), and the Berlin Jamboree (Sept. 11). They will also host Newtown on Sept. 8, at 4 p.m. Teamwork is emphasized prior to the season opener at East Haven (5 p.m.). They annually attend a team-building workshop, visiting Pine Lake on Aug. 29.
“We have a great blend. It is a free team chemistry,” explained Assistant Pete Case.