Lynbrook shows early progress

Facing an unrelenting Conference AB-I girls’ soccer schedule with a relatively young roster, Lynbrook has its work cut out in 2017 but has shown plenty of progress through the first three games under coach Lisa Goodman.

“We’re playing the elite of the elite,” said Goodman, who is leaning on the leadership of five seniors. “We’re learning with each game and the girls are keeping their heads up,” she added. “Each game we have a goal to reach, and as long as the girls continue to play hard I’m confident they’ll get there.”

It hasn’t been the best of beginnings for the Lady Owls, who had many bright spots in a 3-1 loss to visiting South Side on Sept. 13. Senior Gina Giovinco scored in her third straight game, new goalkeeper Brianna Quadrozzi made 14 saves, and senior defender Allison Kunstler made the play of the year so far — a sliding stop behind Quadrozzi to deny the Lady Cyclones a goal.

“The girls gave 110 percent against South Side until the final whistle and Allison made a play that speaks volumes of the dedication of the entire team,” Goodman said. “She never gave up and saved what looked like a sure goal.”

Lynbrook’s most experienced players can be found at forward and defense, Goodman said. Kunstler is a returning starter at fullback and provides the back row with speed on the outside. Anchoring the defense is senior sweeper Sophia LoCicero, one of the school’s top three-sport athletes who serve as an extension of the coach on the field.

“Sophia is a tremendous leader who’s in ridiculous shape,” Goodman said. “Her conditioning level is amazing and she pushes everyone else in that area. She plays with fire and is a great communicator.”

Short on goalkeepers at the varsity level, Quadrozzi offered to take over the position and has improved with every practice and game, Goodman said. “Brianna had some background as a goalie from when she was younger and worked hard all summer to get ready for the season,” the coach said of the converted forward. “She wanted to do what was best for the team and she’s taken the role by storm.”

The defense also features a hint of youth. Junior Katie Bamman is a returning starter and off to a strong start at stopper. She plays a key role in getting the Lady Owls going in transition with her clearing ability. On the outside opposite Kunstler is freshman Leanna Sullivan, who’s playing with confidence and represents the future of the unit.

Goodman believes it’s only a matter of time before the dynamics between Giovinco and senior Christine Molina lead to more offense. Giovinco earned All-County honors a year ago and will also see time at center-midfield, while Molina is a playmaker with a heavy shot.

The midfield will soon get a boost by the return of junior Jessica Woll, who’ll pair with junior Jade Fixon-Owoo in the center. Freshman Heather Horowitz stepped up during Woll’s absence and will continue to be a key contributor along with junior Kayla O’Doherty and sophomore Elena Grajales.