Adversity struck Baldwin’s girls’ soccer program months before its first season under new coach Lee Rogers commenced when All-Conference goalkeeper Megan Doyle suffered a torn ACL while playing lacrosse last spring.
Doyle, who as a junior posted seven shutouts, underwent surgery in early August and will serve as the team’s manager and contribute in “any way possible,” Rogers explained. “Megan’s great and it’s tough to see her go through this and miss her senior soccer season,” Rogers said. “Goalie quickly became my biggest concern, but our replacement has potential.”
The Lady Bruins, who won eight games a year ago and reached the Nassau Class AA semifinals, will have junior Kimora Bedeau between the pipes. She split time at the JV level in 2018. “She’s got a lot of work to do, but she’s not new to the position,” Rogers said. “She’s tall and moves well.”
Rogers, in his 12th year coaching soccer in the district, believes the defense in front of Bedeau is an area of strength. The unit is led by senior sweeper/stopper Elena Randolph, who brings an all-around solid skill set as well as experience. She’s also one of four captains.
The new coach plans to experiment using senior Brianna Lopez, a returning starting defender, at the offensive end, after watching her put the ball in the back of the net on a consistent basis during the summer. Lopez notched the winning goal in last year’s playoff victory over Port Washington. “She’s strong with the ball at her feet and has speed,” he said.