Despite key graduation losses, Independence’s girls’ soccer team once again has its sights set on clinching a conference title this fall.
The Blue Devils return five starters and four other letter winners from a squad that finished 8-9-2 overall and 3-2 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division last season.
“I think we can be OK this year,” said Independence coach Bryan Less. “We lost most of our scoring from last season and a top-tier goalkeeper, but we have some quality players returning and a couple of good freshmen coming in. I don’t know if we’ll win the CVC, but we should be right up there again. I also think we have a good chance to play into the second week of the playoffs again this season.”
Sophomore Kylie Hanobik will make her debut tending the net this fall. Despite her inexperience, Less is excited about her potential.
“Kylie worked hard at goalkeeping this summer,” Less said. “This spot was a big question mark, and Kylie stepped up to improve her game. She is still working on positioning but she has good hands and is fearless. I think Kylie could be another in my long line of quality goalies.”
Independence’s five returning starters are sophomore forward Katie Ksiazka, junior midfielders MaryAnne LeRoy and Samantha Haller, and defenders Allie Bohrer, a junior, and Katelyn Deblock, a sophomore.
Ksiazka scored one goal last season before dealing with a lingering injury.
“Katie was coming along nicely last season until a concussion slowed her down in the second half of the year,” Less said. “Katie’s fitness is fantastic, and she is really working on using her weak foot more. I think she is going to have a breakout season.”
LeRoy earned honorable mention All-CVC honors last fall after scoring two goals with one assist, and Haller contributed with one assist.
“MaryAnne is one of our hardest workers. She will be playing somewhere in the center mid or forward this season. She has a really nice all-around game and does the little things that will help us win,” Less said. “Sam is quiet but plays a fundamentally sound game. She worked hard in the offseason, and I have seen it pay off with some more physical and consistent play so far. I really like the way she pushed herself to get better.”
After a strong sophomore season, Bohrer was named honorable mention all-CVC, and Deblock hopes to build on a solid freshman campaign.
“I have moved Allie all over her first two years, spending significant time at forward, center mid, and center defender. I think she can be our anchor on defense for the next two years, as long as other players give us some offensive punch. She is very savvy, and can usually figure out what the offense is trying to do,” Less said. “Katelyn is fast and aggressive. Last year was her first year back to soccer after a few years off, and she has really improved over time. I think she will be a big help to the defense.”
Junior Brook Coldsnow and freshman Bella Patacca are projected to play forward for the Blue Devils this fall.
“This is Brook’s first year on the team, as she played volleyball her first two years. Brook has begun to figure out how to play soccer and I think she is going to help our offense this year. She is fast, left-footed, and very aggressive,” Less said. “Bella is coming off an injury from the end of her club season. She seems ready to go, though, and has already shown growth in her individual defense. Her foot skills and playmaking could help her end the season with 10-plus goals.”
Junior Kayla Hujarski and freshman Alyssa Hujarski will patrol the midfield.
“Kayla has been our most consistent player throughout the summer months, showing up every day. Last year, Kayla played everything as hard as she could, but now she has begun to understand that sometimes a little finesse is needed. She is playing more under control, and I think she is going to have a strong year,” Less said. “Alyssa showed up every day during the summer, and because of that work ethic has already improved so much. She is still figuring out how to play the game at a high level, but I think Alyssa’s speed is going to help us on the outside.”
Senior Madelyn Flynn, sophomore Sarah Messina-Dysert, and freshman Rachel Mack will help to protect Hanobik in the net.
“Maddie is our lone four-year senior and showed a lot of growth last season. She began to consistently be in the right spot and has started to show some playmaking ability this summer. If she continues to improve, she could really help out the defense this season,” Less said. “Sarah really improved her game last year. She is still working on showing confidence, but when she plays without overthinking, she makes good things happen. Sarah is a high-level rugby player, and she uses that physical play and aggressiveness to really help her soccer game. Rachel might start a little slow, as she is struggling through an injury right now. She is strong with both legs and has already shown a good understanding of the game.”
The Blue Devils already have developed a strong chemistry on the pitch and if they continue to jell and settle into their roles, their goals will be within reach.
“We have to show up every day and work hard. We have a bunch of juniors who are coming out to the team this season, and we will need a couple of them to catch up quickly and make an impact on the field,” Less said. “We need to learn how to control the ball. First touch will be key because we don’t have a game-breaker forward anymore or a do-everything center mid who can set everyone up. We need to be able to string together several passes to get quality chances on goal.”
