Who Needs To Rebuild?

Certainly not the Portledge Varsity Girls Soccer team. The Lady Panthers are coming off the programs first ever championship season as last year's team, dominated by a group of eight Senior year players, defeated Staten Island Academy in the PSAA Championship game at the met Oval to culminate a seven year development process that began with the program's inception. Most of those eight Seniors had been on the team for 4 years and knew almost everyone who had ever played Portledge Varsity Girls Soccer. Their departure was accompanied by statements like, "now it's time to rebuild the program" and "maybe in a few years we can get back to the championship game". Even I, ever the optimist, thought that it would be a little while till we saw some quality girls soccer being played on the lower pitch again. Well we were all WRONG!

Somehow, like a magician covered in soot, Coach Coope has quickly melded a cohesive unit that not only reminds people of past teams, but might even have the potential to add another championship trophy to the case, and much sooner than expected. With only two Seniors on the team, the squad is probably a year away from returning to the Met Oval, however, their play so far has been eye opening. Unexpectedly strong on defense, with veteran starters Denise Mikalef and Ceci Mulry as an impregnable sweeper/stopper combo and Senior Captain Ashley Wade in net, the Lady Panthers have also displayed a lightning quick counter-attack powered by new Sophomore midfielder Kristie Kelly ( Yes...she is former All League player Mo Kelly's little sister) and Sophomore Striker Erica Cohen. Already twice victorious by identical 4-0 results the Lady Panther Booters will face a series of tests next week when they take on the Lycee Francais School of NYC (Monday/4:30pm) and Columbia Prep (Wednesday/4:30pm). Both games should be competitive affairs so come on out and support this "new" and exciting team! Also...for more detailed descriptions of the Lady Panther's games, check out Coach Coope's recaps on the Varsity Girls Soccer team page in the Athletics section of the Portledge website (www.portledge.org)