After a superb college career at Seton Hall, Cranford High School Girls Soccer Coach Jen Michewicz had a less than auspicious debut as coach but is confident that her second year will be better. The Cougars wound up 10-9-1, finishing second in the Mountain Valley conference (MVC), losing in the second round of the state tournament and in their best result, made it to the country semi finals before losing to eventual champion Scotch Plains Fanwood.
“We now we can do better than last year. We played competitively last year but we can do better. This year our 14 returning players understand the importance of preparing for each game and playing and giving 100% for all 80 minutes of the game. In order to take the next step, our team has been focusing on finishing in the final third. It is important for us to take advantage of the scoring opportunities given to us throughout the game,” said Michewicz.
Like numerous other fall Cranford teams, the Cougar girls will be playing their home games on the new turf field at Memorial Stadium. Michewicz is hoping the faster surface plays to the teams’ advantage. Their fastest player, junior Natalie Englese, is also the county’s top sprinter and used her speed to finish second on the team in scoring behind the graduated Beth Lafferty.
“Natalie's speed is one of the greatest aspects of our team. She has the ability to isolate and beat defenders on the outside of the field. She can almost always serve a quality cross or take a dangerous shot. She is definitely our go to player in the midfield,” said Michewicz.
Senior co captain Taylor D'Antico should once again exert her influence on the game from her central defender position, A third year starter Michewicz considers D’Antico the foundation of the defense.
“She is a role model for other girls on the team. Her work ethic and dedication to the program and improving herself as a player never goes unnoticed. As a defender, she is aggressive and has the ability to shut down players, win contested balls, and control the game in the air,” said Michewicz, adding that D’Antico also has the ability to support the offense with her powerful shot, and can also be dangerous with her heading ability on corner kicks.
Jen Folger, the other senior co captain also works well with her teammates as center midfielder, A three year varsity letter winner, Folger possesses great ball skills and speed with the ball at her feet as well as a powerful shot.
“The team is looking towards her as the leader in the midfield. She is a natural playmaker as she has a great vision of the field and can play both short and long passes with accuracy,” said Michewicz.
Michewicz is fortunate to have two experience goal keepers return. Seniors Lauren Grandal and Genevieve Chaleff split time last year and will likely have the same roles this season. Returning senior starters Emily McCue and Kristen Cecchini pace the defense. McCue is a consistent and dependable central defender while Cecchini uses her speed to shut down players defensively and support the offensive attack from her fullback position.
Also augmenting the midfield, is returning senior starter outside midfielder Michelle Gargiulo who uses her ball skills and vision to contribute to the attack. Senior Jamie Webb, who is returning to the team from taking a year off, uses her athleticism and work ethic to give the team depth in the central midfield.
Other returning contributing players include senior forwards Victoria Labrutto, Sarah Dowzycki and sophomore Emily Lupin. Seniors Mallory Niro and Sarah Muratore will add depth at forward and Colleen McGovern will assist at fullback.
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