Girls' Soccer Preview: Top of the Class

Considering how successful the West Deptford High School girls' soccer team was last season it could be easy to forget that it was Veronica McGinniss’ first season as the head coach.

That meant there was a bit of getting-to-know-me faze for the team and the players needed to get used to a new style of play.

Yet, any of the usual roadblocks that come for a first-year coach never appeared, as West Deptford steamrolled its competition, going 15-0-1 in Colonial Conference play, cruising to a Liberty Division title and finishing 18-2-1.

With 19 players returning who have had some varsity experience the Eagles could be even better this season.

“We have a solid base of returning starters and added a couple of new people so should be competitive,” said McGinniss. “The players are more familiar with the system and they are getting more aggressive, that’s the big thing. Some of the girls that are now starting and were coming off the bench last year understand that to maintain their status as starters, they will have to stay aggressive and focus on possessing the ball.”

The Eagles, whose first setback last season came in a Group II semifinal loss to Middle Township, will be breaking out a 3-5-2 lineup this year, a look that few high school teams show. McGinniss believes the defense can be even better this season, something that won’t be easy given that the team had a span of 16-straight shutouts a year ago.

The defense is anchored by goalie Alicia Barger and defenders Megan Knoblock, Ragina Kelly, Ashleigh Peterson, Kelly Lindsay and Megan Kirschling, some of who will also have roles in the midfield.

McGinniss said the the unit has played well in the preseason.

“They are doing well,” she said. “There will be room for improvement but we are working slowly but surely. The rain has been a hindrance, but I think they understand hopefully will have it all ironed out as soon as possible.”

West Deptford opens the season today at home against Sterling.

2011 Girls' Soccer Team

Coach: Veronica McGinniss

Last Year: 18-2-1

Returning letter winners: Regina Kelley (sr./def); Danielle McKeon (sr./mf); Alicia Barger (sr./goalie); Tarryn Bundy (sr./for); Kelly Lindsay (sr./def); Megan Kirschling (sr./mid); Celeste Massari (sr./mf); Shannon Neary (jr./for); Megan Knoblock (jr./def); Megan Sullivan (jr./mf); Ashleigh Peterson (jr./def); Chelsea Ricthie (jr./mf); Jordan Stanek (jr./for); Payton McGinniss (so./for); Kristina Furfari (so./for); Paige Paratore (so./mf); MacKenna Angert (so./mf).

Promising newcomers: Jessica Sheppard (sr./for); Valerie Palmer (so./for).

Team to beat: West Deptford

Expectations: With almost the same lineup returning for the Eagles the expectations are as high as ever. The Eagles will certainly be favored to win the Colonial Conference Liberty Division and should be in line for deep runs in the South Jersey Coaches Tournament and Group II playoffs.

Three storylines to follow

-Barger’s quest for greatness. After being in goal for a record 16-consecutive shutouts last year, one would be hard-pressed to expect anything better this season. Yet Barger is aiming for just that. She has set a goal of at least 17-straight clean sheets. With how this team defends it may not even be a stretch to think she can achieve it.

- Will a freshman break through? With so many returnees there were only a couple of openings on the varsity roster this year and they were filled by a sophomore and a senior. As the season progresses it will be interesting to see is a freshman is able to work her way onto the big squad. It’s hard to dwell into the future when the present is so bright, but over the course of the season it’s likely a young face or two will get a look.

-Could the Eagles run the table? It may seem a bit unfair to set such a high goal for a high school squad, but given how successful the Eagles were last year and how much talent they have returning, it is not an unthinkable accomplishment. West Deptford will certainly be tested by the likes of Haddonfield and Haddon Heights, but the true blockades could come in the Group II playoffs and Coaches Tournament.