Promising Start to Raiders 2018 Season

Co-captain Nayumi Parente-Ribeiro prepares to cross the ball during the first halfThe Scarsdale Girls Varsity A Soccer team has high expectations for the 2018 season, with a surfeit of talent returning amid hopes for a deep run in the Section 1 playoffs. The team began the season on a promising note with a 9-0 victory in its opening game against an overmatched Port Chester team, followed by a tough 3-1 loss against Somers High School.

The Port Chester game was played on Friday, August 31 at Scout Field. While the entire team played well, there were noteworthy performances by junior forward Olivia Bryant and senior mid-fielder Ella Ansell, each of whom tallied multiple goals, and several effective crosses by senior forward Nayumi Parenti-Ribeiro. Senior goalie Christina Coco played the first half and junior reserve goalie Sophia Caione played the second half. Neither one of them was tested. Every player on the Raiders’ roster saw meaningful playing time, enabling head coach Mindy Genovese to showcase the depth of talent that is the cause of so much optimism about the team’s prospects this season.
Junior forward Olivia Bryant races down the field with a Port Chester defender in pursuit

The team faced a sterner test in its game against the Somers Tuskers on Wednesday, September 5 at Scout Field. Somers is a perennial top team in Section 1 and the Raiders knew they were facing a tough opponent. The contest was played in 90 degree heat and high humidity, with several dozen spectators in attendance. Throughout the game, Coach Genovese rotated players in order to ensure that everyone on the field was properly rested and hydrated. Scarsdale scored first, on a beautiful combination started when midfielder Ansell received a pass and sent a beautiful ball down the right side line to a streaking Kelly Rutherford. Rutherford was fouled as she closed in on the goal. The foul in the box resulted in a penalty kick and junior forward Olivia Bryant dutifully placed the ball in the top left corner of the net for a 1-0 Scarsdale lead. The game remained 1-0 at halftime. Shortly after the second half whistle, Somers scored on a header off a corner kick to knot the score at 1-1. About five minutes later, mid-fielder Allison Stafford sent a rifle shot from the top of the box toward the upper left corner of Somers’ goal, only to be thwarted as a Somers defender standing at the goal line managed to jump and head the ball just over the crossbar. Several minutes later, Somers took the lead on a misplay by the Scarsdale defense that led to a breakaway. Ansell had a chance to tie the score with a few minutes remaining in front of an empty net off a rebound in front of the Somers’ goal, but the shot went just wide. Somers scored late on a defensive miscommunication. Overall, the game was evenly played with neither team dominating in terms of possession. It was a game the Raiders could have, perhaps should have, won and there was some consolation in that the team demonstrated that it is capable of playing with the top teams in Section 1.
Senior mid-fielder Kelly Rutherford takes on a Port Chester defender one-on-one

The next game will be against Section 1, Class AA rival North Rockland at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 7 at Scout Field. North Rockland traditionally poses one of the Raiders’ sternest challenges each season and this year promises to be no exception. Scarsdale10583.com will be there to follow and report on the action.

Photos by Jon Thaler – see more here:
Co-captain Allison Stafford battles for possession against Port ChesterCo-captain Paige Barlow dribbles the ball up the left sideline