SHS Girls Varsity A Soccer Team Completes Regular Season with Impressive Win and Prepares for Playoffs

The Scarsdale High School Girls Varsity A Soccer team completed its 2017 regular season on Tuesday night, October 17, in the chill and under the lights at Scarsdale High School with a 3-1 win over the highly touted Suffern Mounties. The Raiders now head to the Section AA playoffs on a five game winning streak, potentially poised for a deep playoff run.

The last time the Raiders won the Section AA championship was back in 2000. In Tuesday evening's Suffern game, after falling behind 1-0 early in the first half on a header off a Suffern corner kick, the Raiders were able to establish control in the mid-field, creating a number of scoring chances. Mid-fielders Allison Stafford and Carly Rubin were effective in repeatedly thwarting attempts by Suffern to advance the ball, allowing Scarsdale to maintain possession and positioning the Raiders for offensive rushes.

The Raiders finally broke through on a beautiful goal by junior forward Jaeda Dean off a corner kick at about the 25 minute mark. In the second half, with the score tied 1-1, the Raiders continued to enjoy the better of the play. Stafford came within inches of scoring on a one-touch shot near the goal off a terrific centering pass from forward Olivia Bryant, as the ball went just over the crossbar. Finally, at about the 15 minute mark Rubin came through with a goal on a free kick from 20 yards out that eluded the Mounties' goalie.

For the last part of the game, the talented Suffern team mounted a furious attack in a desperate attempt to tie the score. But the Raiders maintained their poise and the defense, led by Sam Mancini and Katie Reisman, were able to turn back the Mounties' attack each time. Finally, with fewer than five minutes left in the game and Suffern pressing up, mid-fielder Ella Ansell scored the clincher off a deflection in front of the goal. Christina Coco played well in goal for the Raiders and made some key saves and forwards Riley Edlitz and Nayumi Parente were key participants in the attack.

With the win over the Mounties, the Raiders finished the regular season with a record of 10-3-2 and as the 5th seed heading into the playoffs. After a difficult loss in their first game to Arlington, the number one ranked team in New York State, the Raiders have played better and better as the season wore on. They hope to have an opportunity to face Arlington again down the road in the playoffs.

The Suffern contest was the traditional game to celebrate the team's seniors. A ceremony was held before the game to honor team members who will graduate in June 2018. The honorees were Anna Distler, Dana Papandreadis, Kate Reisman, Sam Mancini and Carly Rubin. The closeness and friendship among the players was apparent as they paid homage to their soon-to-be graduating teammates. Under the leadership of long-time head coach Mindy Genovese and assistant coach Kiera Fox, the 2017 season has been highly successful regardless of how the team does in the playoffs, as evidenced by the camaraderie among the players and the team's steadily improving play as the season has progressed.

The Raider's first playoff game will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m. on the turf field at Scarsdale High School against No. 12 seed Mamaroneck. The Raiders played the Tigers, a traditional league rival, twice this season, winning once and tying once. Scarsdale residents are encouraged to come out and support the Raiders! Scarsdale10583.com will follow the team during the playoffs and report back on what will hopefully be a successful run.

Photos by Jon Thaler. See more here: