BHS Girl's Soccer Team Young But Talented

The Berlin girl's soccer team went 11-4-3 last year and advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Avon, 1-0.

The Redcoats lost 16 seniors so there will be a void of leadership at the top but Berlin returns several experienced players and young and talented newcomers this season.

Gone from last year are All-Stater Shannon Murphy and All-CCC players Dana Hebert and goalie Robyn Riggott.

The Redcoats return senior Bianca Jacques, a forward returning from injury who should be healthy this year and score some goals. Senior Catherine Voelpel, a speedy outside midfielder who was named All-CCC last year. Senior Cassidy Goodwin is a solid defender and reads game well. Senior Shannon Mahoney is a fast strong defender. Junior Sam Carbonell is a fast, tenacious defender. Junior Kelly Cohen is a solid midfielder; sophomore Lauren Roe plays forward and midfielder, sophomore forward Sarah Bosco and sophomore midfielder Cara Johnson also return.
 
"The freshman class is huge with 18 players," Berlin coach Steve Yanosy said. "Some will see varsity time."

Defender Sophia Morell, midfielder Olivia Norton, mid Lindsey Brochu, mid Michelle Grieco, forward Taylor Budney, defender Kelli Salimeno and goalie Michaela Dehm may all see varsity action.

"We have a few players with varsity experience (Losing 16 seniors creates a bit of a log jam) so even our upper classmen have not seen too much varsity time.  So we are a young team," Yanosy said. "I see this as both a weakness as well as a strength. We will have our growing pains but I think overall this will be a successful year.

"One could say this is a rebuilding year but I think we also have a chance at contending for a league title. The top teams in our league will be the Bristol schools, Middletown is much improved and Platt.

"As for Class L, several teams lost key players including Avon, the defending champ. Farmington will be strong so it’s wide open. Statewide I think Northwest Catholic is the best team I've seen so far.  They have almost everyone returning they should repeat in class M. Glastonbury is also strong I see them as always a top team in LL."

Yanosy has simple goals for the season but they will serve the young Redcoats well.

"We want to get better every practice, work hard and gel as a team," Yanosy said. "The captains will be the four seniors Cat Voelpel, Bianca Jacques, Cassidy Goodwin, Shannon Mahoney."

Yanosy is in his 11th year and has amassed a 130-35-11 career record.   

Berlin started the season Tuesday at a rugged Glastonbury team and fell 4-0.