Lions Show Growth and Grit Through Early Adversity in Season’s Opening Stretch

Despite early-season injuries and an inexperienced defensive line still finding its rhythm, the Lions Varsity girls’ soccer team has shown remarkable improvement through the first third of the season. With rising confidence, emerging chemistry, and standout performances across the roster, the Lions have proven they can adapt, compete, and grow stronger each game.

Vecchio Leading the Charge

Senior standout Ava Vecchio has been nothing short of electric through the opening nine games. With 9 goals and 5 assists, Vecchio sits atop the team leaderboard in both categories, contributing to a remarkable 23 points while firing 42 shots, 27 on target, and recording 3 game-winners. Her blend of power, creativity, and consistency has made her the centerpiece of the Lions offense.  She has scorded 31 career goals and 41 assists.

Supporting Scorers Stepping Up

While Vecchio draws attention, the Lions’ attack is far from one-dimensional.

• Senior Sienna Higgott has continued to step up and emerged as a dual threat, tallying 4 goals and 5 assists, showing her importance as both a scorer and facilitator.  Following a junior year breakout, Higgott has 25 career goals and 41 assists.

• Sophomore Leah Gottlieb has been one of the team’s most efficient finishers, scoring 5 goals on 18 shots with a team-best .56 shot percentage. Add her 2 assists, and she continues to be a dependable force in the box.

• Sophomore Victoria Dasilva and Samara Hall each sit at 3 goals and 3 assists, giving the Lions impressive midfield production.

• Junior Alma Geschwind has made an immediate impact, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists in only four appearances before being sidelined.

In total, seven different Lions have found the back of the net so far, an encouraging sign of depth as opponents begin to game-plan more strategically.  Twelve players have recorded at least an assists so far this season.

Playmakers & Role Players Delivering Value

Beyond the goal scorers, several players are contributing in ways that don’t always make headlines:

• Freshmen Rachel Camara continues to be a reliable two-way player, solidifying the defense while scoring 3 goals and 2 assists and strong possession stats.

• Rachel Rothstein and Emily Raphael have added key assists, while Alexa Araya, Samantha Rodriguez, and Makayla Sweeting provide stability defensively and in transition.

• Defensive anchors and rotational players—Rita Damico, Sydney Frucht, and Valentina Messiha have all contributed to the team’s cohesion and structure.

Goalkeeping: Finnerty & Soroka-Quiroz Form Reliable Duo

The Lions’ goalkeeping tandem has also played a pivotal role in early-season success.

• Ava Finnerty has logged 343 minutes, earning 2 wins, 2 shutouts, and posting an impressive 0.70 GAA with a .95 save percentage, turning away 20 shots. Her composure has been a cornerstone of the back line.
• Evelyn Soroka-Quiroz, splitting time almost evenly, has contributed 337 minutes, adding 1 win, 2 shutouts, and 17 saves. Her save percentage sits at .65, and she’s demonstrated resilience in high-pressure moments.

Together, the two have combined for 4 shutouts and continue to provide the Lions with dependable last-line security.

Looking Ahead

With a proven scoring core, depth across the midfield, and stability in goal, the Lions look primed to build on their early momentum. As the season moves into its middle stretch, the team’s blend of experience, youth, and versatility may prove to be its greatest advantage.

If the first third of the season is any indication, the Lions are just getting started.  The Lions will take the field next on December 2nd as they face Slam Boca at 4pm.