MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown North girls soccer team is off to one of the best starts in program history and is hoping to continue their success into the postseason. Coach Patricia Misciagna has her girls and the Lions program headed in the right direction this season and for seasons to come.
Coming off last season’s 13-7 record and early exit in both the Shore Conference and NJSIAA tournaments, this year’s squad is primed to make their mark in both. Misciagna echoed the same. “After finishing the season 13-7 last year, finishing second in our division the past two years and advancing past the first round of Shore Conference and states, this off season we met as a team and set a goal to improve on the 2017 season.” So far Middletown North has attained their first goal by capturing the outright B North crown with a record of 7-0 in conference.
They were also in the process of attaining their second goal of the season by advancing deep into the Shore Conference Tournament before losing to Toms River North in a classic 2-1 hard- fought semifinal loss. Yes, they have already gone past their previous results, but this team’s focus coming into the tournament as the number one seed was to not just go deep into the tournament, but to win it. Even though they lost to North, they have nothing to hang their heads about.
They opened their tournament run with a 4-1 win over Jackson Memorial behind four different goal scorers in Lindsay O’Keefe, Katelyn Reid, Darien Rinn and Emily McCarthy.
The Lions return six seniors who have helped Misciagna process the past couple of seasons and this season on building a foundation of excellence. They each bring different leadership qualities and provide an extra coach’s voice on and off the field. Lindsay O'Keefe, Kaleigh Harmon and McCarthy serve as offensive team leaders, controlling the attack at forward and midfield.
Casey Bogues and Gabi Triolo lead the defense, and Haley Martin is a vocal leader from the goal, keeping her defense organized in front of her. Misciagna added, “Each of these girls provides leadership off of the field, motivating teammates and serving as positive examples and role models for the team off the field and in the classroom.”
After graduating three out of four starting defenders, one would expect a drop off in production, communication and success. This has not been the case as Middletown North’s defense has allowed just nine goals and combined for eight shutouts, with two coming against Saint John Vianney. A lot of their production and success comes from the veteran leadership of four-year starting goalkeeper Haley Martin. She keeps the team focused and in position with constant communication and leadership.
Middletown North’s offensive success is not based around one or two players; there are nine role players that have combined to lead the Lions to a perfect 16-0 overall record while combining for 58 goals. The Lions statistically are led by junior Darien Rinn with 15 goals, senior Lindsay O’Keefe with 12 goals and 6 assist, sophomore Ashley Dietrich with seven goals, senior McCarthy with six goals, senior Harmon with five goals and seven assists, junior Reid with four goals, sophomore Allie O’Keefe with three goals and six assists, senior Bogues with one goal and five assists and Shaele Pearson with four assists. This is a group that does not care who the goal scorer is, just as long as they build together and get the finished product that results in scoring.
With a mix of seniors and underclassman, the Lions are primed to continue their success for the next couple of seasons and show the Shore Conference and State opponents that Middletown North is one of the top teams to deal with.
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