Mendham Girls Soccer Team Currently Ranks Within State's Top 10

MENDHAM, NJ ― The West Morris Mendham girls soccer team is undefeated so far this season and is one of the top teams in the state.

Mendham earned the top seed in the Morris County Tournament and a first-round bye. The squad will take on the winner of No. 16 Villa Walsh/No. 17 Boonton in the second round on Oct. 3. The quarterfinal round is set for Oct. 10; the semifinals on Oct. 17; and the championship game on Oct. 23.

“The team has been playing extremely hard and staying disciplined with their roles on the team,” said Sean Goldsworthy, who is in his second year as head coach and third year with the program. “We are off to a 4-0-1 start. This group of girls are locked in, ready to learn, and prove they belong with some of the best teams in the state.”

Mendham defeated Morris Knolls, 4-3, in its season opener on Sept. 9; Montclair, 1-0, on Sept. 14; Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 1-0, on Sept. 18; and Randolph, 1-0, on Sept. 21. The team tied West Morris Central in a scoreless game on Sept. 11.

“This team knew that this season was about proving themselves, and they have done just that so far,” Goldsworthy said. “They played No. 2 state-ranked Montclair and won in overtime, knocked off a perennial state powerhouse in Scotch Plains-Fanwood in overtime, and drew with sister school West Morris Central. The team earned a No. 9 ranking in the state, but they are well aware that being ranked only means something if you can back it up every practice and every game.”

The team has nine seniors, 11 juniors, and three sophomores.

“Each player understands what their role is on the team, and they work hard every day to improve,” Goldsworthy said.

Senior captains Angelica Castro-Salazar, Catherine Grasso, Aimee Barsa, and Caroline Buchanan are among those leading the team.

“We have a tremendous group of leaders on the team, starting with our four senior captains,” Goldsworthy said. “Each captain brings a different leadership style to the table that everyone on the team is able to relate to. Our junior group of leaders always raises the bar, and our sophomores bring a great balance to the team.”

Some of the team’s stand-out juniors are Maddie Ryan, Lucy Chomiak, Abi Fitzsimmons, Sonja Zeepvat, Claire Kurisko, Sara Brandt, Payton Johnson, and Sam Harris. Sophomores leaders are Lia Manuel, Adeline Perkins, and Lily Lowe.

“Our senior captains are the senior leaders within this team, but we have strong leadership from our junior class as well,” Goldsworthy said. “Our sophomores do a great job and lead by example.”

Goldsworthy added that the new players on the team are also contributing.

“All of our newcomers are contributing a lot, whether that is in practice or in the games,” he said. “They may not have stats that are through the roof, but they do all of the little things right that contribute to this team's success.”

The team faces a few challenges as the season continues.

“Every year you have to plan to make sure every player is ready when called upon because you never know when there will be an injury,” Goldsworthy said. “This team has made a name for themselves so far, and we know that every game we play we are going to get the best of what our opponents have to offer. Since we are still dealing with the pandemic, the team must be diligent in all the on-field and off-field decisions that they make.”

Goldsworthy’s goal for the team this year is to make sure the team is prepared.

“As a coach, my goal for this team is to have them prepared for every practice, game, and team event,” he said. “I know that if I work to put each player and this team in the right position, then it will give this team a chance to be successful.”

The team is set to take on Roxbury on Sept. 27; Chatham on Oct. 1; West Morris Central on Oct. 5; Morris Knolls on Oct. 7; Watchung Hills on Oct. 14; Randolph on Oct. 20; Roxbury on Oct. 22; Jefferson on Oct. 26; and Chatham on Oct. 28.