Changes, both small and large, surround a Cicero-North Syracuse girls soccer team that went all the way to the state Class AA final four in 2013.
Though just three seniors graduated, including goalie Alyssa Jim and midfielder Stephanie Liberati, the Northstars also saw leading goal-scorer Reid Garner switch sports, which followed her absence from last November’s state semifinal defeat to Massapequa in Cortland.
For all of the returning C-NS players, another Section III title, and perhaps another state final four appearance, is within reach, but first the Northstars had to tread through an up-and-down opening week.
Section II Class B power Schalmont topped the Northstars 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. With the game 0-0 at the break, C-NS got on the board with Hanna Haven’s goal, assisted by Katie Wagner, but the Sabres countered by scoring twice and hanging on at the end.
This followed last Wednesday’s season opener, a 3-0 shutout over Whitesboro. After postponing the game 24 hours due to weather, C-NS spent the first half attacking hard, but not getting anything past Whitesboro goalie Emilie Mull, who would finish with five saves.
However, in the second half the Northstars broke through, seeing senior Olivia King put home a pair of goals, while newcomer Kenley DelBiondo had the other goal. Haven, back for her senior campaign, had two assists, with fellow senior Marissa Rio also getting an assist.
One side that didn’t mind seeing C-NS struggle on the weekend was Liverpool, who had won the sectional Class AA titles in 2011 and 2012 before F-M beat them in last fall’s sectional quarterfinals.
Having stewed about that result for 10 months or so, the Warriors were all too eager to start again – and face F-M in Saturday night’s opener at LHS Stadium, which resulted in Liverpool winning by a 3-0 margin.
During a decisive first half, Ore Akinpelu, utilizing her sprinter’s speed to create open scoring chances, broke down the Hornets’ defense by scoring a pair of goals, with passes coming from Emily Dorr, who had two assists.
Christie Allen had the other goal and Lynsey Roth also earned an assist, and every time F-M threatened, a solid Warriors defense turned them back, Julia Richey stopping all five shots she faced.
This set up Monday night’s battle between Liverpool and B’ville, followed by the Warriors’ first road game of the season Thursday at Auburn. C-NS, in its only game this week, pays a Thursday-night visit to the F-M turf.
