Clarke defense starts strong

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Clarke opened up its Conference AB-II season with a 1-1 tie on Sept. 18, against a Manhasset team that it defeated in the opening round of last season’s Nassau County Class A girls’ soccer playoff tournament in a heart-stopping battle that went to penalty kicks.

Senior center back Madeline Anderson, one of eight returning starters from a Lady Rams (1-1-2 overall, 0-0-1 Conference AB-II) team that is an annual postseason contender, not only scored the tying goal in the second half, she also headed out the potential go-ahead score by the Lady Indians on a corner kick later in the game.

“She’s one of the best I’ve ever seen play,” coach Becky Mattia said of Anderson, whose perfectly timed clear helped Clarke earn a point with a tie. “She is a leader and knows the game of soccer. She knows what’s going on and what she should be doing next.”

Anderson is joined on the center of the backline by sophomore Catilin Russell with juniors Victoria Festa and Dana Stokum on the outsides. What Festa may lack in size, she more than makes up for with speed, positioning and aggressiveness on defense, a big plus as Clarke brings a new goalie, freshman Rachel Boccio, a first-time varsity player, up to speed at the position. Boccio made eight saves against Manhasset, 10 in a scoreless tie with Island Trees on Sept. 15, and eight more in a 3-0 non-conference victory over Bellmore JFK on Sept. 11.

“She’s doing a nice job,” Mattia said of her new keeper. “She’s young but every game she’s getting better and better.”

At times, Anderson will join an upfield rush to help a midfield that includes seniors Hope Quinonez and Nicole Russell and junior Jen Waligh as playmakers in the middle. Quinonez had one of the goals in the win over the Lady Cougars, while Russell, a defender-turned-midfielder, assisted on Anderson’s score against Manhasset. On top of being a playmaker, Waligh, who has a goal and an assist through four games, is also a possession creater, particularly on headers in jump-ball situations.

Quinonez is natural goal scorer with strong technique and at times becomes the focus of an opposition’s attention, drawing two and three defenders in her direction. It’s here where Mattia tries to create some space and opportunities for Quinonez by shifting her around the field to keep defenses honest.

One of the key early season developments has been the return of senior Abby Trotter to the lineup. After not playing last season, Trotter has returned as a forward with the type of aggression that gives Clarke another scoring option to help take pressure—and defensive attention--off of Quinonez. Junior Tori La Fata scored her first of the season against Bellmore JFK. “She’s very tenacious and not afraid to go at people,” Mattia said of Trotter. “They [Trotter and Quinonez] look amazing at times.”

Clarke hosts Conference AB-II rival Valley Stream North on Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m.