The Freeport girls’ soccer team has made big strides since Helen Saballos took over the program during the abridged spring 2021 season and will look to take another leap this fall with a fuller roster.
After having trouble fielding a team in her first season, Saballos had 45 players attend initial tryouts in August. The Red Devils just missed a playoff appearance last season with a 6-8 record following a two-win abbreviated spring 2021 campaign after many players dedicated themselves in the offseason playing club soccer.
“What I’ve seen in the last few years of all the roles I’ve had, the last three years is the improvement of their skills individually and as a team it’s amazing,” Saballos said. “I walk on the field and I don’t even have to tell them to go right, go left, do this, do that, they already know themselves.”
Junior center midfielder Alisson Caceres, who has been on varsity since her freshman year, leads the Freeport offense on heels of an 11-point sophomore season. Senior Amber Marquez, who switched from a defensive to offensive role this fall is also a key part of Freeport’s attack.
Senior Cassie Smith anchors the backline as the top defender. Daniela Cancales also brings experience to the defensive unit as a senior outside back while sophomore Madelyn Perez brings skill to the defensive center back role in her first season as a starter.
Alumni game in works
Saballos is looking to engage past Freeport players with an alumni game against Uniondale sometime this fall that will serve as a fundraiser for both programs. For further information, send an email to HelenSaballos02@gmail.com.