The Oceanside girls soccer team’s quest for a third straight county title and repeat Long Island championship reached near perfection levels during the first month of the regular-season schedule.
The Sailors held opponents to just one goal in nine matches in September while outscoring opponents 17-1. The lone goal was given up early in the match of a 1-0 defeat to Calhoun on Sept. 15 marking the only setback in a 7-1-1 start to the season and 5-1-1 in Conference AAA/AA-I for the reigning Class AAA champions.
“We weren't really sure what to expect this year,” said third-year Oceanside coach Danielle Chiera, whose six starters from last year's 10-6-4 team that captured a second straight county crown and the program's first Long Island championship since 2004. “We have 13 seniors and some of them are four-year varsity members so we really wanted to see what they wanted this year's group to leave behind.”
Oceanside boasts plenty of experience defensively led by senior center back Madeline McMurray, a four-year varsity veteran who has committed to play collegiate soccer at University of Scranton next year. Senior defender Ella Hickey, a three-year varsity player and SUNY Plattsburgh commit, also provides key leadership on the backline.
The defense is bolstered by senior left outside back Addison Goldstein, a Mercy University commit who is in her fourth varsity season, and senior right outside back Julia Blette, a third-year varsity player.
Senior goalkeeper Ella Murray has stood tall when tested and recorded nine saves in a 5-0 shutout against Seaford on Sept. 25.
“Ella is extremely dynamic and is a tremendous athlete,” Chiera said. “She always just finds a way to get her body in the right position and to set herself up for what could come in front of her.”
The offense has been powered largely by senior forward/midfielder Bella Mannino, who is a force on the wing and junior forward Charlotte Heym. Senior midfielders Gianna Visone, who scored a goal in last year’s 2=0 county finals win against Syosset, and Natalia Peredo have also been offensive threats near the net.
Oceanside will host defending GCHSAA City Championship winner Saint Francis Prep in a non-league match Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. before visiting MacArthur for a key conference tilt Friday at 5 p.m. The Sailors then host Syosset on Columbus Day morning at 10:30 a.m. before a road matchup at conference rival Massapequa on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.
While the Sailors have plenty of championship experience, Chiera stressed that the team has a fresh mindset for this season as it seems to make new memories.
“We try to not compare previous seasons because every year is a different team so the motivation comes from the girls on the team at the time,” Chiera said. “Every year has its own ups and downs and highs and lows.”
