Thursday, October 1, 2026
As a freshman, defenseman Michela Netto was part of Plainedge's 2023 Nassau County Class A title team.
Two years later, the Red Devils look to be knocking on the championship door again – with Netto emerging as a bonafide superstar with a commitment to Maryland.
The North Massapequa-based girls soccer program is elite again – off to a 4-1 start. Netto, now a junior, is playing exceptionally.
In Plainedge's 6-0 rout of Cold Spring Harbor on Sept. 11, Netto netted a hat trick, giving her a team-leading four goals.
Last season, Plainedge, after a 9-3-1 regular season, lost in the first round on a fluke overtime goal, 1-0, to Floral Park. It was a crushing defeat as Plainedge had dominated Floral Park all season.
"Hopefully we make it further than last year,'' Netto said. "It came to an unfortunate end with a golden goal in overtime. I feel like we have really good chance making it really far. We have a great shot at doing that (winning a title) again.''
The junior-dominated Red Devils have already avenged the Floral Park playoff loss this season with a 2-0 win on Sept. 6. Plainedge has also posted wins over powerful Manhasset, 2-1, along with a road win in Suffolk County over Sayville, 4-1.
"I have a very good overall talented team,'' longtime Red Devils coach Michael Vitale said. "We lost three starters but I can I put 11 players out there and their ball skill is by far better than most teams.''
Plainedge's lone loss came to Wantagh, 1-0, on Sept 9. The Red Devils had dominated the game but one bad pass led to a turnover and the game's only goal.
Last season, Plainedge finished third in Conference AB behind titlist North Shore and Seaford. "We definitely have a chance,'' Vitale said of winning the conference. "They came back and are a skilled team. We're in the mix.''
Eight different players have already scored goals. Last season's top returning goal-scorer is Amanda Martone, who had six goals. Martone, who dazzles with her left foot, has two markers so far.
Incredibly, five of Plainedge's goals in 2025 have come from defenders as Kenley Walsh has a goal and a pair of assists. Last season, Walsh played various positions up front but the coach now wants her solely on the backline. Walsh is only a sophomore. "She's unstoppable when she runs up the field'' Vitale said.
The midfield is also superb with juniors Allie Younghans and Avery Peters. "They're playing even better this year,'' Vitale said. "They move the ball around together to help the attack.''
Plainedge is most dangerous because of Netto, who was All-County and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year. "She's just so skilled and aggressive and her ability to read the play,'' Vitale said, listing her attributes. "And she goes up and scores.''
Two of Netto's goals versus Cold Spring Harbor came on headers. She also provides intangibles. "I feel like my leadership on and off the field really helps my team to become united and play as one," Netto said. "My calmness on the ball helps and also my ability in the air.''
Plainedge's depth extends to another solid midfielder in junior Samantha Zaccaro. The Red Devils also are getting offense from Jacklyn Frucci and Victoria Truncale, who have 2 goals apiece.
Of the four seniors, only one starts, Gissellee Gonzalez. The goalkeeper is sophomore Cayla Bloom, a returning starter.
There are 12 juniors on the squad. "We've been playing really well together,'' Netto said. "We have a lot of juniors, so we've played together all our lives. We're getting into the groove again. I think we have room to get better obviously, but the season is looking good so far.''
