A special season is brewing for Lynbrook’s girls soccer team, which is in first place in Conference AB-2 with a 6-0-1 record.
Last season, the Owls, too, were unbeaten in the conference (6-0-3) but lost the conference title race to Cold Spring Harbor because they had one more draw.
This season shapes up as a juicier proposition. Thirteen seniors returned, highlighted by a sturdy, all-senior backline.
Too, Lynbrook has enough scoring prowess in senior snipers Leah Casolaro and Bella Medrano, both of whom have 6 goals, to stamp the Owls as a Nassau Class A title contender.
Lynbrook hasn’t won the county title since 2002 – the only time it has done so. That season, the Owls cruised to the Long Island championship, yet hasn’t been back to the county finals since.
“We have a strong core returning,’’ coach Jenna Crimmins said.” We have a really good shot at taking it a step further, further than Lynbrook has gone in a really long time. But our first goal is to win the conference. We have a ways to go before (talking county title).’’
Lynbrook hasn’t won a conference title since 2015. Lynbrook stands at 6-1-1 overall with its lone loss a non-league match Sept. 25 versus Floral Park.
Last Saturday, Lynbrook bounced back with a 3-0 win over Wheatley as Medrano netted two goals. (she has 3 scores in the past two contests.) Medrano, a forward known for her dangerous speed, also has 4 assists. “She’s a consistent scoring threat and scores on both sides of the goal,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s superfast and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses,’’
Opponents can’t just focus on one Owls player. Casolaro, a midfielder/forward who is committed to play soccer at University of South-Carolina-Aiken, is also sharpshooter.
“She’s the X-factor,’’ Crimmins said. “She has a physical presence where every team is aware of her. She’s very calm and composed with her dribbling. When she gets the ball, it puts teams on their heels.’’
And yet Lynbrook’s strength is its defenders. Senior captain Payton Stalter, the centerback, and Ella Carroll are anchors. Maggie Mattera and Lea Pisano are considered quality defenders to make a stingy foursome.
“They’ve been playing together for two, three seasons and have a pretty strong level of comfort and trust,’’ Crimmins said.
Stalter is the leader and a captain – a standout since the 8th grade. A 2024 All-County selection, Stalter missed three games earlier this season because of an injury but is back. “She’s very reliable with good foot skills and composure,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s played with maturity since 8th grade.’’
Carroll, also a captain, even chipped in offensively, scoring the lone goal in a draw with Island Trees Sept. 17. Midfielder Addison DiFiore (2 goals 1 assist) is another key as she can play midfield and defense, and is a vocal, versatile force.
Then there are two underclassmen contributing. Sophomore center midfielder Bella Tjaden has been a surprise. “She quietly does the grind work,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s the pass before the assist.’’
The best assist-collector is junior midfielder Olivia Ramirez, who has 6 helpers.
Experienced talent blended with a tight-knit group shapes up as the best squad in Crimmins’ five years with the program. The players hold pasta parties before many games.
“They have a strong respect and camaraderie for each other,’’ Crimmins said. “In years past, it was difficult to get everyone on the same page. We have really strong captains and leadership this year. Everyone is taking this very seriously. Thet spend a lot of time outside practice.’’
Last season ended in a first-round playoff loss to Seaford, which advanced to the semifinals. A crucial non-league rematch looms Oct. 15. “A little test to see if we can play to a higher level,’’ Crimmins said.
