Saturday, November 8, 2025
When Sarah Chavez was named captain of Uniondale girls’ soccer as a junior last year, the midfielder was concerned that she was not vocal enough to properly lead her teammates. Finding her voice was as important as improving on the field, and her success in both areas has proven integral to the Knights’ strong performance in her time as a senior.
“I was captain last year and I tried my best to uplift people, but I wasn't really great at speaking,” Chavez said. “And during the summer, during the beginning of this year, I've been really loud with what I say to people. I love to uplift the girls, even when they make a mistake, because I know how it feels, having to make a mistake and thinking of what others would think.”
Through 12 games, Uniondale holds a 10-2 record and has successfully scrapped with some of its strongest rivals in Conference AA5. Coach Kevin Daly knew that the Knights were bound for improvement when they took down Roosevelt to kick things off on Sept. 6. Since then, the girls have rallied behind one another in a system that does not rely on a single playmaker.
“They all bring a little bit of something different to the team,” Daly said. “They learn from each other and they're a really good group in those terms. There's no superstars on the team. Everyone helps out.”
Junior Brianna Marquez and senior Briana Estrada lead the Knights in scoring, but Uniondale’s strength lies in its number of threats. Chavez and Keishara Tulloch lead a supporting cast that can create opportunities and finish all at once. The captain also described eighth grader Emely Orozco as one to watch moving forward.
“I call her my child because of how close we are,” Chavez said. “She's just amazing.”
Uniondale’s defense has been a strength for several years and has again been an asset, with junior goalkeeper Ashley Bonilla locking down many opponents. Effective as a freshman and sophomore as well, Bonilla could prove to be an era-defining player for the Knights before she’s through.
Uniondale’s two defeats came in mid-September against Valley Stream Central and Malverne/East Rockaway. The former opponent simply proved too tough in a 7-1 defeat, and Valley Stream Central has since backed it up to maintain a 10-0 record. The Knights played much closer to Malverne/East Rockaway in a 4-3 loss.
Despite earning a strong record, Uniondale comes from a conference that offers one playoff spot, which could leave the Knights on the outside looking in. In order to have any chance, they must win out, defeat Valley Stream Central, and then hope that their previously undefeated opponent drops another game down the stretch.
Regardless of whether a postseason berth is in the cards, however, Uniondale has done more than enough already to mark the season as a success, if only for its impact on the girls. When Chavez thinks of soccer, she sees it as a steadying force.
“We all have an amazing bond and soccer is for all of us to relax in a place and cut everything out on the field,” Chavez said. “That’s how I see it. I put everything out on the field. It’s shown me a balance.”
