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09/17/2017 12:00 AMThe Guilford girls’ soccer squad has a bit of a different feel this year with several new players emerging on the field. However, just as always, the Indians are on a journey to develop a strong collective chemistry as they strive to thrive in Southern Connecticut Conference.
Last fall, Head Coach Scott McMahon and the Indians lost to Amity on penalty kicks in the SCC Tournament quarterfinals before beating Lauralton Hall 3-2 in the first round of the Class L State Tournament. Then in the second round, the Guilford and Masuk were deadlocked 1-1 before Masuk won 3-1 on penalty kicks as the Indians finished the year with an overall record of 11-6-2.
This season, Guilford started the year with a 1-0 victory over rival Hand. The Indians then tied Shelton 1-1 on Sept. 12 and finished last week at 2-0-1 (1-0 in SCC Hammonasset Division) following a 1-0 triumph over West Haven on Sept. 15. Coach McMahon said the Indians are welcoming all challenges this season, because they will only reveal his team’s durability, as Guilford hits the field with so many fresh faces in the spotlight.
“It will be a season that will show hard work and supporting each other pays off,” said Coach McMahon. “The season will be a little different from last year, where the girls will have to deal with adversity, but also gain experience in getting over it. Our JV team is strong, as well as our freshman team. It’s a nice feeling in the whole program with everyone heading in the same direction.”
The Indians’ senior class is anchored by their captains in defender Taylor Shutak, a four-year starter; and midfielder Chloe Shaw, a three-year starter. Both athletes return after earning All-SCC Hammonasset Division and All-SCC Second Team honors last fall, and McMahon said they each bring the same hard-working approach to the game that any underclass athlete can emulate.
“From day one of her freshman year, Taylor has stepped on the field with a positive attitude and maintained it for four years. She’s a steady, consistent player on the field,” McMahon said. “Chloe is an absolutely amazing athlete. She’s dangerous defensively, and she creates great opportunities on offense. They are both humble. They are two low-key, inspirational players.”
Guilford’s senior class provides depth behind the likes of forward Caroline Basil, midfielders Devyn Luden and Deirdre Hackett, and Faren Roth, who’s now playing midfielder after making the All-Hammonasset Team as the Indians’ goalie last year. Midfielders Jody Smith and Laura Markle, forwards Molly Linell, Catherine Miller, and Maddy Monte; and defenders Gabriella Palumbo, Emma Bosenberg, and Elissa Strand are also seniors for the Indians.
Guilford’s junior class includes midfielder Abbey Vilaseca, defenders Maeve Grattan and Brielle Kendrioski (last year’s JV team MVP), forward Tatum Meder, and goalkeeper Meghan Landon. Meder scored the deciding goal in the Hand victory.
“Caroline and Devyn bring good varsity experience. They’ve really stepped up this year and have taken to the senior leadership role. Deirdre has been varsity three years, but she’s had injuries and has a lot of toughness. As steady as Faren was in net, she is as steady on the field and also gives us depth at keeper,” said McMahon. “We have a strong core of juniors in three starters with Abbey, Tatum, and Maeve. They are steady, all-around players. Tatum has consistent effort and great skills.”
The Indians feature some sophomores who are looking to make solid contributions in defender Madison Gambardella, midfielders Gabi Garcia-Perez, Maria Jennings, and Lily Riccio (who assisted on the winning goal against Hand), and goalie Claire Mackenzie.
Guilford also has a pair of freshmen on the roster in defender Taylor Gambardella and forward Sophia Gabriel.
“Maddie was one of our best defensive players last year, and we have girls in Gabi, Lily, and Marla that will look to get good minutes off the bench. Meghan and Claire have an even competition at goalkeeper right now, and they’re each doing a great job,” said McMahon. “Taylor had a great game against Hand, and Sophia is getting a lot of important minutes.”
While the Indians are looking to grow as the campaign wears on, they will certainly be battle-tested for any potential postseason contests after playing key non-divisional matchups against defending SCC champion Cheshire, as well as Shelton and Lauralton Hall. Once again, Guilford will be competing in the SCC Hammonasset Division with Mercy, Branford, West Haven, and Foran this year.
“Mercy is a big rival for us, and we’ve been playing each other in big games for years. Cheshire is the defending SCC champ, Shelton has a lot of depth, and Lauralton Hall has the top returning player in the league [Caroline Monohan]. We play a lot of the top teams in the league,” McMahon said. “We have a team that is more youthful, so it’s about trying to come together and develop the team chemistry. They stepped up to those challenges against Hand. Our talent is high, so our goals are to win the division and vie for the SCC and state titles. Those goals are alive and important. It will take a lot of work, but we have the potential. We have a nice mix of players with good personalities. It’s a fun group to coach, and it will be a year where the leaders come out and, when they do, it will all come together.”
From the Sidelines
Scott McMahon is back for his 14th year as the head coach of Guilford girls’ soccer.
The Indians’ coaching staff is rounded out by JV coach Fred Franzoni, freshman coach Rick Geremia, and assistant Lindsey Hurst.
Guilford has SCC Hammonasset Division clashes against Mercy (Monday, Sept. 25, away; Friday, oct. 20, home), Branford (Wednesday, Sept. 20, home; Monday, Oct. 16, away), West Haven (Friday, Sept. 15, away; Tuesday, Oct. 10, home), and Foran (Monday, Sept. 18, home; Friday, Oct. 13, away).