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To say that this year’s Winchester High girls soccer team is a resilient bunch would be an understatement. They were able to block out any off-the-field controversy to begin the season undefeated with a 3-0-1 record.
“We opened the season with three different matchups that showcased our resilience and growing chemistry on the field,” said coach Michelle Ross, who rescinded her resignation, and was back coaching the team for the Stoneham game on Sept. 8.
“I stepped down, because of falsely accused allegations centered around roster decisions and outside pressure to place a player on (it), who did not meet the standards of those on the roster,” Ross explained.
But it’s all about the players, and Ross is thrilled with the way they handled the entire situation, simply stating, “I’m incredibly proud of this team.”
In the season opener on Sept. 2 at home against Wilmington, the Winchester girls had to play it under unusual circumstances, but still came out on top, 1-0.
Before the season began, they first had to run their own practices for a week, and just one day before the start of the season against the Wildcats assistant coach Eve Kretschmer was on hand to warm them up for it. She then called the shots during the game.
Despite limited preparation, they still played an impressive game against Wilmington, demonstrating crisp possession play and relentless pressure, according to Ross. “We struck the crossbar and posts several times, before freshman Audrey Houllahan netted the decisive goal from junior Sophie Shapiro to secure the hard-fought 1-0 victory,” she added.
Two days later against host Arlington, the Red & Black played another equally demanding game that resulted in a 1-1 tie. “With assistant coach Eve Kretschmer still at the helm, we surged out of the gate, and scored an apparent goal just three minutes into the game, before the referees ruled the ball had not fully crossed the line,” said Ross. “We controlled much of the play until Arlington broke through in the second half, converting a free kick that left Winchester goalkeeper Amelia Burke helpless, because of the blinding sun.”
Facing a 1-0 deficit, Winchester battled back and was finally rewarded in the final minutes when junior Emma Kiernan headed home a corner from Shapiro. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, marking another gritty performance for the second straight game by the Winchester girls. Winchester got back into the win column with a decisive 10-1 victory over host Stoneham on Monday, Sept. 8, the day once again their coach came back.
“This game carried added emotion as it marked my return to the sidelines,” said Ross, “and the team responded with an outpouring of energy and determination that overwhelmed Stoneham with a flurry of goals.”
Senior captain Lilly Ossen and junior Sophie Shapiro paced the offensive attack against the Spartans with two goals apiece. One of Ossen’s goals was on a penalty kick. Junior Emma Kiernan, freshman Audrey Houllahan, junior GG Fantini, freshman Ashley Mitchell, freshman Charlotte Bjercke and freshman Rhynn Fitzpatrick-Canfield each chipped in with one score.
“This was a commanding statement win for the team,” said Ross.
“Through three games, I feel like we demonstrated determination, depth and the ability to respond under pressure, signs that the they are quickly finding their stride, despite my absence during the first two games,” Ross added. Amelia Burke was in net against Wilmington and Arlington. The game against Stoneham, Burke split the goaltending chores with sophomore Kendall McCarthy, who took over the net in the second half, and proceeded to shutout the Spartans.
The Red & Black finished the week with another win, a 5-1 triumph over the Woburn Tanners on Sept. 10.
Melrose comes to town to take on the Winchester girls on Monday, Sept. 15, at 4:15 p.m. They will then face host Lexington on Sept. 17 at the same time.
