Sayreville girls soccer looks toward postseason

With two weeks remaining before the Oct. 12 cutoff to qualify for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs, the Sayreville High School girls soccer team owns a 5-3 mark.

Coach Leah Craig's team has eight games remaining before that date, when teams must have a .500 or better record to qualify. Thus far, the Bombers have picked up wins against New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, South Plainfield, Colonia and Cardinal McCarrick. Sayreville has lost twice to Greater Middlesex Conference White Division rival Monroe, 4- 0 and 2-0, and to Woodbridge, 5- 4, in a game that saw Craig's team rally from a three-goal deficit to tie the game.

The Cardinal McCarrick victory was, however, a costly one. Junior midfielder Jules Burns suffered a knee injury that will keep her out for a minimum of two to three weeks. Burns had become a solid two-way player, moving the ball well and scoring two goals and five assists before the injury. Craig has since moved sophomore Staci Jankielewicz from forward, where she had posted four goals and three assists, to midfield.

"We just have to adapt and overcome Burns' injury," Craig said. "We have enough talent and experience to carry it through, and hopefully we'll have her back before the end of the season."

Typically, the Bombers' strength is defense with Allie Couzo in goal. The junior has permitted just 11 goals in eight games and has recorded five shutouts. Stopper Dara Zaleski and fullbacks Melissa Mocarski, Melissa Restivo and co-captain Kayla Hubela form the back line with Emilie Lynch, Jessica Osmond and sophomore Danielle Hogan in reserve.

In addition to Jankielewicz, co-captain Ruba Sbeah, Kaitlyn Frotton and junior Heather Roy patrol the middle. Sbeah has five goals and Roy has three goals and a pair of assists. Francesca Pagano, Kacie Malaney and Kelly Zimmer provide depth.

Offensively, Sayreville looks to Mary Ann Boulton (three goals, one assist), Julie Aponte (one, three) and Amber Rich one, one), with Pearl Shah and junior Amanda Mathisen ready to come in when needed.

"We have 14 seniors, and their experience has already been very helpful and it will continue to help as the season moves along," said Craig, now in her second season as head coach. "While our defense is strong, I'm pleased that our scoring has been pretty balanced. That keeps other teams from keying on any one person."