Girls Soccer Preview: Reigning Player of the Year returns to open Central League

The big name for Strath Haven in coach Gino Miraglia’s 10th year at the helm is Lizzie King, the reigning Daily Times Girls Soccer Player of the Year who scored 14 goals last season in helping the Panthers win 13 games.

She’ll have plenty of support on the forward line with Maddie and Grace Forbes on the wings, while Morgan Crain and Claire Van Duyne will anchor the midfield, the latter stepping up from her successful stint as a central defender last year. The defense is in good hands with veterans Liz DeCarlo and Kacy Hafertepe.

The big question centers on replacing two-time All-Delco Katie Fisher in goal, and Miraglia will audition several newcomers for that opening.

Garnet Valley takes a hit with knee injuries ruling two-time All-Delco Britney Dragoni and U.S. youth national teamer Julia Burnell out for the year. Paul Costa’s program, though, is often able to recover from such challenges with the depth it cultivates through the classes.

They replace one Dragoni with another, sophomore Gia, who acclimated quickly last year. The midfield is an area of strength, thanks to Jenna Buttermore, Kayla Morey, Ava Wenger and Sydney Peterson. And they have the reliable Ashley Bufano, who orchestrated the penalty-kick shootout upset of Boyertown in the first round of districts last year, returning in goal.

The defense is anchored by Alex Zecca (a Virginia Wesleyan commit) and Beth Hoffman, with senior Ashley Sweier stepping up. Alyssa Saito will also contribute to the midfield as a sophomore.

Haverford will rely on sister power thanks to the Janzers and Durfees. Clare Janzer will star in defense along with Brianna Blair and Maddie Santoro, while Nora Janzer will add to the midfield’s speed. Amelia Durfee will work the forward line, while sophomore Alison Durfee will assume the starting goalkeeper job full-time.

Sadie Gold and Annalena O’Reilly are underclassmen who enjoyed plenty of minutes a season ago.

Click HERE for all of the Central League team previews.