Despite Heavy Graduation Losses, Ridgefield Girls Soccer Again Expected To Be One Of State's Best

Despite losing seven starters, including all-American striker Kelly Baker, who is now at Johns Hopkins University, the Ridgefield High School girls soccer team could be poised to make another deep run into the state tournament.

Last season, the Tigers finished 18-2-2 and reached the Class LL semifinals while also sharing the FCIAC title with New Canaan. The Rams and Tigers were declared co-champions after playing to a scoreless tie in the FCIAC finals.

Ridgfield also lost center-midfielder Carlie Sanderude, center back Alissa Felt, back Maddie Missinne, center midfielder Ally Morrow, outside midfielder Kaitlin Gerber and goalkeeper Becca Corso. Sanderude, Felt and Miissinne were four-year starters.

"Losing seven starters is big," Tigers coach Robb Banyai said. "We lost seven good starters. Kelly Baker was an all-American. That is a huge, huge loss. We felt we had the two best strikers in the state with Kelly and Jacyln. You can't replace an all-American. You just hope someone steps in and plays well."

Still, under Banyai's guidance, Ridgefield has developed into one of the top girls' soccer programs in the state with three straight top-five finishes.

Baker certainly led the way last season with 14 goals and 14 assists and also was named to the all-New England, all-state and All-FCIAC teams.  Her departure obviously creates a scoring void.

But the Tigers, who were upset by Westhill, 2-1, in the Class LL semifinals, may be good enough to withstand the heavy losses. While they graduated 13 seniors, they return 10.

And if Kelly and Giordano were the best strikers in Connecticut last year, 50 percent of that tandem is back. Giordano will serve as the Tigers' captain this fall.

The other returning seniors are:  center-midfielders Monica Brown and Sarah Kreps;  center backs Dee Dee Caravelli and Molly Welch; outside midfielders Diane Turner and Hannah Robertz; mid-fielders Molly Trillo and Tara McKeon.

Also returning is  Katherine Cholko whom Baynai calls "one of my everything players." Junior Nicah Rioseco will take over for Corso in net.

"This is best league in the state for girls' soccer, there is no question about it," Banyai added. "We've looked good in scrimmages, but until we go out on the field against our league, we don't know how good we'll be."

Still, If enthusiasm and cohesiveness are any indication of Ridgefield's success this season, the Tigers should be in excellent shape. The 10 seniors had no problem getting together to mug for the camera during a group shot at a recent practice.

"The key will be how fast the team gels together," Banyai said. "As the years goes on, I think we're going to get better and better. I really don't have any concerns per se. I'm happy with how everyone is molding together."

Ridgefield also reached the Class LL semifinals in 2008, losing to Trumbull, 1-0. The Tigers open this season next  Thursday, when they host Fairfield Warde at 6 p.m.