Reading Girls’ Soccer Exhibits Confidence and Poise

The Reading Memorial High School girls' soccer team defeated Austin Preparatory School Saturday 3-1 after a hard-fought battle.  They dropped their season-opener 3-0 against Winchester last Wednesday, and head coach Mike Sheedy thinks Saturday's win is just what the Rockets' needed to build their confidence and move forward.

"Austin Prep. is a strong team," Sheedy said. "They were composed, and what's good for us is that we came out ready against them and we proved some things to ourselves," Sheedy said.

Despite graduating 10 seniors last year, the outing was highlighted by impressive performances from Reading's freshman class, including Allison Claroni and Bridget Cannon.

"Cannon is like a wind up doll," Sheedy said. "She causes things to happen and is a really skilled player, both her and Claroni have played a lot of soccer."

Junior Erin Cunningham also made a strong showing, acting as a rock on the defensive end for the Rockets. Cunningham and the defensive line held the Cougars offensive to just a single goal.

"We threw Cunningham to the wolves at outside back because she showed us what she could do at practice, and I think that really made a difference for us," Sheedy said. "She's tall, strong, and fast so she could get to the ball on demand."

Both squads had many scoring opportunities to start the first half, keeping Reading goalkeeper Taylor Silva and Cougar goalkeeper Lauren McNelley both very busy at their posts.

Reading got on the board first, however, after newcomer Allison Claroni booted the ball into the net from almost 30 yards out with 18 minutes left to play in the first half.

With momentum on the Rockets' side, senior Sarah Lautman scored just a minute and a half later. She booted the ball off the top cross bar, and as it ricocheted into the net Reading took a 2-0 lead.

The Cougars weren't going to go down without a fight, and tacked on their first goal of the outing with just four minutes to go in the half. Austin Prep.'s co-captain Jacqui Maher had an assist to freshman Ally Braciska, who was able to capitalize on the play. With that last-minute goal the scoring gap was narrowed to just one at the half.

Both teams came out hungry to start the second half, but the Rockets registered an insurance goal with 24 minutes left to play when Meg Kelly sent the ball high above McNelley's head. The assist went to freshman Jenn Vacarro in her varsity career debut.

"Kelly has tremendous speed," Sheedy said. "She's a forward and has a real hunger for the ball."

Although Austin Prep. had more scoring opportunities as time ticked away, they weren't able to score again, and the Rockets' came away with their first win of the season.

Sheedy feels his Rockets gained the confidence they need to take on Burlington away on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.

"The win gives us a spring board to go up against Burlington next week, and althought Burlington hasn't made the tournament the last couple years we expect them to be hungry and we are going to be ready," Sheedy said.