First Impressions: New Coach, Youth Rule at Mount

After winning just four games last season, the Mount St. Dominic soccer team was looking for a fresh start this year.

Enter Chris Charnecky.

The former assistant coach at DePaul High School takes over for Lou Mignone, who is now at West Orange.

"It was close by and it was good to get a head coaching job," Charnecky said.

The first-year head coach looks to help the Lions rebound from a 4-15 season in the inaugural year of the Super Essex Conference in 2009 against the likes of Millburn, Livingston and Montclair in the league's American Division.

"We're looking forward to go up against some very good teams," Charnecky said.

But the team's strong preseason has the coach optimistic.

"We're getting better every day," Charnecky said. "The more we train, the better we get, that's what we believe. They have worked hard to get ready."

With only three seniors, Charnecky understands the growing pains that loom, but is anxious to see the team's young talent bloom.

"It's young and I'm pretty excited about it," said Charnecky, who had about 40 girls come out for the team. 

"We have a well-balanced team and I foresee a lot of girls playing. ... I think we're growing quickly and we have a lot of girls that have not played together."

Led by senior tri-captains Meghan Duffy, Nora Kinslow and goalkeeper Melissa Tighe, the team's strength could be its backfield. Duffy will be the sweeper and Kinslow will be at right back in front of Tighe, while Kelsey Tully, a member of the team's large freshmen contingent, could also see time on defense.

"They've done a good job," Charnecky said of his seniors. "They have brought the girls together and have kept me informed."

In addition to being a defensive stopper and even the team's backup goalkeeper, Duffy netted a pair of goals last season.

"She's very athletic and has plenty of skills," Charnecky said. "She is very quick."

Mount's defense was pressured often last season with Tighe coming up with a total of 160 saves.

"She's a leader," Charnecky said. "She's very athletic and her technique is getting better and better."

The Lions are not as experienced up front after graduating leading scorer Kate Casadonte, who scored 15 goals and had two assists last season. Mount will turn to freshmen Claire Peck, Summer Orsini and Ashley Kowalski, while junior Amanda Senatore may also see time up front.

Junior Kelley McKenna anchors the team's midfield after posting a goal and two assists last year. Joining McKenna will be sophomores Jessica Pryor and Nicole DeStefano and freshman Jill Harris.

Mount, which opened the season Friday against Bloomfield, will play at Livingston on Sept. 13 and at home against Caldwell on Sept. 16.

(Games at 4 p.m. unless noted)

Sept. 10          Bloomfield

Sept. 13           at Livingston

Sept. 16           Caldwell

Sept. 18           at West Milford

Sept. 20          at Millburn

Sept. 22           Montclair

Sept. 29           West Essex

Oct. 1                 at Nutley

Oct. 5                 Livingston

Oct. 6                 at Rutgers Prep, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 8                 at McNair Academy

Oct. 10               Essex County Tournament, TBA

Oct. 13                at Caldwell

Oct. 15                Millburn

Oct. 17                Essex County Tournament, TBA

Oct. 20               at Montclair

Oct. 21                at Essex County Tournament

Oct. 22                at West Essex

Oct. 24                 Essex County Tournament, TBA

Oct. 27                  Nutley