Dayton Girls Soccer Look to Build on Success

The Dayton girls soccer team had a pretty good reason to celebrate last season, and head coach Matthew Lynch sees no reason why that success shouldn't continue this year.

"This team is very ready to win," said Lynch, who will begin his fourth season at the helm. "I think we have a real good squad."

While Dayton finished 8-10-1 last year, it qualified for the state tournament for the first time in five years and pulled up one of the biggest upsets in the post-season when, as the eighth seed, it shocked top-seeded McNair Academic, 2-1, in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 tournament. It then saw its season end in the semifinal round when it bowed to Secaucus, surrendering the game-winning goal in the final two minutes.

"It was great experience for us and we hope to go further this year," said Lynch. "I think we have a good shot."

Dayton will open its 2010 campaign on Saturday, September 11 when it plays at Morris County Tech at 10 a.m.

Key Union County Conference Valley Division games against rival Brearley loom on Sept. 30 (away at 7 p.m.) and Oct. 21 (home at 4 p.m.). Lynch also pointed to two big non-conference games as stern tests for his team.

"We play at Glen Ridge on Oct. 11 and two weeks later play at West Orange on Oct. 25," said Lynch.

As a Group 1 school, playing teams like Group 4 West Orange can only help come tournament time.

Here are the starting 11 that will likely take the field on Saturday:

Forwards: Gabby Typiak (sr.), Remy Schneier (sr.), Melanie Rossamondo (soph.)
Midfield: Kaylin Mahoney (jr.), Emily Stein (sr.), Rachel Laulette (fresh.), Rebecca Frank (sr.).
Backs: Leah Ginefra (soph.), Herlide Joseph (soph.), Jennah Santos (sr.)
Goalie: Emily MacDonnell (jr.)

Despite starting three sophomores and one freshman, Lynch has the utmost confidence in his underclassmen.

"I have complete trust in them," Lynch said. "They have worked very hard and don't play like first or second-year players."

2010 DAYTON GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Morris County Tech, 10 a.m.
Sept. 14 vs. Benedictine, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Roselle Catholic, 4 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Hillside, 4 p.m.
Sept. 22 vs. Roselle Park, 4 p.m.
Sept. 24 vs. Kent Place, 4 p.m.
Sept. 28 vs. Union Catholic, 4 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Brearley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. Bound Brook, 4 p.m.
Oct. 6 at Benedictine, 4 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Roselle Catholic, 4 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
Oct. 12 vs. Hillside, 4 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Roselle Park, 4 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Kent Place, 4 p.m.
Oct. 21 vs. Brearley, 4 p.m.
Oct. 25 at West Orange, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 vs. Manville, 4 p.m.