Teaneck Girls Soccer Beats Eastside 8-0

In a banner day for Teaneck girls soccer, the Highwaywomen broke through for eight goals in their victory over Paterson's Eastside High School Tuesday.

Led by forward Becky Drootin's two goals and two assists, Teaneck controlled the game from the opening kick. The team scored more than one goal in a game for the first time this season and brought their season total to 13 goals.

"It was a needed performance," said Teaneck head coach Christie Molta. "A day to build confidence for our team. We've come so far since last year."

Drootin, a senior, was not alone in the scoring as six others scored including junior Jessica Alvorado who finished with a goal and two assists.  A penalty kick tally from Alex Cavallo capped the offensive outburst.

According to Molta, the team was looking to avenge their tough loss last season to a previously winless Eastside team.

"Last year's loss was traumatizing to some of our players," said assistant coach Jeremy LoVerde. "We have played so hard this year and it would be nice to see our record reflect our improved play from last season."

His comments came before the squad's scoring outburst that had not been seen during Molta's time as head coach.

After they had scored a few goals in the early going the team's attitude turned to a more positive and jubilant outpouring of encouragement that is synonymous with winning. From Molta's big smile to laughter from girls on the bench, it was clear that the route was on and it felt pretty good.

"It was just a matter of experience for our girls," said Molta. "We are a pretty young team and experiences like this can build momentum and character."

With all the highlights, there was a slight scare as sweeper Michellin Ona injured her back in a collision and was slow to get up.

"She was shaken up, but should be fine," said Teaneck athletic trainer Kenneth Cieslak.

With a game tomorrow against Passaic Valley, a healthy Ona is needed for them to build a winning streak.

"Michellin is a reliable player," Molta explained." She makes our team go. It's no mystery to anyone.

With their team brimming with confidence and mostly healthy, they look ready to take on Passaic Valley.

"Tomorrow's game against Passaic Valley is a big game and this was so big going into tomorrow," Molta said.

With their most thorough win in years, Teaneck could be onto something and are primed to finish the season strong.