Lou Mignone is thinking that the West Orange High School girls soccer team has an opportunity this year to make a big improvement.
Mignone's team has opened the season at 1-1 with a loss to Montclair and a win over Columbia. He said the Mountaineers have a chance of significantly bettering last season's 8-12 record.
The Mountaineers are aiming to make a run for a Super Essex Conference Liberty Division title. West Orange is grouped with Bloomfield, Columbia, Glen Ridge, Montclair Kimberley, Newark Academy, Nutley and Verona. The Mountaineers beat Columbia 1-0 Monday afternoon in West Orange.
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"I think the team has some very nice players, very experienced players who are well deserving in the top of the division,'' said Mignone. "That's our goal. To have a good season and finish in the top of the division.''
An outstanding season could move the Mountaineers up into the loaded American Division, which is made up with the likes of Livingston, Millburn and Montclair.
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"That's our goal: to move into the American,'' Mignone said. "Our team is definitely well organized, focused.''
The team's offense is anchored by junior center mid Allison Mejia, senior striker Nubia Rodriguez and junior striker Raven Edwards. The midfield is anchored by senior left mid Jaclyn McKeon, sophomore Casey Kriak, senior left middle Jayla Ross, senior middie Jamie Straus. The backline is set with junior right back Rachel Zimmer, and left back Jayla Ross. The goalie is sophomore Illissa Blackshear.
