High school girls soccer 2023: Here are Newport County's best players to watch
Our list of players to watch in girls' soccer includes scorers, distributors, defenders. There's even a goalkeeper. It includes players with talent, versatility and a whole lot of grit.
Some are veterans you may recall reading about in past years; others are ready to step up to the big time. Here they are.
ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL
FALLON BAGLEY, junior, forward
She's no secret. A year ago, the talented forward was the leading scorer in Division IV and earned all-state honors. She's a fine finisher with deceiving speed who also beats defenders with her skill. “She's dedicated to the game,” coach Jim Kelly said.
JULIA CONNELLY, senior, defense
Adept at stopper and sweeper, Connelly, all-division last year, takes her job as a team captain seriously. And she's very versatile. “She knows how to lead,” Kelly said. “She's a smart player. She's fast. She has a powerful foot. And she can play midfield.”
MICHELLE CROWLEY, junior, midfield
The sister of the graduated Maeve Crowley (all-state last year), Michelle is maintaining the family tradition of excellence. An outside midfielder, she may also play some inside mid. She's smart and consstent. “You can count on her,” Kelly said.
TESS MARGOLIS, sophomore, defense
The sister of graduated all-stater Ellie Margolis, Tess plays stopper with a passion. “If the (opposition's) play is anywhere in her territory, she'll shut it down,” Kelly said. “She's athletic. She's smart. She knows where to go.”
MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
RILEY CLARE, senior, attacker
A captain and two-time all-division selection, Clare is tough to miss on the pitch. She combines athleticism, vision and field awareness. “She is remarkably clever on the ball and can leave defenses tied in knots,” coach Rex Bridges said. “She brings positivity and work ethic that is infectious to the players she leads and works with.”
AVA MOSON, senior, midfield
A team captain, she is accurately known as an impact player, one who thwarts the attacks and then then triggers her team's offense. “She can come up with a deft touch on the ball at full pace that will leave your jaw hanging, and follow that up with a tackle that will leave you wondering where on earth she came from,” Bridges said. “She leads this team by example and sets the bar high for the players around her.”
SAYLOR REDFEARN, senior, goalkeeper
A three-year varsity player, Redfearn is a keeper first and foremost but can also, when needed, step out onto the pitch and function as a tremendous defender. She has won both the Coaches Association Alice Sullivan Perseverance Award and the Maddie Potts Mentality Award. “She is a true modern sweeper/keeper,” coach Rex Bridges said. “Saylor is our vocal leader and the fire in the belly of this team.”
MADDIE KING, junior, defense
A three-year varsity player, King is among the Patriots who are not just outstanding performers but also make their teammates better. “The MHS coaching staff came and issued specific challenges to her to develop as a player,” coach Rex Bridges said. “She met and exceeded them all, cementing herself into a stronghold in the back line. Maddie is truly a complete athlete coupled with intelligence and coachability.”
PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
LILY FERREIRA, senior, center defense
A captain and four-year varsity player, Ferreira played most of every game last season and was part of the defense that only allowed 5 goals in the regular season. A Division 2 second-team selection in 2022, Ferreira is not only a stalwart on defense but can shoot from distance and brings intensity to the pitch.
KAELYN MAHONEY, senior, defensive center midfield
A captain and four-year varsity player, she was another key part of the 2022 defense that permitted all of 5 goals in 2022. A Rhode Island Division 2 All Academic Award choice, Mahoney is known for her strong work ethic, great field awareness, and her extreme versatility.
MOLLYANA McGUIRE, junior, striker/attacking midfield
A going concern to foes, McGuire last year scored 12 goals (second highest total on team) and had four assists and was chosen Division 2 first team. “She's skilled with the ball at her feet, has a powerful and accurate shot, and is a constant scoring threat,” coach Erin Hulse said.
ABBY COSTA, junior, attacking center midfield
A superb facilitator, Costa last season produced a team-high 11 assists and added 6 goals. Her efforts were recognized as she was honored as a Rhode Island Division 2 first-team honors. Her game features excellent ball control and she's “quick with the ball at her feet. Small but fierce,” coach Erin Hulse said.
TIVERTON HIGH SCHOOL
JULEIGHAN SOTO, junior, striker
The Tigers' leading scorer a year ago and a third-year varsity player, Soto's game features foot speed and a hard shot. This year, coach Jim Gauch said, Soto is imprving with her left foot and the Tigers are emphasizing having the midfielders and Soto combing to create more scoring chances.
OLIVIA COSTA, sophomore, center midfield/center back
A starter at center back last year, Costa, a club player, can play any position and do it well. At center mid, she should help to re-ignite the offense. “Her knowledge and awareness on the field are way up there,” coach Jim Gauch said. “She's always thinking where she should be.”
MAEVE BANAL, senior, center midfield
A captain, Banal is another of the Tigers' very versatile players and one who makes her teammates better. A four-year varsity player who started as a freshman, she knows how to put her conspicuous speed to good use. “And she's a great leader,” coach Jim Gauch said.
KATIE RICHARDSON, senior, center back
A four-year varsity player and a team captain, Richardson is a rock-solid player who works very well with the fullbacks and outside mids. Richardson shines in the heat of battle. “She's does not panic,” coach Jim Gauch said. “And she's great with everyone on the team.”
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: High school girls soccer 2023: Newport County's best players to watch
