Seniors Daniella Ford and Margie Londono highlight a Sewanhaka Indians girls soccer team vying for its second straight winning season.
Ford, who is in her fourth season as starting goalie for the Indians, netted a season-high 24 saves in a 3-1 loss to Valley Stream Central.
“She’s a stud back there,” said Sewanhaka third-year coach Eric Premisler, whose team is 0-3 as of press time, after going 8-3-1 last season. “If we can stop a team from taking five shots because of good defense, Daniella is going to stop another 15 shots. And we’re going to have a chance to win every game.”
Londono is making the switch this year from defender to midfielder. Premisler explained the decision to switch Londono’s position was because he wanted to control the ball more in the middle.
“She can win the ball, plays pretty physical,” Premisler said. “She’s learning the role. She has developed so much as a player over the years.”
Ford and Londono are two of six seniors on the 14-player roster. Both players were named captains prior to the season.
“They mean a lot to the program,” said Premisler. “They’ve done a great job leading the team. They’ve stepped up and commanded respect. “
Sewanahaka will rely on its young defenders to fill the void left by Londono’s position change. Sophomores Jasmine Romero-Toc , Sandy Padiga-Ortega and freshman Tatiana Rodriguez all plan to see time as defenders.
“Our young girls on defense need to get better every game,” Premisler said. “We put a lot of stock in our defense, everything starts in the back. We’re putting a lot of pressure on our
outside defenders. If they can develop, we’re going to have a solid season.”
Sewanhaka is keyed on offense by junior Jancarla Herrera, who led the team last year with eight goals scored.
“If we score a goal, she’s the one that’s going to score for us, she is as fast as lightning, she’s our threat upfront.” Premisler said.
One first-year varsity player that has Premisler excited is freshman midfielder Mariano Duran. He says Duran is going to be the future face of the program.
“We saw some great stuff from her in JV last year,” said Premisler. “Eventually she’ll be playing out of the center mid spot, she passes well, traps well, basic soccer skills that you can identify in a young player.”
