The girls of Massapequa High School’s soccer team are striving for some bling in the form of a championship medal. 
Coach Bruce Stegner of the Massapequa Chiefs Girls soccer team seems to breed soccer players. Coming off an outstanding season last year, these girls have a name to hold and they are doing just that; off to a hot start with an overall record off 11-1-0 and in their Conference AA-1 being 10-0-0.
After winning the New York State championship last year by defeating North Rockland, these young ladies are coming out with a big appetite for another championship. The Massapequa Chiefs have made a statement early on in the season and had taken their first place spot in their conference; the second place team, East Meadow, is trailing with a 5-1-4 record.
As for non-conference, that is where Massapequa gets its heavy work load in, as Coach Stegner matches his team with the best competition in the country. Preparation is a tremendous part of the Chiefs’ game and year in and year out, Stegner is preparing his girls for any team that comes their way, as they will be facing a slew of top caliber teams, including St. Anthony’s Catholic high school.
Unfortunately, Massapequa was served its only loss by the undefeated Immaculate Heart Academy of New Jersey. However, this loss was nothing to frown upon, as Immaculate Heart Academy is ranked top in the country and the Chiefs held their own in just a 1-0 loss.
Now more than halfway through the season, this star studded team is close to flawless. This week on MSG Varsity power ranking, the Chiefs were third on Long Island. They are also ranked 8th in New York and 6th nationally, although they are currently out of the top 25. Not only do they play as a team and blend together in such an intense way playing with force, but Massapequa’s quickness and strength is definitely the defining factor in classifying them as an elite soccer club.
The special thing about the Massapequa Chiefs is that they don’t have one star player, but a selection of amazing athletes. Senior forward; Kristen Bischoff who leads the Chiefs in goals and points with 14 points, 9 goals, and 5 assists, is also one of Long Island’s leading scorers. Hope Breslin, who is recognized for putting the ball in the back of the net, has scored five goals. Sara Mangliardi is a key player who leads the team with seven assists. The Chiefs have also been fortunate to have two outstanding goal keepers; Cara Gallagher who has 40 saves in seven games and Rebecca White who has 34 saves in six games. Senior Mackenzie Palmer who will be playing Division 1 soccer next fall at Sacred Heart University, has been a four year varsity starter, holding her position as team leader.
Soccer is a sport that goes under the radar, especially girls’ soccer. While the fall season is over shadowed by football and other back to school activities, soccer is not on everyone’s mind. Do not make the mistake of counting out girls’ soccer; they are hunting for a championship and the favor is in their hands. These young ladies can compete with the best of the best, and earn every victory they bring home to Massapequa.
*This article has been amended from it’s original content as printed in the Oct. 22 issue of the Massapequa Observer.
