Long Island girls soccer: These 10 seniors are game-changers
Connetquot goalie Emily Anderson makes a save in the second half during a Suffolk Class AAA girls soccer playoff game againstNorthport on Oct. 25, 2023, at Connetquot. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Goals may decide games, but they don’t tell the full story. Some of the most impactful girls soccer players across Long Island aren’t just the ones filling up the scoreboard — it’s the goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders who make the decisive plays that don’t always show up in the box score.
Here is a list of 10 seniors who will have a significant impact on their team’s outcomes, despite not being the leading scorers.
Emily Anderson, Connetquot, GK
The Newsday second-team All-Long Island selection and Loyola commit had seven shutouts and made 93 saves to lead Connetquot to the postseason last year.
“As a goalkeeper, it’s kind of our responsibility to direct everybody," Anderson said. "I think being vocal is one of the biggest parts to being a goalie.”
Coach Ryan Cavanagh said of Anderson, "Emily changes games with her goalkeeping. Time and again, she comes up with the crucial saves in pressure moments that swing momentum in our favor. She may not score goals, but the saves she makes are every bit as valuable to determining the result."
Katelyn Baudo, Wantagh, D
Katelyn Baudo of Wantagh. Credit: Dawn McCormick
The four-year varsity starter was named the Nassau Conference AB-I defensive player of the year and helped lead Wantagh to its first county title.
“Her calm, cool, and collected attitude and play during the most stressful times in the game is something not many athletes have,” coach James Polo said. “Her ability to read the play and be in crucial spots has helped the team out numerous times."
Briana Ciccone, Garden City, D/M
Briana Ciccone of Garden City. Credit: David Meisenholder
Defensive midfielders like Ciccone shape games before chances even develop. The Hofstra commit had a goal and five assists last season, but her true value came in controlling the pace of play for the defending Nassau Class AA champions.
“It’s always been my mentality that every time I step onto the field, I try to be an impact player,” Ciccone said. “The goals didn’t matter as much to me as it does trying to help my team win.”
Siena Cummo, Syosset, M/D
Siena Cummo of Syosset. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
The center midfielder and center back brings energy, grit, and a team-first attitude.
"Siena is the heart and soul of our team,” coach Tyler Arnone said. “She might not be the one filling up the stat sheet every night, but make no mistake — we don’t win without her.”
Krista Deutsch, East Islip, D
East Islip coach Ben Diallo describes Deutsch as the commanding force of the team, thanks to her aggressiveness and soccer IQ.
“The most important thing to me is giving 100% of myself every time I step on the field,” the Wagner College commit said. “I always hope that the energy I bring can spread to the rest of the group and give us that boost to win.”
Maeve Gayer, Eastport-South Manor, GK
The five-year starter and Air Force commit is an elite athlete and helped lead the Sharks to the Suffolk Class AA final with 11 shutouts in a 16-3 season.
“Maeve is an exceptionally confident goalkeeper, and her assurances foster trust within the entire team,” coach David Flaherty said. “The confidence is especially evident when she takes charge of directing the defense. Her skill in organizing and guiding defensive positioning has a significant impact on the team’s overall structure across the field. Additionally, her ability to make crucial saves at key moments can be just as energizing to the team as scoring a goal.”
Isabel Guerrero, North Shore, M
She had nine assists as an elite passer, helping North Shore reach the Nassau Class A final.
“Isa has a great eye on the field to find combination plays to create scoring opportunities for her teammates,” coach Jaden Galluzzo said. “Overall, Isa is a smart, unselfish player who makes everyone around her better. She is a true center midfielder.”
Taylor Mileti, Hauppauge, GK
The Buffalo commit and five-year varsity starter had six shutouts to lead Hauppauge to the postseason.
“Not every impact shows up on the scoresheet,” coach Lauren Kinsey said. “Players like Taylor change games with their presence — whether it’s making a stunning save that keeps us in the game, leading our back line or giving our team the confidence to play faster, harder and smarter with her effort.”
Caroline Roche, St. Anthony’s, M
St. Anthony's Caroline Roche, left. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Roche wasn’t a top contributor on the stat sheet, but she was a crucial piece to St. Anthony’s winning its third state title over the last four years.
“Playing as a defensive center midfielder is a tough job and she performed exceptionally well throughout the season that ultimately ended with a state title,” coach Scott Carey said. “She is fearless and relentless, which makes playing against her unpleasantly tough.”
Mia Savarese, Sachem North, D
Sachem North's Mia Savarese, right. Credit: Bob Sorensen
As one of the top pure defenders on Long Island, the Division I Mercer commit frustrates top scorers consistently. She helped Sachem North make the postseason before losing to eventual state champion Ward Melville.
“Mia is one of the most versatile players I’ve ever coached,” coach Zach Metz said. “She can step in and excel at any position on the field, and while her stats may not always tell the full story, her impact on winning is undeniable.”
