2004 Preview

Third year Scotch Plains Fanwood Girls’ Soccer coach Kevin Ewing is a strong believer that there is strength in numbers and the resilience of last years’ team accentuated his beliefs. Exhibiting amazing depth and interchangeability of players allowed the Raiders to withstand the loss of six injured starters to continue winning through a rugged schedule on their way to a 13-3-3 season.

And to quote Sonny and Cher “The beat goes on.” On Monday August 23, Ewing welcomed almost 60 girls eager to endure grueling double practice sessions in hopes of making this years’ team. Included among the total were 21 freshmen
With such an abundance of talent Ewing unfortunately had to cut some players, although he admitted that many removed themselves by not showing up at practices.

With nine starters returning it would seem most of this year’s team would be set but the injuries a year ago gave so many extra players a chance to contribute that the team actually has fourteen or fifteen girls who started games a year ago.
Also pushing the veterans are improved members of a strong junior varsity team and several freshmen. With such a set lineup, Ewing does not expect to start five freshmen as he sometimes did last year.

“It was surprising to have five or six key injuries during a difficult part of our schedule and still win most of the games, “
said Ewing. The Raiders’ three losses came against some stellar opposition including Group IV finalist Bridgewater Raritan; top twenty-power Millburn and county finalist Governor Livingston.
“Soccer is a game of skill, endurance and strategy...however a little luck never can hurt. I think we have the ability to do better against those teams but we need to get a little lucky,” said Ewing.

“Our depth pulled us through,” added Ewing.
“ The kids have been playing a lot and have learned to adjust when certain kids go down.”

Although there are some clear standouts on this team like first team all Union County fullback Lauren Perrotta and second team all county midfielders Jenna Balestriere and sophomore Allie Hambleton, Ewing stresses the team’s unity and closeness.

“ There are no stars on this team. Everybody knows this is a team game ,” said Ewing.
“They’re a very close bunch that likes to do almost everything together .” Luckily for the girls the United States Olympic Girls Soccer teams’ semi-final game against Germany and championship match against Brazil were held in between the morning and evening practices so much of the team watched the games together. In the Germany game, the winning goal was scored in overtime by New Jerseyan Heather O’Reilly, who graduated high school in 2003. Another key contributor was another former New Jersey high school star Christine Pearce Rampone .

“It was great watching two New Jersey high school players contribute to the gold medal. They were really excited at practice that night after seeing the team win ,” said Ewing. The coach credits players like Mia Hamm,Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Brandi Chastain and Joy Fawcett for enhancing soccer’s popularity and contributing to the prodigious number of players he has to choose from. Of course, soccers’ overwhelming popularity among girls have made for very few easy games.

Among the tough out of conference games Ewing has scheduled is an away game at O’Reilly’s alma mater East Brunswick High School. “To be the best you have to play against the best ,” said Ewing. And having numbers on your side never hurt either.