The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School girls’ soccer program has historically overcome obstacles to produce teams that are highly successful year after year. In spite of the loss of some key personnel, the Bulldogs should be at the top of their game again in 2022.
As to the offense, RFH will be dealing with the graduation of Katie Aglione (16 goals, five assists) and Sam Cesario (10 goals, eight assists). In fact, the departed senior class accounted for 76 percent of the scoreboard production last season. Clearly, there is a challenge to replace those numbers.
However, this year’s squad will still feature several players who have a penchant for finding a gap in the net. Expected to lead on offense are Cameron Hughes (Sr. F), Kiera Schaefer (Sr. F), Lexi Steets (Sr. M), Janey Sypeck (Sr. M), Ella Mason (Jr. F), Arielle Morris (Jr. M), Paige West (Jr. M) and Brooke Lucci (So. F).
The team appears solid in the backfield as well. Defenders who should see plenty of action are Payton Haley (Sr. D), Meghan Reid (Sr. D), Carter Frick (Jr. D), Ellie Mee (Jr. D) and Kate Hennen (Jr. D). Reid was named to the Shore Conference Coaches A Central All Division squad last year.
Two-year starting goalie Eva Kalman, who recorded 119 saves in 2021, has also graduated. Vying to fill that void will be juniors Katie Walls and Anna Marshall.
Fifth-year Head Coach Megan Rizzitello considers Shore, Holmdel and Red Bank Catholic key opponents.
“We are looking to be competitive in the challenging A Central Division and throughout the Shore Conference,” Rizzitello said.
The Bulldogs posted a record of 11-6-1 last fall and have gone 36-13-2 over the past three years. The program captured the NJSIAA Central East B Championship in 2020.
If you liked this article, then please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
