Girls Soccer Scores Playoff Spot with Teamwork and Grit

The team huddles up to celebrate their win against New Utrecht on September 30. *Photo: Katherine Omari*

By ERISA MANI

Erisa Mani is a striker on the team.

The Girls Varsity Soccer team’s season came to an unfortunate end on October 28 at Randalls Island, where they were knocked out of the second round of the playoffs by Bronx Science 9-0.

Despite 16 saves from goalkeeper Hazel Rosales ‘27, the team’s efforts fell short as the Bronx powerhouse scored five goals in the first half and another four in the second, overwhelming the hardworking Hornets.

Still, the girls have a lot to be proud of as they kicked through several rough patches this season to finish with a record of 6-4, adding an intense 1-0 win against Bayside in their first playoff round in Queens.

“The team always had good chemistry, but this year felt like no other,” said senior Oryan Rosenberger, one of the captains. “I’ve seen the team through four years of friendships and bonds, but during this past season, the girls had such respect and care for each other that on the field they flowed so well.”

As the 17th seed, Midwood had to face off against Bayside in a hectic match of constant effort. Both teams were on similar skill levels, and the Hornets were playing without one of their stars, center midfielder Beatrix Milledge ‘28, who had 12 goals and three assists during the regular season.

“I felt sad that I wasn’t able to make the playoffs,” she said. “But I’m glad I was there for the next game.”

The Bayside matchup started off slow. Girls were rushing up and down the field and a couple of the players took close-range shots that struck the crossbar and corners of the goal. Despite the many passes and tackles called, neither team scored in the initial 40 minutes.

“There's always room for improvement, whether it's conditioning, shooting, foot work, or communication,” said Ms. Kendra Lane, the team’s coach. “I think we could be better in all areas.”

Throughout the second half, it was much of the same, with goalkeepers diving to protect the net.

“I was 1,000% nervous,” Rosales said. “But honestly, I had too many thoughts going on, so I used the ‘goldfish method’ where I forget everything and just play the sport I love, whether we win or lose.”

After a full 90 minutes of no scoring, the girls were put into Golden Ball overtime with two ten minute halves, meaning the first ball to make it into the goal would secure the win. Players sprinted around the field, pushing toward the opposing team’s goal, yet no shots hit the net during the defensive stand-off.

Eventually, after 110 minutes, the girls headed into a penalty shoot-out for the first time in years. One after the other, each Hornet put their all into their shot. When sophomore Amra Pjetrovic’s attempt fell just short, Bayside’s confused boys soccer and football teams ran onto the field, cheering loudly. However, they quickly realized that Bayside still needed to make their penalty shot after the miss in order to win.

Once the referees removed the boys from the field, Bayside’s kicker and Rosales squared off, with each girl holding her breath. Rosales executed a diving save, extending her hands to just barely deflect the winning goal, and the Midwood girls celebrated before forging on, not giving up hope just yet.

“It always feels good to watch a team really come together and help each other,” said Ms. Lane. “That's always the goal every season, and this year we finally made all the pieces work.”

After the Hornets scored and Bayside missed, launching the ball up and over the crossbar, the next shot put potential victory in Midwood’s hands. Center midfielder Soraya Sheikh ‘29 stepped up, capping her first year on the team. Sheikh’s kick sailed straight for the center of the goal, fooling Bayside’s goalie, who dived to the right and missed.

As the Hornets latched on to the win, Sheikh stood there stunned. “It didn’t really register in my mind, but I was obviously really happy,” she said.

Captain Sarah Vidal ‘26 said, “It feels really good knowing all of our combined hard work paid off and that all the hours and sacrifices made were worth it.”

After finishing 3-7 in 2024-2025, the girls stepped up their game this year, and it showed.

The season began with a 2-0 win against James Madison on September 10, followed by a frantic match against FDR on September 16 in which the team fought hard but ended up losing 4-3. Shortly after, the Hornets bounced back against Murrow on September 22 with a 1-0 win.

In a three game winning streak, the girls dominated New Utrecht, John Dewey, and Graphics Campus, scoring 22 goals over the stretch while only giving up one. Samantha Ragone, a junior right winger, said, “I feel like our team has been working up to this for the past three seasons and everyone has been really dedicated, so it was nice to see that commitment pay off.”

Right before the playoffs, the team hosted their Think Pink game against Murrow on October 9 to help raise money for breast cancer awareness, taking home a 3-1 victory.

“I’ve built so many incredible bonds through this sport, and knowing it’s my last season makes me even more determined to give it everything I’ve got and leave a lasting impact,” said Yu Ting “Maddie” Pan ‘26, a left winger. “This team isn’t just special, it's a beautiful, hilarious mess that I’ll never forget.”

“I was beyond happy to be this year's captain,” Francesca Goodwin ‘26 said. “Being a four year player, I always looked up to the upperclassmen who were my captains, and I'm glad that I had the chance to offer the same guidance and support to my teammates.”

If the squad continues on this path, they look set for a promising future. “I feel like we got a little taste of success, and we like it,” said Ms. Lane. “I'd love a repeat next year, if not a second round win.”