Verona United Soccer Club Fall Season

Verona United Soccer Club had yet another great season this year, ending with many teams placing pretty high in their respective leagues. However, three of these teams placed in the top three from their leagues. They were: the U11 girls Scott team, the U13 girls DiNatale team, and the U15 girls Romanyshyn team.

The U11 girls team, coached by Mandy Scott, did amazingly this season. Mrs. Scott was assisted by Pete Romanyshyn, and the girls were trained by Donato Curci, a Red Bulls trainer. Their team roster contained players Brooke Dacey, Claire Hessler, Ella O’Donnell, Ella Prieto, Ally Romanyshyn, Natalia Ross, Maddy Scott, Vicky Sluk, Emma Smith, Addie Walker, and Michaela Zimany. Their coach, Ms. Scott said about the team, “This team of 11 girls is very unique and special. They have played together as a team since they started soccer 6 years ago and define the true definition of team. They support and encourage each other on and off the field as players and friends. They don’t care who scores or what position they play. They realize, even at this young age, that every position and player matters on a team. Individually, they have amazing skill and talent, but together as a team, they make greatness. They celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up when needed. Over the years, they have excelled and placed in the top of A-flight. However, this season was truly memorable and remarkable. 10-0 undefeated season, 27 goals for, 7 goals against. I couldn’t tell you who scored the goals, and we don’t keep stats on our goals because it doesn’t matter. We don’t have one stand out player; we have 11 stand-out players that make a team. The love, trust, and support these girls have for each other is why they succeed. To win the season in a championship game played under the lights on a Friday night at Centennial Field, with double overtime and a penalty shoot-out, was a storybook ending the team, and I will remember forever. I’m lucky to coach this amazing team and watch them grow as players and women.” Three of their players, Brooke Dacey, Ella O’Donnell, and Maddy Scott summarized their fantastic season. Brooke said, “I had so much fun this season, and I think we all grew as players and as a team. This season was so memorable, and I will never forget it.” Ella added, “When one of us scores a goal, we celebrate as a team. Each of my teammates are so nice and kind and are amazing soccer players.” Finally, Maddy said, “I love being a part of this team. Everyone supports each other, and we have been together for so many years. It was exciting to be undefeated and win a championship game with all of our fans watching us.” It is obvious that the U11 girls had a really special season, so congratulations to them!

The U13 girls team was coached by Charlene DiNitale. Their team roster was as follows: Giada Contorno, Stella DiNatale, Reese Falcone, Emerson Garrett, Sarah Griffin, Sienna Griffin, Alexa LeBosquet, Marley McDevitt, Noella Newman, Lily Petruzzi, Valentina Rizzi, Jamie Rosenbloom, Riley Stocker, and Ava Tsettos. The team’s amazing season was summarized by their players Emerson Garrett, Reese Falcone, and Stella DiNatale. When asked about her season, Emerson said, “Placing in the top 3 is a huge accomplishment for us as a team. Even though this season was not the most predictable, we worked through it and played an awesome season together. I have to say thank you to all the coaches who dedicated their time in order for us to succeed in the end.” Reese Falcone commented on her team’s perseverance, “The U-13 soccer team does not give up. We win together, we lose together, but most of all, we play hard together. Everyone has great teamwork, and we are always there for each other. We always look forward to seeing each other, and that makes us want to play even harder since we are with our friends.” On the topic of her team’s amazing teamwork, Stella added, “This season was very interesting! We’ve had our ups and downs, but we got through that together as friends and as teammates. Spending time with my teammates this season made me so happy because every practice was enjoyable and fun, especially the practices that day after we played a league game. This has been a really weird year, but being able to have a soccer season and play together made it so much better!” Their team manager, Mrs. DiNatale told us, “This has been a crazy time in all of our lives, and we as coaches were so grateful that the girls were able to have some kind of normalcy and play a complete soccer season! Our girls worked so hard this season to better themselves as players. It is a joy to watch them play together on the field and to see them encourage and support one another.” Congratulations to the U13 girls on their fantastic season!

The U15 girls team was coached by Pete Romanyshyn. The team featured players Kelly Barrow, Emma Bermingham, Kylie Conklin, Julia Dacey, Giada DeLorenzo, Sydney Fradette, Hayden Garrett, Isabelle Heimerle, Sophia Hippe, Belle Lambert, Reece Luftglass, Sadie McMahan, Kaitlyn Pietrucha, Mia Rodriguez, Abby Romanyshyn, Ella Romanyshyn, and Ella Scipione. They went their season in the B flight with a 6-4 record and ended up in 3rd place. Hayden Garrett, Sydney Fradette, Reece Luftglass, Kaitlyn Pietrucha, and Sadie McMahan summarized their outstanding season. Hayden said, “Our team did really well this season. Even when we lost a few games, we always worked our hardest at our next practice to win the following game. I am so glad of our results this year.” In addition, Sydney said, “Win or lose, we always worked together as a team. We had a great season.” Reece added, “Even though the soccer season was different due to COVID, I am grateful that we got the opportunity to play. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend playing my favorite sport with my friends.” When asked about her season, Kaitlyn responded, “Although this season was different than most, as a team, we were able to communicate and work well with each other.” Sadie contributed, “I think that for this season, even though we got third, we had our most fun. It was our last fall season together before high school, so we weren’t really focused as much on winning, as much as we were focused on the enjoyment of the sport.” Finally, Mr. Romanyshyn added, “The girls had an amazing season. As the season progressed, not only did each girl grow individually as a player, but the team as a whole really started to come together. The girls work hard every day and are very supportive of their teammates. They are an absolute pleasure to coach, and I look forward to another great season in the spring.” Congratulations to the U15 girls on their impressive team!

Congratulations to these three teams, coaches, and students, as well as all of Verona United Soccer Club’s players and coaches for amazing seasons!