Midland Park celebrates after defeating Saddle Brook 6-1 to win the NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 girls soccer semifinal between Midland Park and Saddle Brook at Midland Park High School in Midland Park, NJ on 11-7-18.
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
NORTH 1 / GROUP 1
Hawthorne
Brianna Andreoli was a sensation a year ago, scoring 31 goals for Hawthorne. This team is going to pack a punch again in 2019 with her back in the mix along with forwards Alejandra Castillo and Ruby Conroy. The defense will be anchored by either Rebecca Reilly or Gabriella Del Valle. Both goalkeepers should they were capable a year ago and no matter who’s in net, Hawthorne will be in good shape.
Midland Park
The defending sectional champion lost some of its offensive firepower from last fall. Midland Park does bring back forward Victoria Vado, however, along midfielder Shae Minicucci and defender Alyssa Genao. All-conference keeper Michelle Mecca is also back in the mix after making 152 saves a year ago.
Saddle Brook
Ashley Georgevich is back after scoring 49 times as a junior and she leads on offense that is also powered by forward Anna Memija and midfielder Mia Lopez. Georgevich’s twin sister, Alexis, will be back in net this fall and the senior will anchor a defense that brings back Kylie Artemisio and Tyana Governali. Saddle Brook came up short of winning a title a year ago, but the Bergen County squad has all the pieces to make a run at a ring now.
NORTH 2 GROUP 1
Secaucus
Midfielder Damaris Rodriguez and goalkeeper Mackenzie Szabo played leading roles a year ago as Secaucus turned heads and made a run to the sectional semifinals. Those two players will be part of the foundation again for the Patriots along with Joan Banks.
NORTH 2 GROUP 2
Lyndhurst
Northeastern commit Kaydee Yallo returns for Lyndhurst and the junior will be one of the balanced offensive players back in the state. Yallo proved she could score herself or set up her teammates when going on the attack. Senior Karlee Yallo also comes back Lyndhurst and gives the Bergen County squad a strong duo in the midfield. Gia Estrella and Maggie Fodera return on defense and will be the leaders early on as Lyndhurst breaks in a new goalkeeper.
Rutherford
This is another team that will be on a mission after falling in the sectional semifinals a year ago. Seniors Gabby Centurion, Isabel Andler, Jen Netelkos and Regina Maslag are all back for the Bergen County program. That cast gives Rutherford a seasoned veteran on all levels and that experience will be key in 2019. This team lost by a goal in the semis last fall and Rutherford is itching to get back there, with a chance to take another step forward in its title pursuit.
