Ridgewood Girls Soccer No. 11 in Preseason Rankings

Ridgewood just missed the top ten on The Record's preseason list of North Jersey's top 25 girls soccer teams in 2012-2013.

The team is looking to best last year's underwhelming effort with young strikers and a new defensive scheme.

In 2011, Ridgewood was knocked out of the first round of the state tourney by West Orange, finishing the year under .500 at 8-9-3.

The Lady Maroons must replace several important players – notably captains Courtney Tarleton, a midfielder, and Ashley Davidson, a defenseman. Other holes are left by the departure of Kaitlin Concilio and Andina Toscano.

Still, there is talent on the roster.

All-conference junior goaltender Olivia Shaw returns between the pipes.

The Record also reported that the defensive scheme will be re-tooled in 2012. Opponents knocked back five goals or more on four occasions in 2011.

New assistant coach Jackie Hurley (a class of 2006 grad) has been tasked by Coach Jeff Yearing to make changes.

Junior Devon Maltz, a 2nd team All-County selection last year, figures to be a key player in the transformation.

The offense shouldn't lack for firepower in 2012 with the return of two juniors – Kelly McBrearty (22 points) and All-State selection Darby Kiernan (23 points). Sophomore Beth Zrike (13 pts) should get her opportunities as well.

The team opens a brutal schedule with Northern Highlands in Allendale on Sept. 7. The Lady Maroons will play Ramapo, Paramus, IHA and Northern Highlands two times each on the year.

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