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2003 All-Long Island Girls Soccer

All-Long Island Girls Soccer, 2003 (Photo by Joseph D. Sullivan / )

A look at the girls soccer players who stood out on Long Island high school varsity squads in the fall of 2003.

BRANDI DANIELS
Harborfields, Goalkeeper, Senior
Daniels grew an inch this season, up to 5-11, making her that much more tough to score against. Regarded as one of the top keepers in the state, Daniels has drawn interest from several Division I programs ranked in the Top 25. A returning All-Long Island selection, Daniels had 11 shutouts this year and 39 in her career. Daniels made more than 800 saves in four years.

SUSIE GUMIELA
Clarke, Defender, Junior
The four-year starter and first-time captain played sweeper all season and was consistent throughout. "Rock solid," retiring coach Dan Deegan said. The fact that she's considered a top defender without having a signature game speaks to Gumiela's steady play. Gumiela was surrounded by three new defenders and a new goalkeeper, but she brought everyone together as Clarke moved up to Conference II and reached the Nassau Class A semifinals.

LAUREN KOPPEL
South Side, Forward, Junior
Already a two-time Nassau Class A champion, Lauren Koppel asserted herself this season en route to her third straight title. With a devastatingly accurate foot, Koppel scored six goals in the playoffs as South Side earned another Long Island championship. Koppel is a gifted athlete with the speed and strength to make a difference on the front line. She scored 13 goals and had four assists as the Cyclones reached the state Class A Final Four. Koppel also had eight goals and eight assists as a sophomore.

JESSICA LASOTA
Massapequa, Goalkeeper, Senior
Mononucleosis is no fun. Neither is stopping 20 shots for a shutout in the first game back after that energy-zapping illness. But LaSota handled it well, with shutouts in her next two starts, and eight overall. With LaSota in net, Massapequa allowed one goal in the playoffs en route to the Long Island Class AA championship, the first for the school in five years. LaSota gave up only four goals in 13 games this season.

ALLIE LONG
Northport, Midfielder, Junior
Long bounced back from an off year as a sophomore to become one of the best midfielders in Suffolk. She was the third leading scorer 13 goals and 10 assists on a Northport team that went 17-0-1 before losing to Whitman in the Suffolk Class AA semifinals. Long, a three-year starter, has excellent vision, great technical skills and a deft touch. Combined with her height, Long casts an imposing figure in the midfield.

BRYNN MCGRATH
St. Anthony's, Midfielder, Junior
There was no such thing as a bad game for McGrath. She controlled the midfield and totaled three goals and 16 assists as the undefeated Friars (19-0) won their third straight state CHSAA title. McGrath sat out every league game last season after transferring from Sacred Heart. Eligible this season, McGrath made the most of her time and talent. She is sorting though several Division I offers.

LORRAINE QUINN