Newsday's All-Long Island girls soccer team 2014
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
KERI CAVALLO
Long Island Player of the Year
South Side, F, Sr.
Keri Cavallo can read a defense just as easily as she can solve a complicated calculus problem. For that reason, she’ll be playing soccer and studying at Yale University. Cavallo is Newsday’s Player of the Year after scoring 18 goals and adding 10 assists in leading the Cyclones to the state championship game. “Her foot skills match her speed of play and decision making, which allows her to take advantage of her opponents,’’ Cyclones coach Shannon McEntee said. Cavallo, a three-time All-Long Island selection, headed in the winning goal off a corner kick in overtime against Shoreham-Wading River in the Long Island championship. She also scored the lone goal in the state semifinal win against Mendon.
As a cerebral player with phenomenal technical skill and field vision, she is able to create space and transition quickly with the ball. “I’m not as physical as some players,’’ Cavallo said. “A lot of my coaches have said that I’m smart at reading the game. That helps me in many ways and I use it to my advantage.’’ Smart move.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
KATIE O'CONNOR
Suffolk Player of the Year
Ward Melville, F, Sr.
Katie O’Connor ends every text message with an exclamation point. It’s indicative of her positive, enthusiastic, caring nature. “You’d never know she was such a fierce competitor,” Ward Melville coach John Diehl said. With a perfect blend of skill and game knowledge, and armed with a powerful shot and tremendous foot skills, O’Connor led Suffolk Class AA with 32 points. She tallied 20 goals and 12 assists, which tied for second- most in Long Island, while leading the Patriots to a league title and the second-seed in the playoffs. The Duquesne University-bound striker was also named an All-American. She finished her career with an exclamation point.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
JENNIFER BUONCORE
Kings Park, F, Sr.
The Hofstra-bound striker, featuring a formidable combination of size and speed, gets even quicker with the ball. Recorded 12 goals and eight assists this season to finish her four-year career with 40 goals and 20 assists.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
ALICIA D'AOUST
Smithtown West, F, Sr.
With tremendous speed, foot skills, and striking ability, the freshman recorded 12 goals and five assists, while brining Smithtown West to within one victory of its first county title since the district split into two schools.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
HOLLY HABYAN
St. John the Baptist, MF, Sr.
Named CHSAA Player of the Year after tallying four goals and three assists and leading the Cougars to the league final. The Fairfield-bound playmaker makes those around her better with her passing ability and foot skills.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
MACKENZIE KOBER
St. Anthony's, F, Sr.
Technical player who can finish, create, and cover a lot of ground in the midfield. Tallied seven goals and 12 assists while helping lead the Friars to a state championship. Headed to William and Mary.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
KRISTA LEDINS
Port Washington, D/MF, Sr.
A versatile workhorse who plays anywhere on the field. Recorded one goal and two assists, but controlled the backline, won 50-of-50 balls, and was a threat up top with her speed and crossing skills. Bound for Drexel.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
MEGHAN MCCABE
Massapequa, D, Sr.
Anchored defense that didn’t allow a goal in six postseason games en route to state title. She was a threat on restarts, having scored six goals, including the winner in the state title game.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
ARIANNA MONTEFUSCO
MacArthur, F, Jr.
With a powerful shot and the ability to beat multiple defenders, the striker recorded 12 goals -- tied for the most in Nassau AA-I, the top ability based conference -- while guiding the Generals to the Class AA semifinals.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
JESSICA O'SHAUGHNESSY
Sayville, M, Sr.
A distributor who uses both feet well, possesses a strong shot, and wins balls in the air. Bound for the University of Evansville, she recorded two goals and four assists while leading Sayville to the county championship game.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
DANA SCHERIFF
North Babylon, F, Sr.
Scored off headers, on liners and around multiple defenders. Had 23 goals, which was second-most in Long Island, and broke the Bulldogs’ single-season record. She also had seven assists, and scored eight game-winning goals.
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
NICCOLA VENEZIA
St. Anthony's, M, Sr.
The engine of the state champions. The University of Miami-bound playmaker, who had two goals and nine assists, was a master at maintaining possession and creating opportunities for teammates. Often set up her sister Francesca, who had 19 goals.
Credit: James Escher
BRUCE STEGNER
Nassau Coach of the Year
Massapequa
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
ALLYSON WOLFF
Suffolk Coach of the Year
Port Jefferson