5 Predictions for Agoura Girls Soccer This Winter

The winter season is quickly approaching and that means one thing: time for another exciting girls soccer season. Accordingly, it is only appropriate to begin showcasing the program and pointing out its strengths. Although nothing is set in stone, I will be making my predictions for five guarantees for the upcoming season.

The girls varsity soccer team has a brand new head coach, and she will be using her experience and skills in order to progress this young and talented team to the next level. Natasha Capretta will be taking the reins and receiving a very well rounded group of players. A very skilled and knowledgeable Kelly Ross will be assisting Capretta, and both will be focused on getting the team in game shape and ready to start another productive season and playoff run.

Prediction #1: Agoura's soccer program will make it back to the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) southern section playoffs. I know this is a strong statement, especially since the entire Marmonte League is extremely competitive, but the Agoura girls soccer team has a very young and talented squad. A stout defense anchored by Lydia Bowman, Kelsey McLaughlin and Julie Watson; and a strong group of center midfielders led by Natalie Fersht, Taylor C'debaca and Sofia Chambers will make the Chargers tough to beat. If they can stay healthy and compliment each other's individual skills, this will be a given.

Prediction #2: Kelcie Brodsky, senior and first year starter on the varsity team, will record at least six shutouts and 90 saves over the course of tournament and league play. Brodsky dominated at the junior varsity level for three straight years, making numerous saves and propelling the junior varsity squad up the rankings. She is aggressive and relentless on the field and has the tenacity to help lead her team.

Prediction #3: The Agoura soccer program will send at least two players to the first team All-Marmonte League. With a talented arsenal–including Brooke Held, Kinsey McLaughlin, Kelsey Garrison and Maya Aviezer–and a strong, deep bench– including Marissa Horton, Rachel DeLuca, Joely Friedman and Hengameh Kamali–this will be my easiest prediction. With numerous talent and fluidity growing amongst the team, the Chargers have a bright future ahead of them.

Prediction #4: Sofia Chambers, freshman center midfielder, will accumulate at least 10 goals and more than 15 assists this season, including tournament play and playoffs. Chambers is a very versatile player that will be able to move around the entire field to help bolster the Chargers squad. Her athletic and tenacious play will be a nice addition to a sometimes soft and finesse offense. 

Prediction #5: Natasha Capretta will be in the running for 'coach of the year' for the Marmonte League. She is not only knowledgeable and talented, but she demands the respect of her players, and as a result, they look up to her as a role model and leader. Capretta has her goals set on big things for her team this year and has implemented a very strong and sound coaching staff to assist her in achieving her goals. Kelly Ross, former Agoura and CSUN player, has the technique and skill set to help take the team to the next level. Capretta has also implemented a strength and conditioning program formulated by her brother Ryan Capretta, and run by Andy Campbell, intended to increase endurance and help prevent injury.

The Agoura girls varsity soccer squad has the talent, athleticism and support. Now they just need to stay focused and healthy throughout the arduous season. The sky's the limit for this talented group, and I look forward to watching all five of my predictions come true this season.