Newsday's Top 100 Long Island girls soccer players for 2024

Newsday's annual look at the top Long Island high school girls soccer players across public and private schools, listed in alphabetical order. (All statistics are from last season unless otherwise noted.)

Madison Abi Aoun, West Hempstead, M, Sr.

She had 14 goals and nine assists  and is a focal point in every aspect for West Hempstead. She has the speed, striking ability and field vision to create for herself and others.

Alexandra Aievoli, Calhoun, M, Sr.

The athletic midfielder is crucial to Calhoun’s defensive game. She tallied three goals.

Jess Alessi, Syosset, D/M, Sr.

Alessi will be vital to the success of Syosset's defense. The Cornell commit had two goals and two assists.

Leila Anazagasty-Pursoo, St. John the Baptist, D, Sr.

Named the CHSAA defensive player of the year, she captained the Cougars  to a 6-3-4 record. She added three goals and two assists,  and highlights a team with 13 returning seniors.

Emily Anderson, Connetquot, GK, Jr.

She faced 100 shots as a sophomore and allowed just eight goals. The junior is one of the best goalkeepers in Suffolk and spent time in the national team pool, designed to scout the best youth players in the country.

Julianne Arcoleo, West Islip, M, Jr.

After missing six games due to injury, Arcoleo will look to defend West Islip’s League II regular-season title after losing in the semifinals. She is committed to Columbia.

Alexa Baek, Syosset, F, Sr.

She scored 10 goals, including at least one in each of the final four games as Syosset reached the Nassau Class AAA final. Baek is committed to play lacrosse at Iona.

Molly Bagatta, Sacred Heart, D/M, Sr.

Bagatta brings versatility to a defending state championship team without many holes. Coach Gabe Ramos said the senior has the “ability to create scoring opportunities with her movement and technical abilities.”

Caitlin Barry, MacArthur, D, Sr.

The four-year starter is the anchor of the defense and isn’t afraid to challenge the top offensive threats. She has elite speed and endurance and has led the team in minutes in each of the last two seasons.

Jordana Bello, Calhoun, F, Sr.

She had 13 goals and three assists, including four multi-goal games. Bello is committed to play at Seton Hall.

Chloe Benik, Garden City, M, Sr.

Benik is Nassau’s only returning first team All-Long Island selection. She had 11 goals and four assists and played a key role for the Nassau Class AA finalists. Benik is committed to play at Cornell.

Jenna Biondo, North Babylon, M, Sr.

The four-year starter had 15 goals and five assists, including scoring twice in a playoff win over Lindenhurst. She has an elite first touch and offensive awareness, which has resulted in 38 goals and 16 assists in her three varsity seasons.

Lauren Black, Floral Park, M, Sr.

The five-year starter uses her creativity and skill in the midfield to create offense. Coach Kurt Rogers called her “the engine that makes Floral Park run.” Black is committed to play at Rider.

Olivia Bozzo, Smithtown East, F/M, Sr.

The Syracuse commit scored the winning goal for Smithtown East in the Class AAA semifinal against Commack. Her 29 points (22 goals, seven assists) were the fourth-most on Long Island.

Amelia Brite, Commack, M, Sr.

Despite being a defensive midfielder, the four-year starter scored six goals and added two assists for the Cougars. Coach Joe Brandofino said the strength of the team is in the middle, and Brite is the reason why.

Daniella Cairo, Oceanside, D, Sr.

The dynamic defender is a key to creating offense with her passing ability and soccer IQ to start the transition. She’s committed to play at Holy Cross.

Bella Calabro, MacArthur, M, Sr.

Calabro has been one of the best midfielders on Long Island, shining in the team’s semifinal loss to county champion South Side. The Seton Hall commit had four goals and four assists, with coach Steve Costello describing her as “tough and relentless.”

Juliana Cerasi, Wantagh, M, Sr.

Few provided more defensive help than Cerasi, with elite control in the middle of the field. Coach James Polo called her “the nucleus on the field.” She is committed to play lacrosse at James Madison.

Briana Ciccone, Garden City, D/M, Jr.

She had three goals and five assists and played every field position for a deep Garden City team. That versatility helps make her a matchup problem.

Mia Claro, Kellenberg, M, Jr.

Other Catholic schools are all too familiar with facing Claro, who led the CHSAA with 19 points (11 goals and eight assists).

Kaylie Conklin, Seaford, F, Jr.

She had 12 goals, including three in the Nassau Class A semifinals.

Sienna Connolly, South Side, M, Sr.

The four-year varsity player is a strong and athletic midfielder who is a game-changer at both ends of the field. Connolly is committed to play lacrosse at Northwestern, and her athleticism translates to the pitch.

Maddie Costello, Ward Melville, M/F, Sr.

The Newsday All-Long Island first-team selection is among the best players on Long Island, playing a major role in Ward Melville’s state title defense last fall. The Clemson commit has participated in the national team pool and highlights coach John Diehl’s squad of 14 seniors.

Ally Cullingford, Seaford, M, Jr.

She missed much of last season with an injury, but Cullingford had eight goals and two assists as a freshman when Seaford won the Long Island Class B championship.

Laila Daly, Glenn, M, Jr.

If you can find space, chances are Daly can find you. Her 11 assists and four goals support coach Tom Stabile’s praise for the junior midfielder as an “all-around" talent. 

Brooke Delzatto, Lindenhurst, G, Sr.

Delzatto, a Palm Beach Atlantic commit,  is one of the best goalkeepers in the state. Coach Charlie Brostowski said he’s a “firm believer” that good teams need great goalkeepers, and Lindenhurst should has one in Delzatto.

Sophie Denson, Commack, M, Jr.

Denson’s talent at center back is a big reason why Commack posted 11 shutouts. The junior is a three-year varsity player and will look to lead Commack back to the No. 1 seed after being eliminated in the Class AAA semifinals.

Krista Deutsch, East Islip, D, Jr.

Deutsch has been the backbone of East Islip’s defense since she was an eighth-grader. She had seven goals and three assists as a sophomore.

Ireland Devine, St. John the Baptist, GK, Sr.

Devine had six shutouts and 70 saves. Coach Shannon Keenan praised the Sacred Heart commit’s distribution and reliable feet

Madison DiBartolo, Commack, M, Jr.

DiBartolo’s versatility gets maximized each week. Coach Joe Brandofino said the junior — who scored three goals and had one assist — played almost every position.

Gracie DiPalo, Eastport-South Manor, F, Sr.

Coach Rebecca Thorn calls DiPalo the team’s “go-to player on offense,” and her eight goals reflect that. Thorn said the Mercy commit usually will attract an opposing team’s best defender.

Brooke Doreste, South Side, M, Jr.

The three-year varsity player has great vision and can read the field from the midfield. She is integral in South Side’s transition.

Elliana Dos Santos, St. Anthony’s, M/F, Sr.

Versatility is a valued trait, and coach Scott Carey knows he can rely on Dos Santos regardless of where he plays her. The two-year starter totaled four goals and four assists.

Amira Elrington-Edwards, Elmont, M, Sr.

She had five goals and an assist despite facing constant additional defensive pressure. As a sophomore, she ranked 10th on Long Island in points with 23 (14 goals, nine assists). She has elite speed to separate from defenders to create plays.

Jennah Farooki, East Meadow, GK, Sr.

She saved 92.4% of shots faced (97-for-105).  Farooki is also a vocal leader  and integral to everything East Meadow does on defense.

Abigayle Finkelstein, Bellmore JFK, D, Sr.

She has played every minute over her first three seasons and has become the anchor of the backline. She can start the offense from the opposite side of the field.

Paulina Fonfara, Glen Cove, M/F, Sr.

She had 16 goals despite seeing constant double and triple teams. She’s led Glen Cove in scoring in each of the last three seasons.

Samantha Fuentes, Copiague, M, Sr.

Entering her sixth varsity season, Fuentes has led Copiague in both goals and assists the past three years. She had eight goals and seven assists last season. .

Quinci Gallagher, St. Anthony’s, M/F, Sr.

The Florida Southern commit had six goals and seven assists.  Coach Scott Carey called her “very reliable and consistent.”

Maeve Gayer, Eastport-South Manor, GK, Jr.

The junior — who kept six clean sheets in 2023 — enters her fifth varsity season since joining as a seventh-grader. Coach Rebecca Thorn praised Gayer’s vocal leadership, calling her “fearless.”

Ava Gengler, Shoreham-Wading River, M/F, Sr.

An ACL tear sidelined Gengler for 2023 after logging 23 points — 13 goals, 10 assists — as a sophomore. Coach Adrian Gilmore praised her vision and passing, calling her “crucial in orchestrating the team’s attack.”

Ghita Haouzi, Half Hollow Hills West, F, Sr.

Coach Tim Harrigan called Haouzi a “dominant scorer and leader.” The Youngstown State commit had 10 goals and eight assists, helping the Colts reach the Suffolk Class AA final. Haouzi also scored the winning goal in the semifinals off a 30-yard free kick.

Emma Heaney, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, F, Sr.

She led the Hawks with seven goals and five assists. The 6-1 Heaney is committed to play basketball at Lafayette, and she is also a star on the flag football field.

Molly Hiney, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

She helped the Friars keep a clean sheet throughout  the regular season, not allowing a goal until the CHSAA championship game. Committed to play lacrosse at Johns Hopkins, coach Scott Carey described her as “the brick that holds the back line together.”

Jadyn Hsu, Bethpage, F, Sr.

The Hofstra commit had 12 goals and two assists. Hsu, entering her fifth season on varsity, helped Bethpage to a third-place finish in the regular season.

Hannah Hui, Great Neck South, M, Jr.

Her 12 assists set a school record, according to coach William Neville. Her elite passing ability combined with the ability to score (15 goals) makes her one of the toughest matchups on Long Island.

Megan Jasinski, Cold Spring Harbor, F, Sr.

Her 13 goals and three assists led Cold Spring Harbor to a 7-4-3 record. Jasinski is one of eight returning starters as the Seahawks move down to Nassau Class B.

Maddy Jelloe, Portledge, GK, Sr.

The Colgate commit is one of nine returning starters as Portledge searches for its ninth PSAA championship in the last 12 years. Jelloe boasted a .979 save percentage as the Panthers went 13-4-1.

Olivia Jungkunst, Kellenberg, F, Sr.

Not only did Jungkunst start every game for Kellenberg, but also she played every minute. The senior captain and Hofstra commit had four goals and four assists.

Emma Karafantis, Bayport-Blue Point, D, Jr.

Karafantis stepped into the midfield and dominated defensively after suffering an ACL tear the year prior. Coach Katina Cokinos called her “one of the best defenders in Suffolk County” as the junior slides to center back.

Crystal Knoell, North Shore, M, Sr.

The Adelphi commit is an attack-minded midfielder with the tenacity and awareness to score with the best players on Long Island. She had seven goals.

Ava Kolb, Long Beach, M/F, Jr.

Her speed and athleticism are the main separators between Kolb and other elite players in the area. She had three goals and 10 assists as a freshman.

Connor Leahy, Bayport-Blue Point, M/F, Jr.

A familiar sight continues as Leahy enters her third varsity season after starting every game as a freshman and sophomore. She scored 14 goals and added four assists.

Ella Ledwith, Herricks, M, Sr.

She is one of the most dominant players on any field she steps on. The four-year varsity player is committed to William & Mary.

Kaylin Mallon, Connetquot, M, Sr.

One of the best midfielders on Long Island, Mallon had 11 goals and four assists as an offensive threat who also is a willing defender. The Kentucky commit earned Newsday All-Long Island first-team honors.

Jessica Martin, Deer Park, F, Sr.

The Hofstra commit led Suffolk League II with 16 goals and three assists. Coach Ian Kyranakis called Martin a “gifted scorer.”

Nicole Matute, Islip, D, Sr.

Matute is a five-year varsity starter who can threaten up the flank as well as defend an opposing winger. A team captain and class president, Matute is “one of those all-around great student-athletes," coach Mike Reilly said. She had five goals.

Olivia Mazziotti, Lindenhurst, F, Sr.

If top-100 teammate Delzatto is keeping goals out, Mazziotti is putting them in.  The Stony Brook commit had eight goals and 10 assists.

Peighton McKenna, Islip, GK, Sr.

McKenna was one of the best goalkeepers on Long Island, helping Islip go 14-1-3. She made 14 saves in a double-overtime loss to Kings Park in the Suffolk Class A semifinals.

Leah Mendolia, Bay Shore, M, Soph.

Mendolia ranked fourth in Suffolk with 27 points (14 goals and 13 assists). Coach Paul Forthmuller described the four-year starter's shot as “one of the strongest in Suffolk County.”

Victoria Menzies, Kings Park, F, Sr.

Her 18 points — 12 goals, six assists — helped Kings Park go 12-2-1 on the way to its first county title game in program history. Coach Nicole Keicher said Menzies’ “exceptional speed, strength and ball control” allow her to dominate in the offensive third.

Taylor Mileti, Hauppauge, GK, Jr.

Mileti stepped into a starting role as an eighth-grader and hasn’t looked back. She made 80 saves and had six shutouts.

Kathryn Monaco, Garden City, M, Sr.

The athletic two-way midfielder is integral to everything Garden City does. She had five goals and four assists, including one of each in the Nassau Class AA semifinals.

Ava Moran, Great Neck South, M, Sr.

She led Nassau with 22 goals, while adding eight assists. Moran can play any position and has played and trained with the Irish national team, coach William Neville said.

Dalia Varian Morelli, Kellenberg, M/F, Sr.

Her six goals and six assists helped Kellenberg reach the CHSAA semifinals.

Olivia Moynihan, Sayville, GK, Sr.

A four-year starter and team captain, Moynihan starts in goal for a Sayville team that kept 10 clean sheets. She is committed to New Hampshire.

Rachel Nasshorn, East Meadow, M, Sr.

She had eight goals and three assists despite missing the final six games with an injury. Nasshorn is committed to American International College.

Avrie Nelsen, St. Anthony’s, F, Sr.

The Villanova commit is a two-year starter who had eight goals and three assists last season. Coach Scott Carey called her “instrumental” on offense as a player “that can turn a game on its head.”

Michela Netto, Plainedge, D, Soph.

Netto played an integral role in Plainedge winning the Nassau Class A championship. She was one of the toughest defenders to get around, plus she had three goals and four assists.

Ava Obloj, West Islip, F, Jr.

Obloj’s speed creates mismatches, and  coach Nick Grieco praised her  “ability to strike at any moment.”

Erin Palmeri, West Islip, D, Sr.

A four-year starter, Palmeri led a West Islip defense that allowed one goal through the first six games. She was named to Newsday's All-Long Island second team and is committed to St. John’s.

Kayla Pardini, Smithtown West, F, Sr.

A four-year varsity player and Illinois commit, Pardini led Smithtown West to its first state championship game. Coach Emily Fey said Pardini (11 goals, six assists)  “will be a serious threat to any defensive line.”

Evangeline Perdomo, Bay Shore, M, Sr.

Perdomo is a fourth-year varsity player and three-year captain. Her 16 goals ranked sixth in Suffolk, and she added eight assists.

Ysabelle Perillo, MacArthur, M/F, Jr.

Her athleticism and versatility allow the Generals to play her at any position. Perillo, with elite speed, can frustrate a top scorer defensively while also generating offense. She had two goals and four assists.

Olivia Pesso, Shoreham-Wading River, M, Sr.

Pesso returns for her final season after leading the team with 11 assists. She added four goals as Shoreham-Wading River reached the Class A state championship after repeating as county champions.

Rebecca Petrellese, Division, M/D, Sr.

Petrellese’s eight assists led Division. The senior has started every game since eighth grade, and coach Maddy Pagano said the two-time captain will take a more defensive role this fall.

Annie Price, Sacred Heart, M, Sr.

Coach Gabe Ramos complimented Price’s “dangerous, 1v1 dribbling abilities.” The senior captain is one of 10 seniors returning to defend their CHSAA state title.

Charlotte Rathjen, South Side, F, Sr.

The four-year varsity player has elite speed and endurance to get past even the toughest defenders. She is committed to play lacrosse at North Carolina. 

Eloise Rubinstein, Port Washington, M, Soph.

Rubinstein wasted no time getting involved as a freshman, scoring 12 goals and adding six assists. She participated at the U15 youth national team camp in California in April.

Madeline Sacco, Smithtown West, F, Sr.

The second-year captain had six assists and one goal. A Sacred Heart commit, Sacco’s control up top creates space for her teammates to make attacking runs.

Abigail Schroeder, Sayville, D, Sr.

Sayville had one of the stronger defensive units in Suffolk, with Schroeder leading the way as a four-year starter. She captains a back line that returns three seniors.

Carly Schuler, Massapequa, M/F, Jr.

She is set to take over a primary scoring role for Massapequa, which has won a county title in 18 of the last 21 seasons. Schuler is strong at controlling possession at midfield and can attack and create one-on-one on offense.

Gwen Schulman, Harborfields, D/M, Sr.

Schulman had four goals and five assists as an outside back, helping Harborfields post six consecutive shutouts midway through the season. The St. Bonaventure commit is one of nine returning starters, with coach Scott Wallace adding that Schulman has played “every position but goalkeeper” over the last three years.

Dana Scruggs, Bethpage, M, Sr.

The five-year varsity player had five goals and three assists.

Morgan Shirley, Northport, D, Sr.

The senior defender had two goals and an assist and is one of nine returning starters.

Kaitlyn Tansey, Mepham, D, Jr.

She helped Mepham reach the Nassau Class A quarterfinals on a defensive unit that allowed more than one goal just four times.

Stephanie Tator, Sachem East, D/M, Jr.

Tator anchors the midfield for Sachem East. Only one loss came by more than one goal, with Tator’s defensive talents helping the Suffolk side keep eight clean sheets.

Danika Tidridge, East Islip, M, Jr.

She had three goals and four assists. She’s a key player in the middle to set up transitions both offensive and defensively.

Myla Tizzard, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, M/D, Sr.

The four-year varsity player is a lockdown defender and never shies away from matching up against an opposing team’s top offensive threat. She has excellent vision and soccer IQ.

Olivia Trojanowski, Massapequa, F, Jr.

She had five goals and four assists.Trojanowski will be asked to score and create even more this fall. She is strong with the ball, can beat elite defenders with her dribble and finish with either foot.

Aysu Unver, Long Beach, D, Sr.

The Rider commit is the leader of a backline that allowed the fewest goals in the conference. Unver played for the U17 Turkish national team in the European Championships last spring.

Grace Varley, Babylon, F, Sr.

Varley had eight goals and six assists, and scored both goals in the victory over Wheatley in the Class B Long Island championship. She is committed to play lacrosse at Hofstra.

Avery Vergano, West Babylon, D, Sr.

A five-year starting center back, Vergano brings leadership and experience. Coach Jennifer Fox said Vergano has the talent to “make a lasting impact on the outcome of a game.”

Kate Vezzuto, Portledge, M, Sr.

Coach Phil Hills called Vezzuto the “engine” of the team as the facilitator of the offense. She had 11 assists and two goals.

Adriana Victoriano, Ward Melville, F, Sr.

A forward who also can slide all the way to center back, Victoriano had seven goals and five assists. She is committed to Buffalo.

Alessandra Victoriano, Ward Melville, D, Sr.

Defenses always have to keep an eye out for Victoriano, an outside back who’s more than capable of making a dangerous attacking run. The Binghamton commit dominated on Ward Melville’s undefeated run to a state title as part of a defense that allowed five goals in 22 games.

Ava Voynovich, Roslyn, GK, Sr.

Voynovich managed to keep eight clean sheets across 13 games, finishing seventh in saves in Nassau. She is committed to St. John’s.

Kenice Wilson, Connetquot, F, Sr.

Wilson, who led Connetquot in shots on goal, formed a strong partnership with Kaylin Mallon on the attack. Her 10 goals and five assists helped her team reach the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Ward Melville.

Megan Youngberg, Sacred Heart, D, Sr.

Coach Gabe Ramos said Youngberg is a “tenacious defender with excellent soccer IQ.” That translated to a state championship for Sacred Heart. The Army commit now returns at right back to defend the Spartans’ first state title since 2016.

Leigha Zaman, Oceanside, F, Jr.

She knows how to get into the perfect position to create and finish a goal. She led the team with six goals and six assists, and is committed to play lacrosse at Marist.