Only two years ago the Crossroads girls’ soccer team won one match, lost 13 and tied one.
Kenzo Bergeron then arrived as coach and the team got somewhat better in 2005, going 5-13-1.
This year the story is different. Bolstered by some hard-working seniors and an influx of freshmen talent, Crossroads is off to a fast start. The Roadrunners scored 20 goals in their first five matches and began the week with a 4-3 lead against superior competition.
All-league goalie Kaitlin Juarez has recorded four shutouts and Shannon Parker has scored five goals.
Crossroads hosted its annual tournament involving schools with quality girls soccer programs and played the kind of competition that should prepare the team for league play. The tournament was won by Marlborough, High.
“I’ve been coaching for 10 years and this team gets along as well as any,” said Bergeron. “I teach a life skills class at Crossroads and got the idea the team should have a weekend camp before the season to set goals. This year the boys’ team was there too and they also benefited.
“The boys had gone through several losing seasons but now they’re 2-2-2 and much more competitive. I know the girls are a tightly-knit group and they’re sticking to the things we talked about.”
The freshmen making an immediate contribution are Julia Selman, Zoe Nutter, Kimberly Shepherd, Lauren Fishelman and the Antin Twins, Paige and Elyse.
“The Antin twins have combined for nine goals and seven assists,” said Bergeron. “They’ve been involved in almost all of our scoring opportunities.”
Bergeron credits Olivia Milich, Nora Bloom and Coco Kislinger for providing senior leadership.
As for the boys, Rudi Bianchi, a well-known coach in local circles, is guiding the team for the first time. He is assisted by his son, Frederico, who played at Palisades High and is considered perhaps the best prep player on the Westside in the last 20 years.
Crossroads plays on its on-campus field, the best in the area. The Roadrunner girls will have home matches on January 3 and 5, both at 5:30 p.m.
