Northern Tier Sports Report

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NTL GIRLS' SOCCER: LED BY SENIOR CLASS, NEB HAS HIGH HOPES IN 2022 (2022-08-24)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Northeast Bradford girls haven’t had a squad like this before. They return two double digit goal scorers, mix in another potent goal scorer, and return much of their line-up that won just their second district game in program history a year ago.

“I definitely think we’re going to go far,” said Mikayla Post. “We have a really good, strong team, and we’ve been working hard, and we’re going to continue to work hard.”

Last year’s squad earned a 5-0 win over Juniata Christian in the first round of the playoffs, but then got a strong taste of playoff soccer in their 7-1 loss to South Williamsport, one of the top programs in the state.

Still, it was a game that needed to happen in order for them to progress as a program.

“That gave us a mindset that we could have beat them, and that we can beat anybody that’s going to be in our district,” said Melanie Shumway.

The team will be built around Shumway and Kayleigh Thoman, with Shumway up front, and Thoman in the midfield. Thoman is a natural fit in the center midfield spot with her strong touches, and quick moves.

“I can stay below the top, and then probably going back on defense as well,” Kayleigh described as the best part of the midfield. “I really like defense.”

Shumway has been working on her game all year round with travel ball as she looks to come into own as a junior.

“I did a lot of touches, and a lot more coordination with the ball,” she explained.

Alongside Shumway up front will be senior Keirra Thoman, who, along with most of the other six seniors on the team, have either been 4-year starters, or 4-year letter winners.

“I like playing with that group of girls,” Keirra said. “We all know how to read each other, and how we work together. It’s a little sad, but I’m excited to see how the season goes.”

Post will be solidifying the back again, a position she’s well acquainted with.

“You’ve just go to keep your line together, and get a good foot on the ball,” she remarked.

They’ll be breaking in a new goalie, too, but it helps to have such a potent offense.

“It takes a lot of the pressure off,” said Post. “We know we got strong girls all over the team, and they keep it up.”

Nobody is more excited to see them on the pitch than coach Josh Thoman.

“I can say this is going to probably be one of our strongest years,” said the coach. “We’ve got six seniors , so it’s definitely going to hurt after this year, but I think, if they have any chances, it’s definitely this year.”

He’s watched them slowly mature, and hit their stride at the end of last season, and hopes they continue that into this year.

“Just a lot of communication,” said coach Thoman. “We’ve pulled a couple that were homeschooled, so it’s going to help us out. They’re very talented, and they’re a good bunch of girls.”

Communication has been a theme so far this season, communication, and being positive.

“Us girls get a long very well,” remarked Kayleigh. “We communicate well, we move around the field well. I feel we worked hard, and I feel, this year, we’re going to work just as hard, but more, and I feel like we’re going to make it further than what we did last year.”

The question is how far they can go, but they’re bullish on their chances of competing for the league crown.

“I do think that this year we have a very strong team,” Shumway said. “Every girl knows the game, and wants to play the game.”

ROSTER

Kayleigh Thoman

Keirra Thoman

Mikayla Post

Alena Beebe

Holly Towner

Saydie Cubbedge

Melanie Shumway

Malina Ramires

Lani Thomas