Here’s what you need to know for the 2024 high school girls soccer season in the Baltimore area:
Storylines to watch
The IAAM A Conference has a pair of newcomers
Two Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland B Conference teams — last year’s champion Roland Park and runner-up St. Paul’s — will be moving up to the A Conference this season. That makes seven teams in the A Conference with No. 1 McDonogh coming into the year as the defending champions. The additional teams in the A Conference provide more balance with nine teams now competing in the B Conference and 12 teams, led by defending champion Friends, in the C Conference.
Key coaching change in Baltimore County
Jonathan Wynne, who guided Sparrows Point to the Class 2A state title last season, takes over at Baltimore County champion Eastern Tech. Under former coach Sarah Holmes, the Mavericks won 13 straight games on their way to the county crown last season. They finally met their match when rival Sparrows Point claimed a 2-0 win in the Class 2A North Region I title game. Wynne devised the winning game plan. Sparrows Point will aim to defend its state crown under former junior varsity coach Geoff Holland.
Follow-ups on two special seasons in Anne Arundel County
Both Severna Park and Glen Burnie have tough acts to follow after breakthrough 2023 seasons. The Falcons put it all together by going 17-0 and are primed to defend their county and state titles with another quality roster. Glen Burnie was one of the metro area’s biggest surprises when it reached the Class 4A state semifinals, falling to three-time defending state champion Walt Whitman to finish with a 13-5-1 record. Looking to build on the success, the Gophers return five starters, but standout midfielder Jasmine Escobar, among others, opted to transfer to the county’s new school, Severn Run.
More goals to come in Howard County
Despite graduating its all-time leading scorer — Glenelg’s All-Metro standout Stephanie Lathrop finished with 81 goals and 20 assists in her four-year career — Howard County brings back plenty of offensive firepower to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Wilde Lake’s Tiffany Blakey and River Hill’s Marella Virmani, both juniors, scored 25 and 19 goals, respectively, last season. Mt. Hebron senior Ava Skaggs is coming off a 10-goal season and Marriotts Ridge senior Taylor Riismandel is another dangerous threat.
McDonogh and Severna Park are nationally ranked
Ranked No. 1 in The Baltimore Sun’s preseason Top 15 poll, McDonogh will open the season at No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches’ national poll. It’s the same spot the Eagles closed out last season after going 16-0 and winning the program’s 10th IAAM A Conference championship. This season, they have a 17-game regular-season schedule that includes two games against fellow nationally ranked foes — New Jersey power Pennington and Ohio’s Walsh Jesuit. Defending Class 3A state champion Severna Park, ranked No. 2 in The Sun’s preseason poll, comes into the season ranked No. 19 nationally.
Players to watch
Ella Cieri, Chesapeake-AA, junior, midfielder
The returning All-Metro second-team pick sets a positive tone with her fast pace and crafty play at outside midfield. Coming off a breakthrough 10-goal, three-assist sophom*ore season, Cieri should create plenty of scoring chances with speedy runs out wide.
Hannah DeVincent, Liberty, senior, forward
Highly skilled with quality vision and game sense, DeVincent is a dangerous threat each time she touches the ball, whether finishing chances or finding teammates. Last year, her 17-goal, 19-assist season for the Lions earned her Carroll County Times Player of the Year and All-Metro second-team honors.
Jasmine Escobar, Severn Run, senior, midfielder
The glue at defensive center midfield in Glen Burnie’s impressive run to the Class 4A semifinals last season, the All-Metro second-team selection takes her high skills and intensity to first-year school Severn Run. Escobar brings leadership and a presence that will be invaluable.
Sarah Farally, Fallston, senior, midfielder
A four-year starter and captain, the versatile center midfielder brings technically sound play that provides a consistent measure of confidence. Coming off a one-goal, 11-assist junior season, her smooth transition between defense and offense is the starting point for the Cougars.
Olivia Nardone, Archbishop Spalding, senior, midfielder
An All-Metro first-team pick last season, Nardone is Spalding’s go-to player who brings consistently strong play and the ability to step up in big moments. Last season, she scored 11 goals and dished out four assists as the Cavaliers reached the IAAM A Conference title game.
Hanna Phillips, Notre Dame Prep, senior, defender
Smooth at center back with fine ball skills, instincts and speed, the All-Metro first-team pick is the Blazers’ catalyst in defending and effectively getting the ball forward. Behind Phillips, expect the same kind of stingy play from a defense that allowed only seven goals in eight league games last season.
Ineza Ross-Riedel, Eastern Tech, sophom*ore, forward
Explosive with a heavy shot that can strike from anywhere at any moment, Ross-Riedel is one of the area’s most dangerous goal scorers. She looks to build on a sensational 15-goal, three-assist freshman season, during which he helped the Mavericks win the Baltimore County title. She is a returning first-team All-Metro pick.
Mt Hebron vs Chesapeake girls regional soccer final
Ava Skaggs, Mt. Hebron, senior, midfielder
After thriving as an attacking midfielder with a 10-goal, three-assist junior season, the All-Metro first-team selection moves to holding midfielder to keep the Vikings’ defense strong. Her top-level skills and tenacity will be used to shut down opponents’ threats and she can make the smart pass to get her team forward.
Lexi Terry, McDonogh, senior, midfielder
A standout leader who brings poised play, Terry moves up to holding midfielder after a strong season at center back last year for the IAAM A Conference champions. Her poise and vision will help get the Eagles forward and her precise free kicks are a major factor in the team’s goal production.
Marella Virmani, River Hill, junior, forward
As one of the area’s most dangerous scoring threats, Virmani combines speed, a knack for getting in the right spots and composed finishing to consistently produce for the Hawks. She looks to build off a sensational 19-goal, seven-assist sophom*ore season.
Preseason Top 15 teams
1. McDonogh
Coach:Harry Canellakis
Last season: 16-0 overall, No. 1 ranking
Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion
Outlook: The Eagles have the goods to stay on top in the IAAM A Conference with another stellar roster that’s particularly strong through the middle. Lexi Terry and Zoe Lilly bring dynamic play at midfield while center back Ava Sesay is the glue on defense and forward Emma Patti is poised to take on a lead role up front. Broadneck transfer Mia Orso further strengthens the offense.
2023 MPSSAA 3A girls' soccer final: Mount Hebron vs Severna Park
2. Severna Park
Coach:Rick Stimpson
Last season: 17-0, No. 2
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: With seven starters back and newcomers ready to step in, Severna Park is poised to pick up where it left off last season. Led by Bella Van Gieson, Abby Cover and Ava Scott, the Falcons have the skill to control the ball and pace to create scoring chances. Defender Emerson Scott will play a big role in the back, where most of the inexperience lies.
3. Mt. Hebron
Coach:Tim Deppen
Last season: 15-2, No. 3
Postseason: Class 3A state finalist
Outlook: The Vikings will lean on their trademark defense while a largely new cast gets settled on offense. Goalie Emily Canseven, back Kaitlyn Magdar, and midfielders Ava Skaggs and Maria Brogno are the poised senior core with underclassmen Iris Vainieri and Grace Garvin eager for their opportunity to produce goals.
4. Archbishop Spalding
Coach:Ashly Kennedy
Last season: 6-7-2, No. 10
Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist
Outlook: With 14 regulars back, the Cavaliers have the depth and roles carved out to have a strong say in the IAAM A Conference. Midfielder Olivia Nardone’s top-level skills and winning mentality will set the tone, while Riley Willis and Karrington Gregory are also gifted playmakers.
5. Notre Dame Prep
Coach:Cynthia Walsh
Last season: 6-6-2, No. 10
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: Close the past two years with nothing to show for solid playoff performances, the Blazers believe this is their time. All-Metro center back Hanna Phillips, goalie Lydia Itzoe, outside back Alissa Armstrong and midfielder Greyson Tischer lead nine returning starters primed for a breakthrough.
6. Chesapeake-AA
Coach: Kevin Keeter
Last season: 11-3-1, No. 4
Postseason: Class 3A South Region I finalist
Outlook: A 1-0 overtime loss to then-defending state champion Mt. Hebron ended a stellar season, providing extra motivation. Six starters return led by a dynamic midfield featuring Ella Ciera and Lily Barnum. Goalie Rhyleigh Smoot and center back Laney Preslipky are stalwarts on defense.
7. River Hill
Coach: Brian Song
Last season: 12-4-1, No. 8
Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist
Outlook: With a cohesive group that features strength through the middle, the Hawks are primed to make a run at Mt. Hebron for Howard County bragging rights. Marella Virmani teams with Dylan Watson to produce goals with help from attacking midfielder Emily Ma. Center back Madison Berge will keep things tidy on defense.
8. John Carroll
Coach:Hayley Howe
Last season: 7-8-1, not ranked
Postseason: IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist
Outlook: Poised to make headway in the IAAM A Conference, the Patriots return 20 players with a cohesive midfield expected to be confident and set the tone. Midfielders Olivia DAlassandro, Cali Friedel, Clara Madore and Mylana Stevens are the starting points with Emma Fuchs playing a key role up front.
9. Broadneck
Coach: John Camm
Last season: 12-4-1, No. 7
Postseason: Class 4A East Region II finalist
Outlook: The Bruins have a quality mix of talented returnees and promising newcomers to have a say in Anne Arundel County. Grace Gartrell will team with cousins Hadley and Natalie Crooks to bring dynamic play in the middle with defender Grace Mills the leader in the back. Freshmen will play key roles in goal and up front.
10. Mercy
Coach:Tom Durkin
Last season: 7-8, No. 14
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: A season after starting seven sophom*ores and freshmen, the Magic are banking on a huge leap forward with the experience gained. Center back Kendall Atwood and center midfielders Mack Hobik and Carly Hax are the catalysts with forward-midfielder Aubrey O’Connell bringing valuable versatility. Another gifted freshman class factors in, too.
11. C. Milton Wright
Coach: Andrew Harrell
Last season: 10-4-2, not ranked
Postseason: Class 2A state semifinalist
Outlook: A young group got plenty of mileage from last season’s impressive playoff run, providing valuable winning moments that help carry momentum into this year. Eight starters return, with Delainey Proctor’s smooth play at center midfield the most critical. Sophia Hodges and Carley Jehnert further strengthen the middle with defenders Ava Lewis and Mackenzi Milich providing sturdy play in back.
Hereford vs Sparrows Point Class 2A Girls Soccer State Championship game
12. Sparrows Point
Coach: Geoff Holland
Last season: 13-4, No. 5
Postseason: Class 2A state champions
Outlook: In a bid to repeat as state champs, the Pointers feature five returning starters led by midfielder Alyssa Hartman and a defense anchored by Lacey Schleig and Olivia Messercola. Sparrows Point will look to pressure high with forwards Madyson Costello and Ami Walters, who are primed for bigger roles.
13. Eastern Tech
Coach: Jonathan Wynne
Last season: 11-1-2, No. 6
Postseason: Class 2A North Region I finalist
Outlook: Last season, the two-time defending Baltimore County champs went through the regular season without allowing a goal before falling in the regional playoffs. Quality talent returns in every phase with All-Metro forward Ineza Ross-Riedel and midfielders Ava Chenowith and Cienna Hughes leading the way.
14. Century
Coach: Chris Little
Last season: 11-3-3, No. 13
Postseason: Class 2A state quarterfinalist
Outlook: A gifted core plans to keep the Knights atop the Carroll County standings and poised for another strong playoff run. Bella Coccio is the midfield catalyst accompanied by Maddison Spradlin’s consistent play. Defenders Lexi McGinnis and Mia Savage team with goalie Megan Taltavull to form a stingy back line.
15. Fallston
Coach: Jon Salbeck
Last season: 9-6, not ranked
Postseason: Class 2A East Region I semifinalist
Outlook: Upset early in the playoffs last season after winning two straight state titles, the senior-laden Cougars are determined to make amends. They have a cohesive unit in place with all 11 starters back, led by center midfielder Sarah Farally and defensive midfielders Addison Rees and Alayna Williams.
Others considered: Glen Burnie (13-5-1), Hereford (10-4-3), Liberty (12-5-1), Marriotts Ridge (7-4-2), Roland Park (14-4-1), St. Paul’s (10-5)
