Riverview girls soccer confident of improving this season

By: George Guido
Monday, August 26, 2019 | 6:20 PM

The Riverview girls soccer team is hoping to put last year’s one-win season in the rearview mirror.

With an abundance of seniors, it might happen.

Coach Sean Abraham has 12 seniors — seven of whom are starters — on his roster of 16 players.

“We have a lot of seniors this year, so I feel we’ll be able to hold our own in the section,” Abraham said. “They’ve been doing this for a while, so, hopefully, in their senior season, they can take over the reins and exude that leadership.”

Last year’s team was derailed by a series of injuries, including concussions.

“We’re just looking for good outcome this season. We’re looking to make it work,” the fourth-year coach said. “We played several games with exactly 11 players. We had 17 coming into the season. With no subs, it’s tough on any player.”

Added senior Francesca Lio: “I think we’re looking for a better season than last year. We have some returning players and new players coming in. Once we start playing together it will be pretty good.”

The Raiders are scheduled to scrimmage East Allegheny on Tuesday and follow that with another Thursday against a new program, Ellwood City. Riverview begins the regular season Saturday at Carlynton in a 2 p.m. game.

“Those scrimmages should help us get used to playing with each other,” Lio said. “I feel we have a lot more fitness this year. We’ve done a lot of running and agility.”

Said Abraham: “We’re excited to get the season started. Hopefully, with the scrimmages and the nonsection games Saturday and Sunday at Carlynton, we can see where the girls are after a four-match week and where we have to build from. I’m hoping the seniors are right there. Our fitness levels are up, and our ball skills are up.”

It’s no secret Riverview has a tough section. Perennial contenders Greensburg Central Catholic, Shady Side Academy and Springdale have a combined 12 WPIAL titles in the last 23 years.

“I know those schools are going to be tough matches,” Abraham said. “They don’t roll over for anybody. We’re looking to stand right there with them.”

Serra Catholic also is expected to contend

“My barometer says we’re more fit and focused now than we were last year,” said assistant coach Jason Snyder. “A lot credit goes to them for that. We told them if you want to be successful as an athlete and as a person, you have to focus. We’re also healthy, compared to last year.”

Abraham has seen players gravitating toward other sports with the lack of a junior high. Now, the junior high program has been restored, and the coach expects an influx of players over the next several years.

Riverview’s home opener is Sept. 4 against Section 1-A foe Serra Catholic. All home games will be played at Riverside Park at 3:45 p.m., with the exception of the annual game under the lights against Springdale on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.

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