Saugus girls soccer will rely on skill, quickness

The Saugus High girls’ soccer team is hoping to reach the state tournament for the first time since 2011. But it won’t be easy with the loss of three key players from last season’s team.
Last year:The Sachems ended the season with a record of 6-10-2, finishing fifth in the Northeastern Conference/Small.
Coach:Chris Coviello is entering his seventh season with the Sachems.
Key players gone:The Sachems will lose three major contributors from last season’s group, including two conference All-Stars, in forward Mikayla Perella and center back Katherine White. Perella was the team’s top goal scorer in 2014. The loss of goaltender Caitlynn Williamson also gives the Sachems an open spot in net.
Key players this year:Three players to keep an eye on this season are midfielders Nicole Coluccio and Gabriella Valente and center back Allison Aldred, all three of whom are entering their senior seasons. The trio will be called upon to lead the Sachems as team captains. Junior forward Olivia Valente and junior midfielder Rachel May have impressed Coviello in summer practices. The job at starting goalie has yet to be filled, as senior Emily Border and freshman Alana Aldred have been battling it out for the position.
Strengths:Coviello highlighted his midfielders as the strength of this season’s team. Collucio and May will join sophomore Rachel Nazzaro in forming a talented midfield for the Sachems.
?They’re all very creative and very good players,” Coviello said. “They’re all hard workers. I think we’ll be able to control our games a little bit better than we have the last couple years and hopefully we’ll score a few more goals.”
Question marks:The biggest question mark for the Sachems this season, aside from a vacancy at goaltender, will be their lack of size.
?We’re a small team,” Coviello said. “We’re going to have to be a quick and skilled team. We’re not going to out-physical anybody.”
Opening game:The Sachems open the season Tuesday at Swampscott.
Big games on the schedule:?They’re all big games,” Coviello said.
Coach’s outlook:?The girls have worked really hard,” Coviello said. “They get along really well, which is half the battle. I think we’ll do well this season.”Harold Rivera can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @h_rivera21.