UPDATED: Flyers Open Season at Home Saturday Against Mustangs

Updated at 6;15 a.m. on Sept, 10.

FRAMINGHAM – The Framingham High girls soccer team will open the season at home against the Mustangs of Medford High at Winch Field at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 11.

More than 65 girls tried out for varsity this season, with 21 players making the squad, under head coach Jen DeFusco.

The Flyers will have a freshman, junior varsity, and varsity squads this season.

The Flyers, like all team across the state, did not have a traditional season last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There was a mini Fall II season in spring 2021.

“It has been a bit hectic. Fall II ended in April, and the preparation began immediately. The girls have had training opportunities all summer to play summer league,” said the coach about how the pandemic has impacted the program. “As a program, we are well aware that we need to follow protocols and do our best to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus.  We are lucky to have supportive parents that take precautions and have always kept the players safety and health as a top priority.”

Captains, announced this afternoon, are Maddie Walsh, Nicole Ramirez, Kylie Chagnon, and Brooke Haarala

“Maddie, Nicole and Kylie have been with the program since freshman year. They helped lead us through a crazy Fall II, and all of our summer activities to get prepared,” said DeFusco.

“Brooke Haarla returned to high school sports during Fall II after playing DA the last couple of years. We are excited to have her back to complement a young and motivated team,” said the head coach.

There are five seniors on the varsity team. The four captains above and Fiona Burke. They will be honored at the Needham high game at Bowditch Field on October 26.

The Flyers have about “7 returning players after graduating a big senior class last year. We were able to get a quick glimpse of the current sophomores last year, but it has been enjoyable to bring in new talent to add to our core,” said DeFusco.

Junior “Lili Vermilya is a starting keeper while Sam Steenbruggen is our back up,” said DeFusco.

“We have a solid backline that consists of several players – Ali Jones, Maddie Jones, Lucy Keane, Sophia Carney, and Natalie Kirpatrick,” said the head coach.

“We graduated our top scorer, but have a lot of girls that are hungry to put the ball in the net.  Summer Haarala, Brooke Haarala, Gabby Arpino, Kylie Chagnon, and Brooke Zanella, Sophia Wendt, and Kasey Kopaz all contributed to goals in Fall II and our preseason,” said DeFusco.

“Although one could consider this a building year after losing several seniors, I think that we have the ability to be successful,” said DeFusco.

“As always, we focus on each game that comes at us to make it to tournament.  The girls know that the key to success is ensuring we stay healthy throughout the season, so we can play at a high level throughout.  We have very competitive opponents, and need to be creative on and off the ball to create a strong offense,” said DeFusco.

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Photos from a scrimmage with AMSA