We return with another edition of Thursday Thoughts in our third year of girls' soccer coverage.

 As always, we will break down each division and rank the contenders as they stand so far.

 Will Manzi will share his thoughts on Division, while Lance Legere has you covered for Divisions II, III, and IV.

Our column today is brought to you by our friends and partners at White Mountains Community College!

Division I 

Standings and Statistical Leaders

1. Exeter: Six up, six down. The 6-0-0 Blue Hawks have rolled through their schedule so far, behind excellent play from Lauren Roeder. In their 10-0 win over Memorial on Tuesday, Roeder had two more goals and four assists. She leads the state with 12 goals on the year. She has handled all the defensive attention well and has an excellent supporting cast including Nola Fletcher and Quinn Lattimer, just to name a few. 11 different players have scored for them already this season. They’ve been undeniably dominant, holding onto a state-best +27 goal differential.

2. Bedford: The 6-0-0 Bulldogs have gotten major contributions from Mackenzie Forrester and Anna Diaz. Coach Michele Winning rolls her eyes at the “winning is winning” pun that she acknowledged all reporters love (I am no exception), but one thing she isn’t tired of is handling business every time out. Danielle Winning took over in goal and has proven capable of the role. The Bulldogs match up with Londonderry on Friday.

3. Bishop Guertin:  At 5-1, there’s a good chance BG is neck and neck with Bedford. After a 2-0 loss to Exeter in the opener, BG has rolled with five straight shutouts. Seemingly having an endless bench, the Cardinals keep coming in waves. Freshman Kareena Sondhi and sophomore Zoe Horton-Sousa, the latter of which posted a hat trick at Spaulding last Tuesday, have been brilliant. Horton - Sousa leads BG along with Ava Seuch with six goals each. Bishop Guertin is a close second behind Bedford in terms of goal differential with a +25 mark.

4. Winnacunnet: Winnacunnet has only allowed two goals this season, which is less than undefeated Bedford. The two goals they’ve allowed have been decisive though, accounting for their 1-0 loss to Bishop Guertin and 1-1 draw with Pinkerton. We’ll draw it up as unfortunate luck and use their +22-goal differential as an indicator that they’re still legit. Maitri Clifford and Mia Lantaigne each had six goals apiece. They face Concord today in a game we will have all the highlights of tomorrow morning.

5. Nashua North: Alli Frye has been on a tear for North. Three goals against Londonderry placed her firmly on the leaderboard. Although North doesn't play a high-scoring style of play, she has found the net with remarkable consistency. Jacquelin Thompson’s Titans look ahead to a matchup against Manchester Central at home on Saturday.

6. Goffstown: The Grizzlies deserve some love with a valid start to the year, owning a record of 4-1-1. Ari Girzone was the player to watch coming in, but sophomore Elle Lavalierre has been the leading scorer. They notched a close win against Dover, 1-0, on Monday night, and the next day lost their first game 1-0 to Salem. Playing on back-to-back days is not common, so this is a tough outcome for a team that was playing well. They’ll get a week off to prepare for hosting Bedford on 9/24.

7. Portsmouth: Portsmouth (3-2-1) showed us what they can do when they beat Concord 4-0 in the opener, but then suffered a pair of 1-0 losses, highlighting the possibility that offensive challenges are at hand. Their defense has been stout as they keep the score low, which should be to their benefit. Ailish Honda has had no problem finding the net, leading the Clippers with six goals. Their opponent on Thursday is directly below them on this rankings list, as they’ll host…

8. Timberlane: This team has slipped a bit as of late. After three straight wins to start the season, they seem to be having some growing pains. The Owls are on a three-game losing streak now and their record sits at .500 (3-3-0). They have a big-time test on the road against Portsmouth coming up, two teams with a chip on their shoulder after some close but unfortunate results. Who will emerge as a scorer for the Owls? Rylee Donahue? Lulu Trasatti? Ali Harb? Gut check time for the Owls. The Portsmouth game will help us paint a better picture of them.

9. Nashua South: South has responded well after two losses to Bedford and Winnacunnet to start the year. After being outscored 10-0 across those first two games, they’ve taken four games in a row. They are at 4-2 yet have a goal differential of -4. We’ll see how good they truly are as they play Concord on Tuesday the 21st, then Nashua North in the rivalry game three days later.

10. Pinkerton: Their draw against Winnacunnet was a big one. Maybe that seems silly to say about a tie, but it should be a confidence boost to know they can compete with a top-level team like the Warriors. Overall, the Astros are 2-1-2. Courtney Russell, Cali Lockwood, and Bella Sippel led the way offensively. Sydney Mlynarski is putting together a solid campaign in net, as Pinkerton hasn’t allowed more than four goals in a game yet this year. The Astros will host Manchester Memorial on Thursday.

 

 

Division II

Standings and Statistical Leaders

1. Hollis-Brookline: The reigning champs haven't skipped a beat, standing at a perfect 6-0 and outscoring their opponents 41-2 in that stretch. So far, it has yet to be seen who can match them.

2. Coe-Brown: The Bears showed real grit coming from two goals down to defeat rival Oyster River 3-2 on Saturday. Ellie and Maggie Escabi can make this Coe-Brown offense go. Pairing that with a lethal goal-scoring threat in Bella Lapierre and a strong facilitator in Jennifer Noni, this offense can compete with the likes of many.

3. Bow: The Falcons have been a force to start the year with their lone tie coming against Keene (The Blackbirds are sneaky, more on them later). Bow has won the games they are supposed to win so far, but a stretch of Oyster River, Milford, and Coe-Brown over the next week should be telling for this group.

4. John Stark: Alexis Boudreau continues to be the backbone of the General defense recording a shutout in all three wins so far. Madison Lamothe has exploded offensively recording six of the 12 goals the Generals have netted this season. This group was one of the more battle-tested teams a season ago and they will need to show that with a pesky Pelham team on Saturday and an experienced Kingswood team next Tuesday.

5. Oyster River: Caitlin Klein made crucial saves early and late to keep the Bobcats neck and neck with rival Coe-Brown. The senior has allowed just four goals in six games. They will need another big-time performance out of her when Oyster River travels to Bow on Friday.

6. Merrimack Valley: The offense is certainly still coming along but the Pride sit at 2-2-2 behind a strong defensive core spearheaded by Ella Mercer and Jada Lucas. If they can find their footing on that end and come away with at least 2-3 wins over their next stretch that features Milford, Pelham, and Pembroke, MV can separate themselves in the standings.

7. Kingswood: The Knights proved last year they could compete in this division and their lone win against Pembroke propels them into the seven spot early on. They have scored just three goals this year, but this is an offense, especially behind the production of Kylie Rapoza, that can get you goals when you need them. They have gone quiet since that win, but they have a chance to rebound on Friday against a very competitive Plymouth team.

8. Pembroke: The Spartans find themselves on a similar up-and-down roller coaster ride that they were on last season. Finding a consistent rhythm seems to be an issue early on, but also the schedule has not done them many favors either. The 4-1 loss to Keene was certainly an eye-opener (terrific win for the Blackbirds, Lucy Battaglia has been on a scoring tear). The talent and experience are there for the Spartans, it will be about putting together a full 80 minutes of consistent play and the hope for Pembroke is that trend starts when they take on a quality ConVal team next Tuesday.

9. Milford: The Spartans have been a bit of an under-the-radar group but we will find out what this group is made of with Merrimack Valley on Friday and trips to Bow and John Stark next week. Alexia Bausha and Kinsley Matsis have put home five of the seven Milford goals this season and will be a tandem to watch for.

10. Souhegan: The Sabers have shown they can get into high-scoring contests (6-4 loss to Coe-Brown), and also thrive in close games (three ties, two 0-0, and one 1-1). They sit at 1-2-3 but have an opportunity to get back in the win column with an on-the-rise Keene team and Laconia next week.

 

Notes: Spots 5-10 could have been a combination of different teams with nearly every team having at least one tie to their name. Don't be shocked if this is a completely different look next week.

 

 

Division III

Standings and Statistical Leaders

1. Gilford: A 37-1 scoring differential and 11 different Golden Eagles finding the back of the net is certainly a good way to start the regular season. Macy Sawyer has been an offensive machine, recording nine goals and nine assists through five games. Prospect Mountain should pose a good challenge, but this Gilford team seems to be on a mission early on in the year.

2. St. Thomas: The Saints are a perfect 5-0 after a 2-0 victory over Division IV Newmarket yesterday. Genna Bolduc has yet to let a goal go by while Maia Scanlon has done a little bit of everything on the offensive end with seven goals and four assists. Transfer Mallory Baker has made an instant impact with four goals and four assists of her own. This group once again looks primed to be in the mix for the top spot in Division III.

3. Raymond: The Rams have been dominant to say the least, outscoring opponents 32-1 en route to a 5-0 record.

4. Hopkinton: The scrappiness style of play head coach Mike Zahn set out for his team to play has worked so far as the Hawks sit at 5-0-1. Isabella (eight goals and three assists) and Sadie Serzans (three goals, four assists) have accounted for a majority of the Hopkinton offense through six games and will need a strong effort from the sisters to try and take down Fall Mountain on Friday.

5. Fall Mountain: The Wildcats took down rival Stevens for the first time since 2017 in a 2-1 Shriners Cup victory. A win like this can change the trajectory of a season and that momentum and big-time win have helped Fall Mountain to a three-game winning streak. Selah Fredrick and Mariella Tsitsonis have not skipped a beat from last season and Clara Stewart's impact defensively has shown early on, with the Wildcats allowing just six goals. Traveling to Hopkinton will be a tall task on Friday, but this group has been resilient in big games.

6. Stevens: The Cardinals have let in just two goals and scored 37 of their own, which certainly is a case to have them higher on this list, but with how tight Division III has been early on they find themselves at six. Payton Ferland is continuing the success she had last season with 12 goals through six games and Audrina Pelton has been rock solid in net with five shutouts. A trip to rival Kearsarge on Saturday night always makes for an interesting game. Don't be shocked to see a one-goal game in that one.

7. Campbell: Campbell's one-two punch of Kaylie Geiger and Amelia LaPlante has not disappointed so far, combining for 12 goals and 11 assists through six games. Hannah Pimentel has not let a goal go by all season and Lilli Wilson has been a big part of that defensively. Next Wednesday's game at Trinity will be one game to keep an eye on.

8. Prospect Mountain: The signature win for the Timberwolves so far is a 3-2 road win at Fall Mountain. They will need to carry that type of momentum when Giford comes to town on Friday.

9. Conant: The Orioles' depth is showing through this season as their ability to turn to their bench has allowed them to keep fresh legs and start off at 3-2. Riley Vitello has erupted for nine goals so far and Hannah Manley isn't too far behind with five goals herself. Conant dropped two close games to Derryfield (1-0) and Hopkinton (2-0), but those results show they can be a competitive team.

10. Trinity: Don't let the 1-3-2 record fool you, this team has been battle-tested early. Two 1-1 ties to both Hopkinton and Derryfield and a narrow 2-0 loss to St. Thomas certainly show what this team is capable of. The Pioneers still have an opportunity to find themselves in the Top 8 mix.

 

Division IV

Standings and Statistical Leaders

1. Profile: The reigning champs have already racked up quality wins over Newmarket, Sunapee, and Woodsville to start the year. Rival Littleton got the best of them at their homecoming game on Saturday, but the Patriots have shown they are still one of the teams to beat in Division IV. Ella McPhaul has been a focal point offensively once again, leading the Patriots in goals with 7.

2. Concord Christian: Four games in and the Kingsmen have yet to allow a goal this season. The schedule will start to pick up with a trip to Woodsville next Monday, but this group seems ready for any challenge they face.

3. Newmarket: The Mules sit at 3-2 but have had one of the more difficult schedules to begin the Division IV season. Wins over Littleton (4-1) and Sunapee (1-0) are signs that this team has the capability of contending once again this season. Olivia Blackadar is off to another blistering start with seven goals and has this Newmarket offense on the right path.

4. Sunapee: The Lakers sit at 5-2 with their lone losses coming at the hands of Profile (2-0) and Newmarket (1-0). The injury bug has stayed away from Sunapee so far and seeing this team at full strength has proven they are a contender yet again in this division. Katelyn Pacetti has been as solid as can be in her first year in net at the varsity level while Clare Tuohy and Olive Jennings have made the Laker offense a lethal one.

5. Portsmouth Christian: The Eagles have won five straight after their opening-day loss to Woodsville. Jaela Stockbower (11 goals, 10 assists) and Tatum Smith (11 goals 4 assists), have played as advertised and will try and defend home turf against Sunapee this afternoon.

6. Lin-Wood: The Lumberjacks are a sleeper no more, picking up wins over Littleton and Woodsville, proving they can be a team to be reckoned with in Division IV. Hadassah Corey and Kiley Clermont have been at the forefront of the Lin-Wood offensive success while Asha Ivester has filled in the starting goalie position nicely. Groveton will be no easy task on Friday, and will be a game to keep tabs on.

7. Littleton: The Crusaders have rattled off three straight wins after starting the year 0-3. The marquee win so far comes over rival Profile, a win that certainly rejuvenates this team and gets them back on the right track. Julieann Bromley's speed has been a weapon early on, as she leads the team with six goals. A trip to Gorham on Saturday and a short drive to rival Woodsville next Wednesday will be a crucial stretch for the .500 Crusaders.

8. Pittsburg-Canaan: The Yellow Jackets sit at 5-0 with solid wins over Groveton (2-1) and Gorham (1-0), but the schedule heats up with Woodsville coming to town on Friday. This is a game that could show us where this young and hungry group stands in Division IV. Sienna Grondin will need to have another strong performance in net and Leahana Haynes and Alyvia Jaimes (five goals each) will need to make contributions up front. 

9. Woodsville: The Engineers started off the year with a bang, taking down PCA on the road 4-3, but two losses to Lin-Wood (3-2) and Profile (6-1) were bumps on the railroad. Woodsville has responded with two straight wins and will need to get off the bus ready to go against Pittsburg-Canaan. Makayla Walker has scored four of her six goals in the last two games and has been tough to stop alongside Katie Houston.

10. Lisbon: Hello Panthers! After a 2-12-1 season last year, Lisbon has already doubled their win total after a 1-0 victory over Colebrook yesterday. Ellie Wilcox leads the division in scoring at 15 goals and has opened up the offensive end for this team. Next week will be this young group's biggest test with Pittsburg-Canaan, Groveton, and Lin-Wood on the docket. If you can find a way to go 1-2 or 2-1 that would be a successful outing for the Panters.