Girls’ soccer taking the next step

Every coach aspires to find that special formula which produces success on the field.  Eighth-year Highland Park High School girls soccer coach Chris Ruckdeschel offers a simple winning equation to his team—heart and passion.

“Heart and passion are oftentimes what win games,” Ruckdeschel said. “That’s what it takes to be around when it matters and I tell that to our team all the time.  When we bring those things together, our attitude can be contagious and they are fun to watch.”As of October 8th, the Owls possess a record of 5-2-1, with shutouts over Dunellen and South River and a hard fought double-OT win over rival Middlesex that saw a hat trick from senior striker Leah Salkin.

HP is coming off a 2008 season that saw the team finish third in the Gold Division with a 13-7-1 record while bowing out in the second round of the Central Jersey Group I state tournament.

Slow starts have plagued the squad in recent years and early September channeled flashbacks as Highland Park stumbled out of the gate at 0-2-1.  Ruckdeschel insists that his team’s seven seniors used the hardship experiences of past seasons to dig out of the hole earlier in ’09.

“The girls have been through this,” he said.  “They’ve had their team meetings year after year. And, I think their expertise with this is having its effect now.  All the talks on bus rides home can be processed but determination needs to overcome the other factors at some point.”

On the field, the Owls bring a different identity into ’09, especially following the graduation of highly-touted goalkeeper, Abby Petkov.  Freshman Ashley Lozada won the goalie competition in camp to fill what the coach calls “the biggest shoes in the world.”

“The difference is our staple is gone in Abby,” Ruckdeschel said.  “We decided Tali Petkov was too good not to put on the field, so Ashley is playing goalie for us.  She’s being asked to grow up fast but is very fundamentally sound.  Every goal she gives up, she wears on her sleeve but we’re asking a lot right now… for a freshman to act like a junior.”

Ruckdeschel mentioned that he was most proud with his team’s tie against Middlesex—a series that has turned into a budding rivalry since the Blue Jays knocked the Owls out of the state playoffs on penalty kicks.  He said that his veterans have made sure to bring out the best in the team day-in and day-out.

“I treat my veteran leadership the same whether we have seven seniors or two,” he said.  “I rely on them to bring smarts when it comes to set pieces or running warm-ups.  I know the team like the back of my hand when issues arise but the onus is also on the captains to rile up the team on a game-to-game basis.”

The squad’s leaders are a reflection of their candid coach—with seniors Danielle Reasso, Olivia Saad, Gwen Dougherty and Leah Salkin serving as the quartet of captains.  Salkin and Dougherty provided the strikes to beat South Amboy on Sept. 22.

“Danielle has been a leader since freshman year and her voice carries us on the field,” Ruckdeschel said.  “Olivia Saad leads our defense and is a quiet and masterful sweeper.  Leah Salkin is a big key for us and we go as her touch goes.  She has the potential to be a big-time goal scorer.  And, Gwen is our flare and lightning.  She lights up a field on a great day.”

The veteran manager also touched on the play of a few newcomers.  Freshman stopper Charlotte Feingold was praised for “winning every 50-50 ball and heading every punt.”  Fellow first-year Jesse Dominick is “an up-and-coming Leah Salkin . . .  she has a nose for the goal that she shares with [freshman] Sylvia Marks.”

When it comes to expectations, Ruckdeschel is wary of setting unattainable goals, but believes his team has what it takes to get over the hump.

“States is always the number one priority,” he said.  “Qualify and move on past the first line and get to the finals.  We’ve been all too close the past couple years and it’s time to punch that one in.  I want the girls to get exactly what they want out of this season and I believe that’s one of their main hopes.”

As long as the Owls keep playing with heart and passion, Ruckdeschel knows they can make an impact this season.

“We’re a real fun team to watch,” he said.  “Highland Park can learn something from their mindset.  At their best, they can inspire anybody.”