One week after Andover Girls Soccer’s season opener, Emily Mara ’25 and Sarah Powers ’26 both scored to help the team claim a 2-0 win against Middlesex on Wednesday.
Junior goalkeeper Jacqueline Dill ’27 discussed the excitement of starting a new season and settling into the schedule. Dill believed that because the team wanted to keep the season’s strong momentum rolling, its focus and grit were outstanding.
“The team was very excited to play in this game. It was our first away game and second game overall, so the pressure was on to set the stage for our season. But overall, we were pretty calm, yet excited,” said Dill.
New team member, Murathime Daisley ’26, acknowledged goalkeeper Jill Reichenbach ’24 for keeping calm and collected throughout the entire game. Daisley believes that Reichenbach is a positive team role model by being focused and ready during the games.
“Jill Reichenbach, our goalkeeper, played an amazing game—helping keep our team calm by making smart and confident decisions. She is a great leader on the team whose vibrant energy and…demeanor heavily influence[s] our team,” said Daisley.
Reichenbach is identified as a leader on and off the field by her teammates, particularly by the underclassmen. Reichenbach offered some insight into how she tackles being a goalkeeper and the pressure that comes with the position.
“During the game, I just focus on being there for my defenders and just doing the best that I can. I see how much heart and soul every player on the team is putting out [on the field]…Before the game, on the [ride] over, I visualize…the worst case scenarios. I think that a lot of what being a goalkeeper is, is just [thinking about] what is the worst possible thing that can happen and how can I support the team in a way that makes sure that that scenario either doesn’t happen or that when it happens [we’re] prepared to deal with it,” said Reichenbach.
Although the team defeated Middlesex, Dill added that it still has aspects of its game to improve upon. According to Dill, the team’s communication, organization, and field play could use some work.
“We could’ve been a lot more organized. The midfield lacked communication and the team came off lackadaisical in the first half. But in the second half, we really turned it up. We also introduced some set pieces into our game today, and those need much more practice,” said Dill.
Daisley highlighted the passion that is in every player on the Girls Soccer team. Daisley believed that the chemistry between the team improves immensely when everyone playing truly cares about the outcome.
“I love the energy and passion our team has. You can tell that everyone is excited to be with each other and to play the game at a high level. The GVS environment is one of great support and love with one another paired with a great sense of a shared competitive spirit,” said Daisley.
Andover Girls Soccer will play next Saturday at home against Loomis.
