Finishing with a 7-8-3 record, Andover Girls Soccer decisively ended the undefeated streaks of Choate, Governor’s and Pingree.
While the team did not qualify for the playoffs, Andover tied archrival Exeter 1-1 in its final game of the season.
Andover will graduate a slew of strong Senior leaders this year. Co-Captains Diana Tchadi ’14 on defense and Hannah Guzzi ’14 on offense set the tempo for the team and emphasized strong team chemistry. Katie Kreider ’14, Aly Wayne ’14 and Zoe Chazen ’14 were key players in the midfield and on the offensive end, as well.
In between wins, Andover suffered disappointing losses. Against both Rivers and Brooks, Andover fell 1-0 and let the winning goal in during the final minutes of the game.
Against Exeter, Andover went down after an Exeter goal from the 18-yard-line. Looking for momentum, Andover switched to a more aggressive strategy in the second half. With eight minutes left, Guzzi fired a rocket into the back of the net left to knot the score at 1-1.
“Andover-Exeter is obviously an experience that I won’t likely come across again. To be able to compete in such a special game will always be an experience at Andover and with [Girls Soccer] that I will treasure,” said Kreider.
The Andover/Exeter game was reflective of Andover’s offense struggle to score goals throughout the season. Guzzi led the team’s scoring with seven goals throughout the season. She was followed by Alex Thomas ’15 who had five goals and Kreider who had three goals.
“When I look back on my experience with [Girls Soccer], I’m not going to remember individual games. I’m going to remember the amazing memories that I shared with my teammates,” said Guzzi. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to spend my Senior Fall with.”
Tchadi led Andover’s defense with powerful kicks, fearless sliding tackles and unmatched speed. Elizabeth Kemp ’15 and Antonia Tamarro ’17 split the time at goalie and had four shut-outs collectively.
“Although we didn’t have the season we were expecting, the relationships that I formed with my teammates and the amazing memories that I shared with them drastically exceeded any of my hopes or expectations. I will remember this season for the rest of my life,” said Tchadi.
For the second year in a row, Andover did not qualify for the playoffs. Nonetheless, the team’s strong chemistry and unity held everyone together. Each player contributed to the team and was proud of the way that she played during the season.
“Andover taught me how to compete, why to always compete and give it your all: for the girls who were doing the same next to you. The support I got from my teammates and coaches constantly helped me improve and gain greater confidence in my own abilities as an athlete and then perform better in games. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and there isn’t a girl that I played with over my four years that I won’t forget,” said Kreider.
With six rising Seniors, Andover looks to improve its record and qualify for the playoffs in the 2014-2015 season.
