By Joseph Staszewski
While the Christ the King roster may have changed and gotten younger, John Fayad’s confidence in his players is unwavering.
“I believe as much in this team as I did the team from last year,” the Royals coach said.
Last season was a historic one for Christ the King’s girls’ soccer program. The Royals won their first CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens title by beating Mary Louis in an overtime thriller. Despite the loss of top scorers Fabiana Rebecca and Christina Viaggio, it left this group hungry to experience that euphoric feeling again.
“We can’t go back to what we were,” junior midfielder Francesca Giglio said. “It’s pushing us to still be at the top.”
This Christ the King team’s strength will be its defense, when three starters return, including goalkeeper Kristin Drogsler and sweeper Cathy Lume, one of the team’s captains. The ultra-athletic Drogsler distinguished herself as one of the city’s best keepers last fall, hammered home by numerous late key saves in CK’s Diocesan championship-game win. Left fullback Destiny Marino, a physical presence, returns. She will be joined on the back line by freshman Medina Mulic, who could also see time elsewhere.
“We got used to each other, when to back each other up, where each other is going to be,” Marino said.
Added Fayad: “The defense will be as good as anybody’s defense in the league.”
Giglio, another captain, will take over as the squad’s go-to scorer up front and will play left midfield after notching three goals and six assists a year ago. Lone senior Stephanie Rivera returns at right midfield and Fayad believes she is primed for her best season yet.
“She’s definitely ready,” Lume said of Giglio. “She is a very strong player. She has her head in it, her heart in it.”
Freshmen Diana Paravados and Andrea Cardozo will be at midfield. Fayad described the former as excellent at controlling pace and the latter as more offensive-minded with a big right foot. Speedy freshman Sarah Nolan is expected to aide in the goal-scoring at forward.
Fayad and the players admit it is a matter of this talented group jelling, learning to play together and putting all the pieces in the right place. They have all seen a growing communication on the field that have them believing Christ the King will be back challenging for another crown.
“They have experience,” Lume said. “They are up to our level at this point. Once you know what you have to do, you just figure it out.”
