After a successful 2023 season for West Essex Girls Soccer, filled with dramatic endings, ups and downs, the team surprised many by reaching their state sectional semifinal round. Their strong season helped bring new life to the soccer program, despite a loss in the state sectional semi-finals on Nov. 2.
Girls’ Soccer struggled to open the season, winning just three of their first nine games. But they fired back in October, with an eight-game winning streak and an impressive run to the semifinal round in the NJSIAA Tournament. With the help of head coach Robert Faggiani, the team improved immensely throughout the season.
“After losing those three games in a row at the end of September, the team start[ed] fresh for the month of October,” Faggiani said. “One game at a time is important…during the regular season and county tournament. I am proud of the team and happy I get the chance to coach a group of not only great players, but great individuals.”
The team credits their strength to their strong work ethic. The team’s chemistry is evident on and off the field, creating a positive atmosphere for the players.
“I think the main reason our team is so strong is because everyone is so close off the field,” senior captain Lauren Hain said. “We have all formed really strong relationships with each other off the field that have allowed us to be successful on the field. This has enabled us to trust one another, communicate and work well together on the field.”
Even though they had some tough competition, they were able to come out of the season with a strong team bond.
“We play some of the top teams in the state every year which leads to some losses,” Faggiani said. “They are determined to be a successful team, and they are a successful team. Their determination resulted in an epic comeback from the beginning of the season.”
