Members of the Coral Springs Charter Springs Girls Soccer Team. Photo courtesy Haley Capplis, Team Captain.
By: Matt Rothman
Off to their best start in school history, the Coral Springs Charter girl’s varsity soccer team is currently 6-0 and look well on their way for a big-time push in the playoffs.
Through their first six games, the Panthers have scored 24 goals, with sophomore Emily Kahler responsible for eight of them. She has scored multiple goals three times this year and has 17 points this season.
CSCS started their season with a 4-1 win over South Florida Heat High School in Fort Lauderdale and then played their closest game of the year yet in a 2-1 victory over Key West High School.
In their next four games, the Panthers backline and goaltender in Kelsey Dunn has gone 320 minutes without allowing a goal. They defeated Fort Lauderdale High School Saint Andrew’s School, Calvary Christian Academy, and, most recently, Pompano Beach High School on Monday and are now 1-0 in the district.
“It has taken a long time to build the kind of program that could be this successful,” said Head Coach Kristin Grassi. “These girls have made a choice to believe in this program as well as their coaches. They are incredibly talented and have built a family that can rely on each other.”
While Kahler leads the team in goals, another sophomore in Madison Micioni is not too far back with five goals this season. So far, the Panthers have had nine different players get in on the scoring, including Bailey Swedginnis, who is third in the team with four goals.
CSCS has two freshmen who are already making an impact on the team in defender Danielle Mersch and Sophie Ribeiro. Those two have already combined to play 300 minutes this year with two goals from Ribeiro.
A young team makes veteran leadership from captain Haley Capplis more critical. She believes this is the best group of players they have ever had.
“As captain, I have seen the team evolve, and we have developed for the better all together,” said Capplis. “The team is my second family, and I know that is how it feels for other players as well. This team is, in my opinion, the best it has ever been.”
The road ahead for the Panthers will not be easy as they face off against J.P. Taravella and Coral Glades: two strong teams, each with winning records this year.
Up next for the Panthers, will be against Boyd Anderson High School on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. before playing a pair of home games against McArthur and FAU High School on Dec. 5 and 6 at 4 p.m.
