Tom Geysen has coached the girls’ varsity soccer team at Franklin High for 33 years, and he’s taken 27 of those squads to the playoffs. Five years ago, in 2012, his Panthers captured a state championship.
So, when the veteran coach speaks about Franklin’s outlook for the 2017 campaign, there’s no doubt that plenty of thought and analysis go with his words. “If we can weather the storm in the early portion of the schedule and improve as we go along, especially on defense, we can be successful,’’ Geysen said. “And, we can achieve our goals of getting to the tourney, posting a winning record and contending for the Kelly-Rex Division title.’’
The Panthers, who’ve compiled a 3-0-1 record in the early stages of the season, have only five starters back from last year’s team that finished 10-2-4 in the Hockomock League. And, their defense, in particular, was hit hard by graduation, losing top-notch competitors like Nadia Havens and Abby Gipson. But, Geysen’s team has its share of strengths, and they include athleticism, work ethic, speed, and quickness.
“We’ve got some players who are well-skilled and have a high soccer IQ,’’ Geysen said. “Our speed is excellent, but we’re thin on game experience. Defense is where we’ll need to step up. Our style will be up-tempo as we try to take advantage of our speed, but we’ll still need to rely on ball control and crisp passing.’’
Franklin’s senior captains are a good starting point if the focus is on talent and leadership. Molly Duncan, a four-year varsity player, is a center midfielder, and “Cat’’ Robbins is a dynamic goalie (0.50 goals-against average last year).
“Molly is a vocal leader and “Cat’’ leads by example,’’ Geysen said. “Molly is skilled, fierce, aggressive and hates to lose. She has great field awareness and is solid in transition. Cat is mentally tough, fearless, determined and an excellent decision-maker. She’s very instinctive when dealing with angles and coming out of the net. She’s the real deal.’’
Geysen is relying on four defenders to maintain Franklin’s competitive nature. They include senior Molly O’Reilly, juniors Grace Gallo and Maddie Stewart, and sophomore Breanna Atwood. O’Reilly is in her second year as a starter and Gallo and Stewart are in their second year of varsity action.
“Molly is athletic, physically fit, instinctive and smart,’’ Geysen said. “She’s got experience and knows how to adjust. Grace is physical, works hard and is mentally tough. She’s very capable at reading and reacting as an offense develops. Maddie is athletic and has excellent speed. She’s learning the finer points of defense. Breanna is our backup goalie but she’ll also play in the field. She’s athletic and coachable, able to make decisions and follow through. She’s adjusting well to her defensive role.’’
Junior Halle Atkinson, sophomores Sabrina Addi and Carly Alston, and freshman Erin Quaile will see action in midfield with Duncan. “Halle has outstanding speed, defends well and her field awareness is good,’’ Geysen said. “She’s learning to handle the ball strategically, and she gets back quickly on defense. Sabrina also had good field awareness, and her touch on the ball is excellent. She played last year as a freshman. She just needs to be a bit more patient. Carly has good foot skills and good touch on the ball. Erin is a very smart and skilled.’’
Franklin’s forwards, who utilize a blend of offensive capability and physical play, include junior Calen Frongillo, seniors Miranda Smith and Jess Kroushl, and sophomore Anna Balkus.
“Calen has excellent skills and good field awareness,’’ Geysen said. “She also passes well and has a great shot. We want her to be more of a physical presence. Miranda was our top scorer last year (12 goals, 3 assists). She can run, pass and elude opponents. He shot is hard and accurate. Jess has blazing speed, she’s quick to the ball, is an accurate shooter and is aggressive on defense. Anna has no varsity experience but she moves well without the ball, has good field sense, and is strong and skilled.’’
Geysen is hoping his forces are in the mix for the Kelly-Rex crown but he views defending division champ Mansfield as the leading contender with King Philip making a serious bid. “Mansfield is talented and they’ve got depth,’’ Geysen said. “And, KP has well-skilled players. Also, Kevin Smith at Mansfield and Gary Pichel at KP are excellent coaches.’’
Geysen’s competitive philosophy hasn’t changed during his 30-plus years of coaching girls’ soccer. His teams always practice diligently and they play to win. “We also want the girls to reach their potential and to enjoy their athletic experience,’’ he added. “If we’re winning, then the girls are having fun. But, if we lose, they have to learn how to accept it and figure out how to change it.’’
History, however, has proven that losing soccer teams just don’t fit Franklin’s profile.
Issue Date:
October, 2017
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