Sports

NYC girls soccer rankings

There is a new No. 1

Beacon worked its way into the top spot this week, a position we see them holding onto until the postseason. The Blue Demons hit their stride last week and may be the most technically sound team in the city. St. Francis Prep and Molloy slide down a spot and Fontbonne Hall jumps into the No. 4 spot as Mary Louis goes down to fifth.

We have one new member of the poll as St. Joseph by the Sea replaces Horace Mann, who lost to Hackley and Trinity last week. No. 7 Francis Lewis has it work cut out for itself this week and sixth-ranked Bronx Science could make its way into the top five real soon.

Here is how the rankings look this week:

1. Beacon (8-0) (Last week 4)

Impressive is the only way to describe Beacon’s recent play. The Blue Demons dismantled division challengers LaGuardia and Bard, winning both contests by a combined 12-1. Sophie Kliger has established herself as one of the city’s elite game-changers. She is a smart and precise passer with a strong and accurate shot. Beacon’s defense can be as dominate as it was a year ago, even without Chelsea Davies.

Next: @ School of the Future (Oct. 12, 12 p.m.)

2. St. Francis Prep (2-5-1) (1)

The Terriers have continued to struggle, especially on the offensive end. Coach John Jenkins club lost twice last week to league powers St. John the Baptist and Holy Trinity by a combined score of 7-1. The lone goal was scored by Maria Canicatti. St. Francis Prep felt it had a promising season ahead of itself with the infusing of four talented freshmen, but it is shaping up to be a rebuilding year.

Next: Our Lady Mercy (Oct. 7, 4:15 p.m.)

3. Archbishop Molloy (2-4-3) (2)

Molloy took care of business against St. Dominic (L.I.), getting two goals apiece from Kyra Meli and Victoria Antonino for its second win of the season. The Stanners continue through the tough part of their schedule with matches against league power St. Anthony’s (L.I.) and defending CHSAA State champions Sacred Heart (L.I.) on tap. Still Meli and company is proving to be the favorite to repeat as Nassau/Suffolk CHSAA A champions.

Next: St. Anthony’s (Oct. 7, 4 p.m.).

4. Fontbonne Hall (5-0) (5)

The Bonnies have gone unchallenged so far in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens, with games left against unbeaten Notre Dame and rival Bishop Kearney. It was a strong week for the team’s freshmen as Cindy Henderson scored four times and Casey Ryan and Kristen Corral each tallied two goals in wins over St. Edmund Prep and St. John Prep.

Next: St. Saviour (Oct 14, 4 p.m.)

5. Mary Louis (2-6-1) (4)

Mary Louis got first-year coach Nicole Madtes her first varsity win in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St. Dominic last week. Deirdre Ray and Deirdre Munday each had goals. There will be a shot for more wins on the horizon, just probably not this week with tilts against Sacred Heart and Kellenberg (L.I.) scheduled. After that, the Hilltoppers can start the drive for another Nassau/Suffolk CHSAA A title.

Next: @ St Edmund, (Oct. 2, 4 p.m.)

6. Bronx Science (9-0) (6)

Bronx Science dominance of Bronx A-1 continued with victories over Lehman and Columbus by a combined score of 13-0. Taylor Murtaugh continues her push for Player of the Year honors as she is now up to 11 goals and seven assists in just nine games. Nadine Penkovsky and Georgetown-bound Alexandra Bushman continue to be consistent scoring options.

Next: Harry S. Truman, (Oct. 2, 4 p.m.)

7. Francis Lewis (5-0-3) (7)

The Patriots may not find themselves in this spot much longer, especially if St. Joseph Hill can knock off Notre Dame. Francis Lewis hasn’t lost yet, but it doesn’t have an impressive win on its resume either. Gena Koutisounadis and company beat Thomas Edison just 2-0 and managed a tie against rival Cardozo. They have been less than dominant and have just one win against the division’s top foes.

Next: John Adams (Oct. 12, 10 a.m.)

8. St. Joseph Hill (5-0-1) (8)

Hilltoppers played just once since the last rankings, getting an easy 6-0 win over Moore Catholic. Things will not be as easy Thursday when Notre Dame Academy gets a crack at avenging an early season loss to St. Joseph Hill, their first in league since 2006. A win there would likely move coach Tom Siller’s club up the rankings.

Next: Notre Dame Academy (Oct. 8, 4 p.m.)

9. McKee Staten Island Tech (7-0-1) (9)

If you are going to mention Player of the Year candidates then you cannot forget Jackie Bruno. The sophomore scored six times in two games last week and is up to 17 goals and six assists this fall. Before the Sea Gulls can get a division-deciding rematch with Tottenville, it must get past a tough Petrides team next Tuesday.

Next: Susan Wagner (Oct. 8, 4 p.m.)

10. St. Joseph by the Sea (4-0-2) (NR)

Coach Arturo Rando’s club has yet to lose. The only blemishes are two hard-fought ties with St. Joseph Hill and Notre Dame. Not too shabby. The Vikings are relentless on both ends of the field, have a bevy offensive weapons including Kelly Oehm and one of the best goalies in the in city in Victoria Donegan. How they fare against St. Joseph Hill and Notre Dame the second time around will decide where they go in the rankings.

Next: St. Peter’s (Oct. 8, 4:30 p.m.)

New: St. Joseph by the Sea (4-0-2)

Dropped out: Horace Mann (5-2)

On the bubble: Tottenville (8-0-1), Notre Dame (6-0), Bayside (5-1-2), Bishop Kearney (6-1), Stella Maris (5-2), Horace Mann (4-2), Long Island City (5-0-3)