Seekonk Girls Soccer Ready to Make Leap

Seekonk girls soccer coach Tom Crowley is not shy about his expectations for the team this year. "We expect to have our first winning season ever. We were .500 last year and this year we'll be better," the coach said after Wednesday's practice.

Crowley is in his fourth year as coach and the team has improved consistently under his direction. While he wants to keep improving, the coach says one phase of the transition is complete. "It's the first year with no players who played under a previous coaching staff. That whole culture of losing is gone," said Crowley.

This season, Seekonk has as much talent as the current coaching staff has seen. Captains Megan DeBarros and Shayna DaCunha will head the team in terms of leadership, but there is a definite buzz about the team's newest addition.

Freshmen striker Julia Downing is, in Crowley's words, "probably the first real striker this town has ever had. We're going to make sure she improves." The coach said that Downing will go on to play division I college soccer if she desires.

Goalkeeper coach Phil Fontes agrees. "Julia Downing is the one to keep an eye on. She's a special player. We basically just have to fine tune her," said Fontes.

As soccer fans know, one player up front with touch and skill can dramatically change a team. This is perhaps the reason for another of Crowley's preseason predictions. "We scored 32 goals last year from a previous high of 21...I expect this year we will be somewhere in the 40's," said Crowley.

Downing will start at the top of the Seekonk formation this year. For a good look at the team's progress early on, fans should circle September 12th fixture against Bourne. The game will be played at 6:30 that Monday night, under the lights at Seekonk High School.

"They've given us a tough time. They're very, very physical," said Crowley of Bourne. In last year's meeting, two Seekonk players left in need of medical attention after harsh tackles.