The Middletown North Lady Lions Soccer program has been living up to the high expectations that have been set prior to the 2018 campaign.  Sixth year head coach Tricia Misciagna, a former Red Bank Catholic and Villanova standout, has the Lions sitting in first place in the B-North Division. The Lady Lions have roared to an undefeated start with a record of 5-0 and impressive victories over Manalapan, Long Branch, Raritan, Ocean and an impressive win over St. John Vianney.  The most recent victory against St. John Vianney featured a thrilling outcome in which the Lions scored the game winning goal with 16 seconds left in regulation to earn a 3-2 win against the Lancers. The game featured strong play from Lindsay O’Keefe, Hayley Stratton, and Katelyn Reid whom all scored goals. Seniors Casey Bougues and Kaleigh Harmon, whom has committed to play soccer at West Chester University,  both had assists. Senior goalie Haley Martin, who has committed to St. Peter’s University, made nine saves for the Lions in the win. 

 The Lady Lions are off to a hot start and are looking to accomplish what some of the great girls soccer teams of MHSN past have accomplished. Middletown North has a great history of success including the great teams of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.  The pride of the girls soccer program was highlighted by the three consecutive Shore Conference Championships that were captured from 1991 through 1993. The 1992, team featured an undefeated season with a 19-0 record including 14 shutouts. The 2005 team won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 State Tournament behind the school’s career scoring leader Jen Anzivino and four time All Shore Selection Julie Lancos.  According to Coach Misciagna’s interview with Jersey Sports, this sense of history is important and she wants her teams to be able to create their own legacy and add to the rich history. ““I keep telling the girls that we are a soccer school and that it’s important to us. The banners are all hanging around in the gym but none with any years that we’ve been here, so we want to get up there.” 

Former Middletown North soccer standout and current English teacher, Jess Gavini (Portelli) was recognized as the best goalkeeper in the Shore Conference during the early 1990’s dynasty and has spoken about the importance of the soccer program on her life and the pride that she still feels with the program being successful.  “As an alumni of the MHSN Soccer team, I think back to all of the amazing friendships and memories that I made being a part of this program. Now as a teacher, I am filled with pride as I watch my students create the same type of memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.  I wish the coaches and players the best of luck this year as they continue on the road to the championship” said Gavini.

The Lions return experienced Seniors Casey Bogues, Kaleigh Harmon, Haley Martin, Emily McCarthy, Lindsay O’Keefe and Gabi Triolo.  The Lions also feature a talented underclassmen group that includes: Katelyn Reid, Darien Rinn, Allie O’Keefe, Hayley Stratton, Carly Binn, Ashley Dietrich, Shaela Pearson.  This group is focused on not only competing against the Shore Conference competition, but against some tough opponents at the state level as well. The Lions upcoming regular season schedule features key games against: Wall, East Brunswick, Middletown South, Red Bank Regional, Neptune, Matawan, Howell, Colts Neck  and Mater Dei.

This year’s team has the potential to make a deep run in the Shore Conference and NJSIAA State tournaments and the Middletown North community is extremely excited and proud of the Middletown North Girls Soccer Program.  

Gallery • 7 Photos