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Akron girls soccer brings youth, experience into 2026 season

Coach Ed Apholz says the Tigers are younger than usual, but nine returning starters give Akron a real base to build from.

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Pre-season Girls Soccer

WNY Athletics Staff ·

Overview

  • Apholz called this the youngest team he has coached, but also noted that Akron returns nine of 11 starters from a group that tied for second in the Niagara-Orleans League.
  • Clara Bogdan scored five goals with four assists in 2025-26, while Reese Adessa added three goals and six assists.
  • Deanna Vasbinder and Regan Luck both bring prior varsity goalkeeper minutes into the season.
  • Akron opens Sept. 2 against Orchard Park and closes the regular-season schedule Oct. 16 against Wilson.

Outlook

Akron enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a roster that is young, but not empty on experience.

Head coach Ed Apholz said this is "the youngest team I have ever coached," adding that every starter will range from freshman to junior.

That core still comes with varsity background. Apholz said the Tigers return nine of 11 starters from a team that tied for second place in the Niagara-Orleans League, giving Akron a blend of youth and familiarity entering the season.

Apholz has been a soccer coach at Akron for 22 years. He started as the program's first modified boys soccer coach in 2005, later coached JV boys soccer, and took over the girls varsity team in 2014. During his tenure with the girls program, Akron won a Niagara-Orleans League championship in 2019 and a sectional title in 2017.

Players to Watch

Abby Gerstung had four goals and three assists in 2025-26, while Hannah Liss had two goals and four assists.

Clara Bogdan added five goals and four assists in 2025-26, Reese Adessa had three goals and six assists, and Brooke Warren had three goals and three assists. Kylie Karmazyn also had two goals and two assists in 2025-26, adding to Akron’s returning scoring options.

In goal, Deanna Vasbinder's 2025-26 line includes 1,010 minutes and 61 saves. Regan Luck also has varsity goalkeeper experience listed from 2025-26, with 370 minutes and 27 saves.

Schedule

Akron's schedule opens Sept. 2 at home against Orchard Park, followed by road games at Batavia, Alexander and Roy-Hart/Medina. Other September opponents include Wilson, Barker/Lyndonville, Newfane, Albion and Roy-Hart/Medina before an Oct. 6 home date with East Aurora.

The regular-season schedule closes with road games at Barker/Lyndonville and Albion, then home games against Newfane and Wilson.

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