Newfane CSD Girls Soccer Builds Around Young, Possession-Driven Group

Overview

• Newfane CSD enters 2026 with what head coach Eric Schmidt describes as “a younger group” looking to grow into the season.
• Schmidt said the team wants to be possession-driven and build around communication, team defense and attack, field awareness and conditioning.
• Sophie Enderton and Sophia Clare are listed as captains, with Enderton expected to organize the midfield and Clare identified as a set-piece threat.
• Newfane opens at Albion on Sept. 8, meets Wilson on Sept. 10 and visits Niagara Wheatfield on Sept. 12.

Newfane CSD enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a younger roster and a clear emphasis from head coach Eric Schmidt: build the team game, keep communicating and grow through the schedule.

“We are a younger group looking to establish our position in the league,” Schmidt said. “We are eager to get the season going to see where we fall!”

Schmidt described the group as largely fresh, with good ability and team chemistry. He said Newfane wants to play “a solid team game at both ends of the field,” with communication, team defense and attack, field awareness and conditioning standing out as expected strengths.

The team’s captains are Sophie Enderton and Sophia Clare, both sophomores. Enderton, a midfielder, is expected to help organize the midfield and control how Newfane plays. Clare, listed as a central midfielder/forward, is a player Schmidt identified as likely to take a step forward and as an important option on set pieces. Clare scored two goals as a freshman in 2025, while Enderton recorded one assist.

Olivia Chunco, a sophomore central midfielder/forward, is another player Schmidt pointed to as a potential contributor. Addison Downs and Thea Ostrozinksi were also cited for leadership and value that may not show up in a box score.

In goal, Schmidt said the position will be shared by “two junior girls who are great competitors ready to do what it takes to stop the ball.” Adriana D’Orsaneo and Addy Shepard are the two junior goalkeepers listed on the roster.

Newfane’s attack also includes senior forward Pearlynn Tubo, who had two goals and two assists in 2025.

The schedule opens at Albion on Sept. 8, followed by Wilson on Sept. 10 and Niagara Wheatfield on Sept. 12. Later landmarks include Barker/Lyndonville on Sept. 15, Roy-Hart/Medina on Sept. 19 and Akron on Sept. 21.

Schmidt said the group’s goals are direct: “Play to potential and grow it!”