Salamanca looks to grow with young, determined core

Overview

• Salamanca went 7-9-1 in 2025 and enters 2026 looking to improve on that record.
• Coach Kersten Furlong described the group as young and determined, with improved offensive threats.
• Ireland Fidurko returns after nine goals and four assists in 2025, and Arleigh Chudy had seven goals and three assists.
• Brielle Massagli, who had three goals and three assists last season, is expected to organize the midfield.

Salamanca enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a young core, a clear target and returning production in the attack.

Coach Kersten Furlong said the team has “improved Offensive threats” and a mix of seasoned returners who are “young and hungry.” Salamanca went 7-9-1 in 2025, and Furlong listed improving on last season’s record as one of the team’s goals.

The returning attack starts with Ireland Fidurko, who scored nine goals and added four assists in 2025. Fidurko is also listed by Furlong as one of the team’s captains and a set-piece threat.

Arleigh Chudy gives Salamanca another proven attacking option after scoring seven goals with three assists last season. Chudy is also part of the captain group, along with Fidurko and Delaney Haley.

Brielle Massagli is expected to help organize the midfield and control the way Salamanca plays. She added three goals and three assists in 2025. Furlong also named Harper Ellis as a returning player who could take a significant step forward and Presleigh Jimerson as a newly featured player who could become an important contributor.

Furlong described the team identity as smart and defensive, with quick transitions creating more offensive threats. She listed confidence as the area Salamanca most needs to develop, while saying the group brings soccer knowledge and patience.

In goal, Furlong said Salamanca has a new young goalkeeper with aggressiveness and raw talent.

Salamanca’s schedule includes September games against Catt. Little Valley, Pine Valley/Gowanda, Randolph, Ellicottville, Westfield/Brocton and Franklinville, followed by October matchups with Catt. Little Valley, Gowanda, Randolph, Chautauqua Lake, Westfield/Brocton, Ellicottville and Silver Creek/Forestville.