Williamsville East girls soccer pairs returning production with Kelly's player-development focus

Overview

• Williamsville East went 10-5 in 2025.
• Payton Ciocca, listed as a defender, had six goals and two assists in 2025.
• Portia Gooldy added four goals and four assists in 2025.
• Lucy Martis recorded 71 saves across 1,040 goalkeeper minutes in 2025.
• Coach Liam Kelly emphasizes technical ability, tactical understanding and the physical demands of the game.

Outlook

Williamsville East enters the 2026 girls soccer season with Liam Kelly leading a program built around player development.

Kelly said his coaching lens at Williamsville East starts with three areas: technical ability, tactical understanding and the physical demands of the game. He looks for players who are confident in 1v1s, dribbling, passing and shooting; players who can read the game; and athletes who can handle the fitness demands of a full match and extra time.

The team went 10-5 in 2025, and the roster returns several players with meaningful production from that season.

Players to Watch

Payton Ciocca, listed on the roster as a defender, had six goals and two assists in 2025. Portia Gooldy added four goals and four assists, giving Williamsville East another returning player who contributed both as a scorer and creator.

Talia Yonaty had three goals in 2025, while Avery Brady scored twice. Addison Marmion added one goal and three assists.

In goal, Lucy Martis brings back a strong 2025 line with 71 saves across 1,040 minutes.

Schedule

Williamsville East's 2026 schedule includes September games with Clarence, Williamsville South, Amherst, Starpoint, Hamburg and Lewiston-Porter.

October brings Williamsville South, Amherst, Sweet Home, Williamsville North, Starpoint and Lancaster, with the regular-season schedule closing Oct. 17 against Lancaster.