The Moorestown Friends School Girls Soccer team’s season came to a close after losing to Rutgers Prep 6-1 in the semi-finals of the NJSIAA Tournament on November 4, 2019. The Foxes ended their first year under the new head coach Akemi Moriuchi with a record of 12-8.
In addition to making it to the semi-finals of the state tournament, the girls made it to the semi-finals of the Friends School League tournament, where they fell to the number one seeded Westtown. The Foxes ended their regular season interleague play with a record of 4-4.
When reflecting on her first season, head coach Akemi Moriuchi said the “little things” are what stood out for her.
“A highlight this season was definitely sinking the ship,” Moriuchi said, “but also, just the little funny things [the team] did. They are a bit goofy and fun. It’s those little things that not everybody gets to see, but as a team we were able to do.”
Despite ending with a loss, senior captain Lizzie Carter (‘’20) said she sees her final season as a member of the MFS soccer team as going “as best as it could [be].” On the pitch, her team found much success, securing crucial team wins over Highland in overtime and inter-league rival Shipley. Carter, the team’s starting goalie, had an impressive season in the net, recording a career high 240 saves this season.
Another notable statistic is Senior Captain Bella Runyan’s (’20) team high 18 goals. In all of the Foxes’ wins this season, Runyan contributed at least one goal. Captain Megan Schweiker (’20) and junior forward Maddie Bouggess (’21) were tied for second on the team’s scoring list for the season, each netting 7 goals. Freshman midfielder Macey Wilkins ‘’23) made a splash on the Foxes’ offensive attack, recording a team high 7 assists.
Moriuchi accredited the upperclassmen with providing the team the momentum needed to continue their winning ways.
“The leadership was excellent from all the seniors,” Moriuchi said, “and moving forward, it was a really great start. That leadership set the building blocks for the future.”
With eight players graduating this year, Moriuchi said she now looks to the underclassmen to carry on the torch being passed down to them, saying that “the underclassmen now have a big step to make for next season,” but she has complete confidence in her players that “[they] can do it.”
In regards to the operation of the team going forward, while Moriuchi said she understands that “what we did tactically this year isn’t what we will do necessarily next year,” Moriuchi said that “[her] philosophy will stay the same and [the team] will keep moving forward.”
A major component of the team’s philosophy this year centers around their mantra, “All Heart.” As Carter explained, ”Most of the time, if not all the time, you could know that our team was giving all heart. This means [giving] everything you have for the whole game.”
Going into next season, the Foxes will need to tap into their “all heart” mindset as they look to capture the Friends School League title and the NJSIAA State Championship.
