Girls regional soccer: Avon Lake finds success in numbers during historic season

It's been a record-breaking season for Avon Lake. The Shoregals' 20 wins are a school record and their 4-0 district semifinal win over Highland was their 12th shutout of the year, which tied a school record. But none of those numbers stand out quite like the No. 77. Avon Lake has scored a school-record 77 goals this season, an average of 3.67 per game. The Shoregals have scored multiple goals in a game 16 times and have been shut out just once all season. After winning their first district title in 15 years last week, the Shoregals (20-1) will take their offensive show on the road tonight when they face Massillon Jackson (13-4) in the Division I regional semifinals at Strongsville's Pat Catan Stadium at 6 o'clock. "It's not easy, we've gone up against a lot of good teams and we've seen a lot of formations and defensive strategies," Avon Lake coach Brian Salco said. "To be able to average that many goals is not easy to do. I'm very proud of our girls. They've done so many great things this season." With a win against the Polar Bears, Avon Lake will make more history by becoming the first girls soccer team in school history to play for a regional championship. "It feels amazing to be district champions and I think we're really confident right now because we've really stepped it up as a team," sophomore Ella Grode said. "I think we're better than I expected at the beginning of the season. I didn't think we'd have 20 wins right now and I really didn't think we'd score as many goals as we have." No one has been able to find the back of the net quite like Grode, who has 25 goals. "My teammates do such a great job of getting me the ball, that's how I've been able to score 25 goals this season," Grode said. Grode, who has 37 career goals after scoring 12 as a freshman, has her eyes on another record: the Shoregals' career record of 59 goals. But first she wants to help the Shoregals pad their win total. "We've gotten in a mindset where once we score one goal, we have the momentum and we're in the moment and we just keep pushing and scoring," Grode said. "It can be pretty hard to stop us once we get started. I'm a little nervous because I know we're playing a very good team but I'm confident we can come out with the win." Avon Lake has shared the wealth this season when it comes to scoring. Juniors Rachel Sheehan and Sarah Van Euwen have 16 and 10 goals, respectively. Junior Erika Parker leads the Shoregals with 11 assists while Grode and senior Emma West have 10 each. "It's huge when you can spread the scoring around," Salco said. "Ella is a very big piece of our offensive puzzle with 25 goals but we don't always rely on her. She draws so much attention away from Rachel (Sheehan), who has 16 goals, and Sarah Van Euwen. We have so many different scoring weapons. Our offense is very dynamic and dangerous." After scoring only two goals lastyear, Sheehan's production has given the Shoregals an added boost. "I'm a little more calm and confident this season," Sheehan said. "When I'm going to the goal I stay clam and I know where I'm going to put the ball. Last year I would get super excited." In between preparation for the Polar Bears, Sheehan took a moment to think about what it would it mean to become the first Avon Lake soccer team to win a regional title. "It would be amazing to see a state banner hanging up in our gym," Sheehan said. "Especially because we're the last fall sport to continue to play. The football, boys soccer and volleyball all lost this weekend, which is upsetting, but we know we have everyone's support. We're happy we get another chance to represent the school." Avon Lake comes into tonight's game with a 16-match winning streak. Salco said the team hasn't let the streak become a distraction. "They don't think much about the winning streak," Salco said. "The thing about these girls is they always come into a game expecting to win. It's not a cocky attitude, they just have a lot of confidence. These girls are on top of the world right now." Contact Todd Shapiro at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.