Jeremy Lenchert's Cicero-North Syracuse girls soccer team is loaded with talented young players.
The Northstars's lack of experience is made up for by the senior leadership of Emilee Rio, who scored two goals in her team's 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night.
"Those younger players, for as talented as they are, they don't have that experience at the varsity level," Lenchert said. "And for them to be able to look up to a player like Rio and have her serve as an example of, not just how she carries herself on the field and the things she's able to accomplish, but how she carries herself off the field. It's super important."
The Northstars' roster includes four eighth-graders, five freshmen and two sophomores. Including Rio, there are five seniors and five juniors on the team.
Tuesday's victory was C-NS' fourth shutout of the season. The defense is anchored by junior Katalina Lawrence, who unselfishly moved to the back line this season.
"Kat is doing us a favor by dropping back into the back and really just kind of becoming that general in the back. The voice in the back," Lenchert said. "We're holding our own, which is great to see. That was the big question mark going into the season."
The Northstars (3-2-1) next take a trip to Baldwinsville for a 7 p.m. matchup on Thursday.
"I think it's going to be a closer game than maybe some people may think," Lenchert said. " (Baldwinsville's) playing well this year. They've played well the last couple of years. Baldwinsville's always a tough place to play. The young players have got to reset themselves. We kind of talked about this after the game."
Liverpool (1-4) will next face Central Square at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 26.
