Varsity Soccer Squads Hit the Ground Running

The boys cruised to a 7-1 win over Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, while the girls recorded a clean sheet in a convincing 6-0 victory over Marymount School of New York. 

It was a dream-like start for the boys, who impressed under the direction of first-year head coach Kayode McKinnon.  

"It was hugely important for us," assistant coach and upper school math teacher Neil Jaggernauth said. "Especially with a new coach and a strong returning cohort of players — it was great to be able to immediately see the fruits of our labor from preseason and the week leading up to the game. It was so important for the players to be able to see that this new way of playing works and is effective outside of the controlled situations in practice." 

Striker Alan Eskenazi ’26 paced the offense with a hat-trick, combining speed, skill and strength to wear down Léman's defense. A starter since ninth grade, Eskenazi will be a key player for the Panthers this season. 

"Obviously, (Eskenazi) comes to us with a great amount of soccer ability, but he has managed to find ways to get better every year," Jaggernauth said. "We are starting to see him not only get faster, but also stronger in a way that really puts pressure on opposing defenses. Additionally, Coach McKinnon emphasizes an attacking, high-pressure way of playing that also puts pressure on opposing defenses. That allows us to give Alan, and the team as a whole, opportunities in front of goal."

Jake Raab ’26 added one goal and one assist, while Leon Cohen ’26 and Aaron Weinberg ’25 each scored once. The final tally was an own-goal by Léman. 

Aaron Guerrero ’27 anchored the defense with seven saves. Jaggernauth also highlighted the play of Warsameh Jama ’25, a steady attacking presence, and Garrett Navin ’28, who made his debut at the varsity level. Masters pulled away after Léman cut the deficit to 2-1 late in the first half. 

As for the girls, the end result was never truly in doubt. The Panthers jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead and slammed the door shut in the second half.

"It is always important for a team to start strong," head coach and Assistant Athletic Director Juan Cobos said. "We knew that we needed to, and could, control Friday’s game before the first whistle blew — regardless of the opponent. That’s exactly what the team did."

Elodie Hufferdine ’28 powered the offense with two goals and one assist. Lucia Lamprecht ’26, Maya Yoon ’26 and Bella Henriquez ’26 added one goal each, while Julissa Casiano ’25, Anna Shub ’25 and Mia Steinwurtzel ’26 each doled out an assist. 

Cobos was impressed with his team's selfless style of play. 

"That will continue to be the key for our success this season," he said. "All 21 players are leaning into the notion of leaning on each other. There is a belief in this team and a confidence that has all the girls excited. They know what they can accomplish."

The boys will play their next home game against Hopkins on Saturday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. The girls are set to host Horace Mann on Friday, September 13, at 4:30 p.m.