Zoe Clark has been the best of soldiers during her three years at Riverdale. The senior, one of the nation’s top players, has played the role of defensive midfielder to perfection for the Falcons, sacrificing the glory that comes with producing on the offensive end.
“She was outstanding at making sure the opposition didn’t go past that last third,” Riverdale coach Orlando Osorio said. “She’s such an exceptional containing midfielder all of her work wasn’t as shining. But that was her job.”
Her presence is one of the unsung reasons why the Bronx private school has won consecutive NYSAISAA titles and holds a 41-game unbeaten streak. Clark’s talent wasn’t lost on college coaches as he chose as a junior to play at the University of California over Harvard and Georgia. It was an opportunity, both athletically and athletically, she couldn’t pass up.
“If was sort of a why not,” Clark said.
The future Division I player will be further thrust into the spotlight this season. After the graduation of nine seniors, Clark will now be asked to get much more involved in the offense. Osorio sees her stepping right in for Rachel Copulsky, an All-City first team selection by The Post last season.
“I was never restricted,” said Clark, who plays her club ball with the PDA Celtics. “I just chose to play more of a defensive role. I definitely want to test the keeper more this year, but I don’t want to lose focus on distributing.”
The captain will have plenty of weapons around her as Riverdale returns a large contingent. Speedy lacrosse star Madeline Hopper, who spent last fall studying abroad, returns for her junior season. She will be joined at forward by senior Ali Hyman, Sarah Horne and lightning-quick sophomore Amaris Hemmings.
“She is going to be like a terror,” Osorio said of Hemmings. “When you least expect it, she comes out of nowhere and strips the ball.”
There will be a new duo at center midfield with senior Melissa Libutti and sophomore Courtney Taylor. Sydney Hard, Jackie Dworkin and Athena Bermeo will be at outside midfield. Clark and Taylor could form a dangerous combination up the field.
“They could be like a machine at the end of the year,” Osorio said.
The Falcons will have an experienced group in the back as Olivia Barry and Emily Dann return with sophomore sweeper Sarah Tiffany. Osorio is high on sophomore Caroline Cutler. Jennifer Kronish, who is recovering from a mild knee injury, returns in net and will be backed up by freshman Leah Moore.
Osorio said his players don’t let the pressure of the streak get to them, though they expect to play well and win every time they take the pitch. While this group is still working out a few kinks, there is plenty of talent to believe another NYSAISAA rtitle is possible.
“There is a little bit more added pressure knowing that we have an even larger bull’s-eye on our back,” Clark said. “Every team is going to want to take us down.”