Metro Detroit high school girls soccer notes: New Boston Huron readies for another run

Ann Arbor Pioneer hitting its stride

After a 1-1-1 start, Pioneer has climbed the Division 1 rankings, going from No. 11 to No. 8 thanks to an eight game unbeaten streak with wins over fellow ranked programs Rockford and Saline.

The catalyst for its run was with a 1-0 loss against Plymouth, a rain shortened game that saw the only goal knocked into the net by a Pioneer defender.

“Frustrating experience for the girls, but it was a really good learning moment,” Pioneer coach Andy Irvine said. “It was nice that it happened early in the season for us so that we could rebound from it.”

The team has outscored opponents 32-5 since its only loss, with senior captains Molly Burke (Minnesota St.), Quincy Behm and Maya Borgsdorf leading the charge. Burke directs the defense from her goalkeeper spot keeping the backline organized.

“She is really the emotional leader of the team, kind of relaxing everybody and keeping the mood light,” Irvine said. “She's done a really good job of making sure we're not playing the emotion, we're playing the game.”

Burke has recorded five shutouts through her first eleven games.

Behm dominates the midfield with her physicality, winning possession back and finding attackers in dangerous areas. Borgsdorf has been the recipient of many of those passes from Behm with three goals and seven assists.

Senior Lauren Stanley and junior Milly Sandstrom have joined Borgsdorf to create a formidable top line. The Pioneer attack is starting to click, scoring six or more goals in three of its last five games.

“Our front three is a really, really difficult animal to deal with because they all score goals,” Irvine said. “Lauren has scored a ton … Millie plays center forward for us and she's just one who never quits on anything.”

With a strong defense and a surging offense, the program is looking to continue its run.

“We have to learn when we have to put our own personal goals aside to meet the team goals and the girls have really bought into it,” Irvine said. “So, it's been wonderful.”

Notre Dame Prep starting to come together

Notre Dame Prep was another program that got off to a shaky start but has looked like a new team since spring break, posting a 6-1-0 record since the start of April.

Strong defense has led the turnaround. After allowing 13 goals over its first four games, the program has allowed just three goals over the last eight matches.

Notre Dame Prep defends at all three levels, with senior captains Sarah Collins (Loyola Chicago) and Ellie Whalen (Wayne State) suffocating opposing defenses with their high press. Collins also has a team-high 11 goals with 11 assists, while Whalen leads in assists with 13.

“If you can find a player that attacks well, but is also responsible defensively, then you're going to have success,” coach Jim Stachura said.

Another boost to the defense has been senior Alex Prater, who battled injury early but used the break to get fully healthy. Since her return the team has posted four shutouts.

“As much as defenders don't get the love and don't get the stats,” Stachura said. “The reason that we've turned the season around a little bit, is a big part of her being back on the field.”

Senior captain Cate Jesena is a disruptor in the midfield, capitalizing on opponents mistakes and turning them into instant offense. Alongside her defensive efforts, Jesena has added six goals.

Senior forward Maggie Maher is in her first year starting up top for Notre Dame Prep, replacing 2024-2025 Dream Team member Emily Teolis. Maher has been excellent, posting nine goals and 12 assists.

With its experience starting to pay off, Notre Dame Prep has jumped to No. 6 in the Division 3 rankings.

“I think just the growth that I've seen from the group this year from the beginning of March until the end of April here has been awesome,” Stachura said. “So, it was a rough beginning, but we're starting to round into form.”

Nathan Korp is a freelance writer.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Metro Detroit high school girls soccer: New Boston Huron ready for run