By Mike Zummo
The Newburgh Free Academy girls’ soccer team went as far as Marina Parodo’s left leg could take them.
The Goldbacks’ offense flowed through Parodo, leading Newburgh to an 8-8-1 overall record and a second-place finish in the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I, and a berth in the Section 9 Class AA semifinals.
The team leader in goals, Parodo was named a Section 9 all-section all-star by the Section 9 Coaches Association.
Riley Frederick, another key part of the Goldbacks’ offensive game, was named a Section 9 Class AA all-star.
Their counterparts on the boys team ran a similar record – 8-7-2 and a second-place finish in the division. The Goldbacks sometimes struggled to score goals but were honored for their defensive prowess as Angel Rosario was named a Class AA all-star, along with midfielder Tommy Koziak. Overall, the Goldbacks only gave up more than three goals twice, and gave up one goal or less 15 times, including the Section 9 Class AA semifinals against the Warwick Wildcats.
However, they were eliminated in penalty kicks.
Both are juniors and are expected back next year.