The last season was a strange one.

Even though not considered a higher-risk sport by the New York State Dept. of Health, Section 9 opted to move the sport to the Fall 2 season that was played in March and April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Newburgh Free Academy girls’ soccer team had a rough start to their season, but finished strong, and played well in most of their games, even if their final record of 3-7 doesn’t necessarily reflect that.

They finished the season winning three of their last five games on the strength of that defense, and that’s where the Goldbacks are losing the most as they lost Payton Mullarkey and Mikayla Marrero to graduation.

But there is plenty of experience coming back.

Senior Sarai Rodriguez and sophomore Marina Parodo finished tied for the team lead in scoring last season are returning. Seniors Ava Esposito and Bryanna Foti are returning to the defense. Sophomore Julia Leonard and freshman Riley Frederick are returning to the midfield. The Goldbacks will also welcome back sophomore goalkeeper Taryn Judson.

That leaves the Goldbacks with a senior-laden defense and a front 2/3 that have players that will be in Goldbacks for the next several years.

Newburgh coach Dave Doulin said the Goldbacks are expected to improve on the COVID-condensed short season.

“Winning three of our last five games gives us confidence going into this season,” Doulin said. “We have plenty of talent with at least one year of experience at the varsity level makes us feel great about this coming season.”