The Lordstown girls soccer team opened the new athletic complex, Veterans Memorial Stadium, back in August. The Red Devils have enjoyed tremendous success on their new field, earning the top seed in the Division III Niles District tournament.

“It’s been like a rally in the community,” Lordstown coach Matt Kresic said. “It’s been fun. We have games where the stands are packed. There is a real positive vibe between the fans and players. Generations of Lordstown soccer players have been playing on a cow pasture. To actually play on a field where the ball rolls correctly feels great. It has legitimized our soccer program. Having a great season, when the field is new, has really been special.”

Kresic is in his fifth season coaching the girls. After finishing with their first .500 season last year and winning a tournament game, the Red Devils (13-1-2, 9-1 Northeastern Athletic Conference) showed early improvement with 2-1 victories over Grand Valley and John F. Kennedy.

“Those were key victories over solid competition,” Kresic said. “I didn’t know if the win over Grand Valley was fluky and then Kennedy is a team we had never beat. They kind of set the tone for the rest of the season. We have been developing and building. During the first practice, the assistant coaches and I looked at each other and were like, ‘Man, we might have something here.’ The athleticism is phenomenal. The chemistry and vision that these girls have has us firing on a different cylinder. “

Defense is the backbone of the team. A tandem of senior captains, Abbey Slaubaugh and Kaylynn Higginbotham, have surrendered 11 goals all season. Both have performed at a high level sharing duties in goal. They cut down the goals against stat from 50 last season to 11 this year.

“They are very supportive of each other,” Kresic said. “Filling their shoes, next season, will be difficult.”

Senior captain Ciara Pyles (five assists) and junior Olivia Faler (five goals, three assists) center the defensive line. They alternate between marking the best players and watching runs.

“Those two are a very steadying presence,” Kresic said. “They are able to enter the attack when necessary. Both are blessed with top-end speed. Just when you think they are done, they have another gear.”

Sophomores McKenna Lago and Kristen Stelt have steadily improved and are counted on to keep the wings safe from attack.

The midfield is centered by two players, junior Lexie Ensign (29 goals, eight assists) and freshman Sarah Schneider (17 goals, eight assists). Both players move in and out of the attacking midfield role and are able to distribute the ball or attack one on one.

“Both have lethal outside shots, and are a threat to opposing teams,” Kresic said. “Lexie has grown tremendously, and in my opinion, should be considered a top contender for district player of the year.”

Sophomore Natalia Kresic (two goals, three assists), freshman Riley Cuckovich (two goals, one assist), and Higginbotham (four goals, six assists) also contribute to a strong midfield.

Up top, junior Mia Cuckovich (one goal, one assist), and senior captain Cadence Lickwar (11 goals, two assists) are the forwards. Lickwar is an opportunistic striker who was selected All-District first team last season.

“Last year Cadence really came in to her own,” Kresic said. “This year she built on that and has become a threat all over the field. In all honesty, I have seen highlight-reel goals out of this young lady this year. She plays with pace, and if she gets out behind a defender, it generally turns into a goal.”

Lordstown hosts Columbiana, Thursday at 5 p.m.

“We doubled our goal output from last year,” Kresic said. “I think these girls have way more in the tank. I’m very optimistic. I’d like to see us keep moving.”