Girls' Soccer Season Preview

The Newark Academy girls’ soccer team enters the 2026 season looking to build on their 2025 campaign under head coach Scott Rowling. The Minutemen finished last season with an 8-9-3 record, earned a home seed in the first round of the NJSIAA State Tournament, and advanced to the second round. Last year’s team was led by captains Emily Herbert ’26, Olivia Goransson ’26 and Vidya Bindal ’26. This year’s squad will be led by captains Paige Ullrich ’27, Zara Syed ’27, Anika Vasani ’27 and Annie Elberg ’28. 

Newark Academy returns a talented group of award-winning players, including Annie Elberg and Grace Olayinka ’28, who were each named All-Super Essex Conference (SEC) Liberty Division First Team and All-State Prep B First Team selections. Additional returners include Michelle Yang ’29, an All-SEC Liberty Division Second Team honoree, and Leila Chatterjee ’29, who earned All-SEC Liberty Division Honorable Mention recognition. The team also welcomes many impactful newcomers. 

The Minutemen will look to replace the leadership and production of graduates Olivia Goransson ’26, Vidya Bindal ’26 and Emily Herbert ’26. Goransson and Bindal were both All-SEC Liberty Division Second Team selections, while Herbert earned All-SEC Liberty Division Honorable Mention and All-State Prep B Honorable Mention honors.

Newark Academy will also compete in a special matchup this fall, facing Millburn on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls. The information to buy tickets will be shared on our social media pages soon.

The Minutemen open the 2026 season on Tuesday, September 1, traveling to face Union at 4:00 p.m. Newark Academy will compete in the Super Essex Conference Liberty Division against Cedar Grove, Verona, Glen Ridge, Caldwell and Nutley.