The Rye Girls Soccer team enters the 2026 season after going unbeaten last year, clinching a New York State Class A championship. Their success vaulted them up to the #6 ranking in the entire United States, according to the accredited organization United Soccer Coaches. Experienced head coach Rich Savage knows his team will be hard-pressed to repeat that success one season later.
“The players understand that this is a brand-new season and that it will require a tremendous amount of work to build their own identity and achieve continued success,” Savage told MyRye.com before the season. “The Garnets graduated nine seniors who made significant contributions to last year’s championship team, but they return an experienced and talented group led by five captains.”
The leadership pentad includes goalkeeper Blake Sasse, defenders Julia Carballo and Charlotte Keenan, and the versatile Shira Rand and Eleanor Pandl. Keenan is coming off an All-American selection despite missing significant time in 2025, whille Rand returns after being named to the All-NYS First Team.
Other key returners include sophomore Harkin Brown and junior Hannah Jachman, both also First-Team All-State selections.
“The key for the Garnets will be blending the experience and leadership of their veterans with the energy and talent of their new and returning players,” Savage told MyRye.com. “The girls have been working extremely hard and are ready to embrace the challenges ahead.”
Some of those underclassmen expected to make their varsity debuts in 2026 include a talented corps of freshmen – Chiara Montanini, Penny Timchak, Finnley Gibbs, Cameron Dawson, and Vivian Miller. Sophomores Natasha Williams and Natalia Williams Malatesta are also in the fold.
The Garnets already clinched the NYS Hall of Fame tournament to open the year, and have another massive non-league test on their hands tonight against Albertus Magnus. Savage knows the Falcons are eying up this early-season matchup, as Rye handed them their only public-school loss in 2025. The Garnets hardly have a build-up period – they will need to be their best from the get go.
“Rye will face a demanding stretch of away games to begin the season,” Savage said. “Following the Hall of Fame Tournament, the Garnets will travel to Albertus Magnus, Arlington, and Harrison before finally hosting their home opener on September 22.”
Despite the challenging slate, the Garnets are already 2-0. They have not lost since 2024, going a combined 23-0-3 since the start of last year. Savage knows it will take the right attitude and work ethic to stay among the US’s elite high school clubs.
“The players and coaches are excited to begin the journey and look forward to another memorable season of Rye Girls Soccer,” he concluded.
