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Inspired by the Women’s World Cup Victory

OLD FORGE — After The U.S. women’s soccer team big win in the World Cup on Sunday night, we talked with some young soccer players in Lackawanna Coun...

OLD FORGE -- After The U.S. women's soccer team big win in the World Cup on Sunday night, we talked with some young soccer players in Lackawanna County who see the American women as an inspiration.

At Monday morning soccer condition drills at Old Forge High School, there are 20 on the team. Five are female, including Francesca Samony. The Old Forge junior has been playing for years, and is used to going toe to toe with the boys.

"Some of the guys don't want to hit us hard, so we kind of have an advantage like that. They think we're a little dainty. They don't want to play us as rough but we come out and show them, and then they're all right," Samony said.

Samony says she's OK with being among the female minority in Old Forge, but she also hopes that will someday change.

The people at Old Forge feel what happened on that field at Vancouver Sunday night will affect the sport, all ages, all levels, both sexes.

Gianna Baresse is going in to her sophomore year at Old Forge. She sees the World Cup-winning American women as an inspiration.

"I was really proud of the girls because a lot of people look down on girls in soccer; sometimes because they think it's not as aggressive. They favor the boys, so it was nice to see we can win, too."

The coach feels the women's win gives the sport a boost across the board, but especially with women and very young women.

"These girls are fantastic and I think the younger girls will see them as maybe role models and give them the courage to come out," said Old Forge soccer coach John Mucciolo.

Both Francesca and Gianna hope to continue playing soccer when they get to college.

As for their coach, he thinks the day will come when there are enough girls interested to form a full high school team of their own.

 

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