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No sophomore slump for RKA's Sofer
Photo by Dylan Butler
Off the soccer pitch, Summer Sofer is quiet and reserved. But once she steps on the field, the Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy midfielder’s abilities scream for the sophomore
Last year, Sofer had 29 goals and eight assists, but she’s surpassed those totals this year. She’s second in the PSAL in scoring with 43 goals, two behind Bayside junior D.J. Glazer, and also has nine assists.
“It’s kind of amazing, being able to score so much,” Sofer said. “It’s good to help the team and it would be cool to finally have someone at RK be number one [in scoring].”
The Tigers midfielder spends her spare time practicing karate, in which she holds a black belt, and plays with the Rye Celtics travel team in the summer. In July, Sofer led her travel team in scoring against international competition and participated in the Dana Cup in Denmark, which the Westchester-based club won.
“It was a once in a lifetime chance and it was the absolute best I’ve ever felt playing soccer,” Sofer said.
Sofer developed the love of the sport from her dad and her sister, who both played, and has been playing since she was a small child in youth leagues.
“She is very dedicated to the sport,” RKA coach Julienne Krause said. “She puts in a lot of time on her own and is an extremely hard worker. She plays year round and is able to take criticism and coaching very well. Summer brings a unique positivity to the team and is very serious about it.”
Krause also noted that Sofer raises RKA’s level, and stature, because she’s competed at a higher level with her club team.
In Tuesday’s 11-0 win against Lehman, Sofer struck for six goals. And in a regular-season finale Thursday at Clinton, she had two goals and an assist in a 5-4 victory. The Tigers are 10-2-0, with both losses coming to perennial powerhouse Bronx Science, which finished atop Bronx A.
In only its fourth year as a varsity program, RKA is confident heading into the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The Tigers lost in the opening round the last two years and have higher expectations this time around.
And with Sofer only midway through her stellar high school career, the future at Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy also looks very bright.
“With her being so young, it takes the pressure off us knowing that we have good years ahead,” Krause said.
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