Rebuilding Niskayuna Girls Soccer Eyes October After Graduating 10 Seniors

Coming off the program's first Section 2 Class AA title in a decade, a young Niskayuna squad sits 2-3-1 while coach Bryce Colby prioritizes growth over early results.

Niskayuna's girls' soccer team won the program's first Section 2 title in 10 years last fall, finishing 16-4 and defeating Columbia in the Class AA final. That roster featured Times Union large-school Athlete of the Year Megan Goyette plus all-stars Abby Helmecke and Zoey Manzo. Ten seniors have since departed, leaving coach Bryce Colby searching for the right roles for a younger group in 2026.

The Silver Warriors stand at 2-3-1 overall and 1-2 in the Suburban Council. The campaign began with a 1-1 tie against St. Anthony's of Long Island, followed by a 5-0 defeat to Monroe-Woodbury. Niskayuna then edged defending Section 2 Class AAA champion Saratoga Springs 1-0 before shutout losses to Guilderland and Shenendehowa. A 4-0 win over Section 9's Washingtonville came Sunday.

Scoring has been a central concern. Goyette and Helmecke produced 29 goals and 16 assists between them in 2025, but the current side has managed only six goals across its first six matches. Colby, speaking after the Guilderland game, said the aim is simply to be playing better by October than the team is now.

Colby deliberately loaded the nonleague slate with St. Anthony's, Monroe-Woodbury and Washingtonville, saying he does not avoid tough opponents early because winning now matters less than peaking later. He views the lopsided defeats as teaching moments rather than setbacks.

Senior defender and co-captain Claire Zonderman said the group stays focused on improvement regardless of results, adding that any early success would help but that the struggles will ultimately fuel the team. Niskayuna's next match is Tuesday against Averill Park.