Several Members of the Corktown WFC celebrate with a trophy of the franchise's second consecutive Women's Super League title.
Courtesy Photo | Corktown WFC
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
(Editor’s Note: The Michigan Soccer Network will continue its series about an assortment of Michigan-based amateur summer teams that competed in various leagues, conferences or national tournaments and playoffs in both men's soccer and women's soccer during the months of May, June, July and August for all levels of the amateur soccer pyramid. Send all pertinent information including results, stats, photos, and coach’s contact information to MSN Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com or call the news department at 248-525-2349.)
BY DAN STICKRADT
WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR / DIRECTOR OF NEWS
BUSINESS LINE: (248) 525-2349
TW/X: @msn_stickradt @MiSoccerNetwork
WIXOM, Mich. – Corktown Women’s Football Club may have redefined the term “using its depth” this summer.
The talented side played almost 50 players over the course of three months in both the Women’s Super League and Women’s Premier Soccer League. In the end, Corktown WFC defended its Women’s Super League title with a 7-1-0 record against teams from Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
The side also finished fourth in the Great Lakes Conference-Great River Division of the Women’s Premier Soccer League – its first year in that mega league that spans multiple states across the country and encompasses 130 franchises in 2024. This was also the first time Corktown WFC held a dual membership between the two leagues.
“We went through 46 players this year and played in two leagues,” offered Corktown WFC head coach Aaron Roy. “That was based on player availability with some girls going back to college early, or players heading off to college as freshmen, injuries, current high school (aged) players that had commitments to their club teams like Girls Academy or ECNL, jobs, vacations – you name it. So, we never had the same roster or same starting lineup twice, I think. Yet, whoever we had out there for training or in games, in either league, we found ways to be very competitive and even win the (WSL). That’s a testament to all of the talented girls we had on the roster this year.”
In the WSL, Corktown WFC opened the campaign with a 2-1 loss to Thundercats FC. Corktown quickly regrouped to go on a seven-game winning streak to clinch the title for the second straight season with a 7-1-0 league record.
The team outscored the opposition 32-4 over eight games in the WSL, posted a .875 winning percentage, recorded five shutouts, only allowed goals in three WSL contests, averaged 4.0 goals a game and yielded a paltry 0.50 goals-against-average with five shutouts.
“That’s another thing that was impressive. We bounced back in a hurry after losing our WSL opener and went on to win our final seven games in that league,” added Roy, who also coaches in the high school circuit and youth club circles. “We had the goalie of the year in the (WSL) and she never allowed a goal. And we just had so many good players. I wish we could have had some of them for more games than we did, but that summer (amateur) soccer.”
Kayla Shuk (North Farmington/Aquinas College), a two-time NAIA All-America on the college circuit, shared time in goal but was the No. 1 starter and finished as the WSL Golden Glove winner. She posted a 0.00 GAA, a 1.000 save percentage, made five appearances with four shutouts while never conceding a single goal in WSL play.
Italia Gemelli (Pontiac Notre Dame Prep/University of Dayton/Alabama University) was the leading goal scorer in WSL play with five goals, while Joanna Namel (Wixom St. Catherine of Siena), Karina Medina (Miami, Fla./Wayne State University Medical School), Emma Henry (Bloomfield Hills HS/Liverpool FC ECNL) and close to four dozen other players chipped in along the way.
Backup keeper Hayleigh Lewis (Bowling Green State University/Michigan Hawks ECNL) conceded only one goal in WSL play while high school senior-to-be and No. 3 goalie Merrick Schwalbach (Rochester Stoney Creek/Liverpool FC ECNL) conceded only three goals, as a host of defenders helped out in the five WSL clean sheets and 0.50 team goals-against-average over eight WSL games.
In its inaugural campaign in the WPSL Great Lakes Conference-Great River Division, Corktown WFC finished just 1-5-2 for five points but most of its games were one-goal contests. The side was outscored 19-14 in a loaded division.
Combining the two leagues, Corktown WFC finished with an 8-6-2 record. The side also pitched five shutouts and had a combined 51-18 scoring edge over 16 games from May through July.
The team played its home games in the WSL and WPSL at either Wixom St. Catherine of Siena High School or old historic Pontiac Wisner Stadium.
Some of the other talented players that made appearances in 2024 for Corktown WFC in the WSL o WPSL include Olivia Karkaba (Dearborn/University of Detroit-Mercy), Amelia Streberger (Grosse Pointe North/University of Detroit-Mercy), Sophia Ferazzo (University of Windsor/Toronto, Ont. Dane Ageri Academy), Mattie Hill (Rochester Hills/Michigan Jaguars GA/Shawnee St.), Natalie Lentz, Hailey McQuade (Chesterfield Twp. Austin Catholic/Malone University), Ashtyn Lange (Dearborn Divine Child/Northwood University), Natalia Leavens (Northville/Cleveland State University), Bianca Juncaj (Farmington Hills/Michigan Jaguars GA), Soraya Puerto-Khalil (Royal Oak/Farmington Hills Mercy HS/University of Detroit-Mercy), Abby Siddall (Salem HS/Savannah School of Art & Design), Claire Charnock (Monroe HS/Michigan Jaguars), Grace Simon (Brighton HS/Michigan Jaguars/Barry University), Harper Natinsky (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s/Liverpool FC ECNL), Abby Skiff (Rochester Adams/Nationals GA/University of Iowa), Lila Megyesi (Woodhaven HS/Michigan Jaguars GA), Scarlett Thomas (Nationals GA), Karina Arnold (New Baltimore Anchor Bay/Madonna University), Aaliyah Faddoul (Windsor, Ont./Georgia State University/Liverpool FC ECNL), Kena Smith (Brighton HS/Michigan Hawks ECNL/University of Miami-Ohio), Sydney Longo (Macomb L’Anse Creuse North/Nationals GA/Butler University), Adriana Mroz (Livonia Stevenson/Michigan Hawks ECNL/Michigan Jaguars), Mia Thomson (Dearborn Divine Child/Northwood University), Anna Ruppert (Syracuse University), Sarah Scalling (Dexter HS/Michigan Hawks ECNL/Purdue-Northwest University), Alexa Mognon (Assumption, Ont./St. Clair College), Sloan Popov (Bloomfield Hills HS/Nationals GA), Lauren Bos (Royal Oak HS/Oakland University) and a host of others found their way onto the roster.
The team is a mix of college graduates, current college players, incoming college freshmen, and current high school-aged players that play 10-month Girls Academy or ECNL, seven-month club teams or with their respective high schools.
It took 46 players over the course of the 2024 season, but Corktown WFC defended its Women's Super League championship this season with a 7-1-0 record, a 32-4 scoring edge, five shutouts, and a seven-game winning streak to close the WSL schedule to clinch the second consecutive championship.
Courtesy Photo | Corktown WFC
Current Wayne State University Medical School Student Karina Medina was voted the Corktown WFC Player of the Year by her teammates after being a key cog in the team's midfield this summer.
Courtesy Photo | Corktown WFC
Current Northwood University player Mia Thomson Kwas voted the Corktown WFC Most Improved Player by her this summer.
Courtesy Photo | Corktown WFC
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
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Michigan-based Premier Media Group is expanding ... don't miss out
SHELBY TWP., Mich. – The Premier Media Group is expanding its broadcast net.
And we want you.
The Michigan-based PMG, founded in 2022, its flagship production the Michigan Soccer Network and all other affiliates, is actively scheduling games in a wide variety of high school leagues and conferences, small colleges, amateur, pre-professional, youth club, and other avenues of the beautiful game in Michigan.
The schedule for the fall semester is starting to fill up across Michigan.
The daily connections are being made and the spreading of our brand has brought in great reviews.
Would the coaches, administration, student-athletes, players and fans like for us to broadcast a game near you?
Regardless of the now-popular remote broadcast games, on-location broadcast games, on-location shows or in-studio daily shows, there is a simple process. Visit the website www.michigansoccernetwork.com or click below for details.
PMG will also be holding various “Win A Free Broadcast” contest at various parts of the fall, winter (indoor) and spring seasons.
"(Michigan Soccer Network) has does a great job making these kids feel special,” offered Michal Hatfield, girls soccer coach at Trenton High School who also coaches in the Detroit City FC youth club system. “The broadcasts were professionally done and we were very pleased when they did our games. They did a great job with (play-by-play), graphics and postgame interviews with the kids. And a lot of people saw it. We had uncles and aunts that have never seen their nieces play get a chance to watch them on YouTube). And all of the kids were able to jump on there (the YouTube channel) afterwards and watch the game.”
The MSN staff had the pleasure of broadcasting multiple games the last two school years for schools in the Oakland Activities Association and have received its fair share of feedback. The goal is to conduct broadcasts of games throughout the state of Michigan, especially in the larger populated regions.
“MSN has done a great job with broadcasts in our league (Macomb Area Conference),” said Trevor Foster, current head coach of the Romeo girls soccer program, goalkeepers coach for Oakland University’s soccer programs, and director at the Michigan Goalkeepers Academy. “I know the girls love it. And I know some of the parents were putting their earphones on and listening to the game when they were (in the stands) and it gives relatives a chance to watch games that they normally wouldn’t be able to.
“It’s as close to professional (broadcast) as any broadcast of high school soccer that you will see out there,” added Foster. “Plus, they do all types of (amateur and pre-professional) leagues out there (in Michigan).”
“We were very pleased, especially with the knowledge of high school soccer in the state of Michigan from the play-by-play announcers and color commentators,” said Todd Heugh, the current director of athletics at Troy Athens High School and a former coach at the school. “They put together a valuable (product) and the games are live on YouTube for everyone to watch, even if you are (a relative or an alumni) not in the area. I know coaches go on there (YouTube), too, to watch games of an upcoming opponent.”
The PMG staff has a goal of 100-plus games this fall from mid-August through November. The Michigan Soccer Network conducted a record 50 remote or in-person broadcasts during the month of June.
PMG also has contacts within Michigan, the Midwest and even in different parts of the U.S. and have become broadcast partners for more than 15 different leagues or franchises within those leagues over the past three years. PMG has multiple broadcasting rights for within the USL-League Two, USL-W League, UPSL, MWPL, NISA, WSPL and more and constantly expanding its web of coverage both on various YouTube channels and on our website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com. It has broadcasted more high school boys soccer and high school girls soccer at more than 75 high schools in Michigan.
“MSN has been a great media partner for the Bucks and AFC,” said Costa Papista, President of the Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC of the USL-League Two and USL-W League, respectively. “The production and overall quality of our live broadcasts are professional grade. Flint City fans, sponsors and supporters greatly appreciate the MSN quality. We are always receiving excellent feedback and comments from our fans and visiting fans as well.”
And now the busy season starts in earnest with high school, college and youth club team beginning the 2024-25 school year.
To schedule a game or to consult team members of our broadcast, reach out to the following persons in the PMG family of networks: Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner, 248-525-2083, jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com or new Director of Scheduling / Office Manager Alaina Gagnon, at agagnon@thepremiermediagrp.com and inquire about the broadcast options, packages, special packages and more.
For news on the soccer scene in Michigan, check out the MSN website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com for daily updates, game recaps, feature stories, previews and more for teams, players and coaches from a wide variety schools, amateur teams, colleges and youth club teams.
The PMG and MSN staff will continue to reach for its goal of providing quality broadcast on any network and in-depth coverage and content on it website.
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
Interested in internships in broadcasting, communications, journalism, public relations or sales and marketing in the sports world? The Premier Media Group is seeking applications for current college students or students entering their senior or junior years of high school that have a career interest in working in different capacity of a constantly-evolving media world.
Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com.)
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