Led by the Northeastern-bound forward, the Dragons (3-1-1), ranked eighth in this week’s Globe poll, are seeking a second chance at the title.
“To win the Patriot League. That’s an important first goal,” Sutliffe said. “In the long run, to go far in the playoffs and win the Division 2 state championship. I think it’s something that everyone has their eyes on.”
Duxbury’s 3-1-1 start has been fueled by a Sutliffe-sparked attack that produced 20 goals in five games. She has six goals and six assists. Last season, her 28 goal contributions (14 goals, 14 assists) in Patriot play were a league high.
“We’re excited to see her achieve her own individual goals, but we know that the most important thing is that we as a team get to where we want,” said Duxbury coach Rob Jones. “Because she’s a winner.”
As one of two captains, Sutliffe has also embraced her leadership role, with a focus on futhering a strong team environment. Her work ethic and technical ability have inspired the rest of her team.
“She puts her head down and really has a drive to win every game, and just succeed. I think that inspires others,” said junior captain Regan Donovan. “We just really love supporting her too, because she obviously gives it back to us.”
“She’s one of our biggest role models out on the field,” junior goalkeeper Grey Metzler added.
The Dragons, however, are far from one-dimensional. In Duxbury’s opening game, a 1-1 draw against No. 6 Norwell, Sutliffe exited with 20 minutes remaining due to a calf cramp. It was her fellow starting forwards who found the equalizer, as junior Lilah MacQuarrie headed home a ball from junior Liv Coperine.
MacQuarrie has netted three goals. Coperine has two goals and an assist. Junior Anna Manganello (2 goals, 4 assists), sophomore Lily Ladieu (3 goals, 3 assists), and freshman Tierney Murphy (goal, assist) have been contributors.
“Our attacking line is always going to score goals,” said Jones. “This is definitely a group of players who are all talented, and people sacrifice themselves to do roles within the group.”
The Dragons’ defense is anchored by Donovan at centerback and Metzler, both returning Patriot League All-Stars. Building play from the back is one of Duxbury’s key philosophies, and Metzler helps achieve it, pinging the ball around at a level expected of field players.
“She’s one of our best passers of the ball on the team,” Jones said. “She’s definitely the best goalkeeping soccer player that I have seen for a long time.”
“We know we can rely on her to get out of tough situations,” said Donovan. “She definitely helps us a ton.”
The Dragons play a brave style of soccer, opening up their formation, which leads to more goals, but can also leave defenders with a lot of space to cover.
On Monday, Duxbury surrendered a 3-1 lead and lost, 4-3, to 17th-ranked Hingham.
The Dragons are responding to that loss the same way they responded to their state championship defeat last November: By embracing their mantra ‘onto the next,’ a message written on the sleeves of their shirts this season.
“Any mistake, any loss, any tough battle we face, we need to remember just to wipe it clear,” said Donovan. “Every day is a new day. Every game is a new game.”
“Obviously that [state championship] loss stays in the back of our mind and really fires us up,” said Sutliffe. “But for now, it’s all about that next game.”
▪ No Tess Barrett, no problem.
With the Globe’s three-time Athlete of the Year moving on to Boston College, Cohasset has reloaded.
Through the first five games, the unbeaten Skippers (5-0) have outscored the opposition, 25-2.
“We had created so many wonderful things with Tess, she was the superstar, but what you don’t realize is there’s kids standing right behind her waiting to take on that role,” said Cohasset coach Deb Beal.
Senior forward Ava Carcio, who entered her final season with 75 career points, is up to 84. Freshman Brynn Dwyer joins stalwarts Regan Carroll and Georgia Royston in the central midfield. Molly Campbell, committed to Northwestern for lacrosse, and Meghan Smith, both returning starters, hold down the back line.
Farrah Jackson and Matti Driscoll offer excitement and creativity at the outside midfield, with freshmen Zoe Evans and Molly Doherty playing with maturity at outside back.
“I have an outstanding team,” said Beal. “I really do.”
▪ First-year coach Candice Spiniolas earned her first career victory when Oliver Ames defeated Foxborough, 1-0. She took over for Britt Sellmeyer.
Thursday, No. 2 Wellesley at No. 5 Natick, 4 p.m. — Another installment of a fierce Bay State Conference rivalry awaits.
Thursday, Lynnfield at No. 20 North Reading, 4 p.m. — Two of the premier teams in the Cape Ann League square off for the first time this season.
Friday, Notre Dame (Hingham) at No. 8 Duxbury, 4 p.m. — The Cougars, who own a signature victory over Natick earlier in the season, look to claim another headline-grabbing win.
Saturday, No. 4 Masconomet at No. 1 Bishop Feehan, 2 p.m. — The reigning Division 2 champion visits last year’s D1 finalist in nonleague action.
Saturday, Swampscott at St. Mary’s (Lynn), 2 p.m. — UMass commit Sophie Skabeikis and the Spartans welcome Swampscott to Manning Field. The visitors have a 16-1 goal differential in a 3-0-1 start.
Correspondent Cam Kerry contributed to this story.