The teams at the top have defended their position — emphatically in some instances — but there is movement in the ranking this week. A trio of Rockland County teams have moved up, including Clarkstown North earning its way back into the top 10 and Nyack making its debut.
Pleasantville visits Rye on Saturday for what will be "the other huge game" on both their schedules, after having faced Albertus Magnus in September.
Records are as of the morning of Oct. 6.
Girls soccer power rankings
1. Rye (9-0-2)
Since a scoreless tie with Pelham two weeks ago, the Garnets have been on an offensive tear, outscoring opponents 26-2. That includes a 7-2 win over surging Byram Hills on Monday, highlighting that line of demarcation between themselves and even some of the other high-level squads. Last week:
1
2. Pleasantville (10-0)
They're outscoring opponents by 5.1 goals per game. It would be impressive enough if that was their scoring average, but it's the margin by which they're thumping teams. Their midterm exam is upcoming, though, as the Panthers visit Rye on Saturday for a rematch of their Section 1 Class A final. Last week: 2
3. Albertus Magnus (7-3-2)
The Falcons had shutout wins over Scarsdale and Ridgewood (New Jersey) last week, the defense flourishing to help offset the challenges its offense is facing. They did lose 1-0 on Monday to New Jersey's Rutgers Prep, the ninth-ranked team in the country according to United Soccer Coaches. Last week: 3
4. Arlington (7-1-3)
The Admirals made it through the "grudge match" stretch of its season, pulling out wins over rival Ketcham and John Jay-East Fishkill last week and rallying on Monday for a 1-1 tie against North Rockland in a rematch of the Section 1 Class AAA final. Last week: 4
5. Mamaroneck (8-0-2)
They've had five consecutive shutouts in which they outscored opponents by at least three goals. The Tigers have had a relatively mild schedule over the last two weeks, but it does stiffen down the stretch, including a rematch with Scarsdale on Wednesday. Last week: 5
6. Harrison (7-3-1)
The Huskies have dealt with a spate of injuries and illness, coupled with a difficult stretch of games. They close last week on a high, though, holding on for a 2-1 win over Pelham. Last week: 6
7. Clarkstown South (9-1)
They played "Rock, paper, scissors" with their Rockland rivals in recent games. Nyack gave South its first loss of the season, then got beaten by Clarkstown North, which then got shut out by South. Each of those teams will face each other again down the stretch. Last week: 8
8. Byram Hills (9-2)
The Bobcats have dropped two of their last three games, losing to Pelham and Rye. It could serve as a reset for an upstart team that came out of the gates on fire this season. They've got some tough games ahead, including facing Eastchester on Wednesday. Last week: 7
9. Clarkstown North (6-2-1)
Amanda Bialek, a Pitt-bound defender, has become a consistent scorer and it's raised this team's ceiling. Defense is still the Rams' bread and butter, though, having allowed only six goals to this point. Last week: N/R
10. Nyack (9-2)
The RedHawks make their debut in this ranking on the strength of what was an eight-game win streak that included a 1-0 victory over previously undefeated Clarkstown South. Nyack followed it with a one-goal loss to North, but did rebound with a 2-0 win over Pearl River. This is a dangerous team, led by Jayda Jackson and Ole Miss commit Lily Pade. Last week: N/R
On the bubble: Pelham (4-4-2), North Rockland (4-2-5), Scarsdale (7-3-1), Eastchester (5-3-1), Tuckahoe (8-1-1)
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Clarkstown North, Nyack make the top 10 in Oct. 6 girls soccer ranking
