Aubrey Curry is just a freshman, but the midfielder has experience playing on some big soccer stages that prepared her to step in and make an immediate impact for Providence.
In addition to spending two years in the Olympic Development Program, Curry was also a part of a team that won a 3-on-3 national championship in 2023.
“The 3v3 tournament was in Alabama,” Curry said. “I was playing with people from my club team and it was definitely a different game. It made me play faster and play in small spaces.
“I think it helped me learn how to play under pressure and make quick, better touches.”
Curry has certainly not been intimidated by varsity soccer. She scored her third goal of the young season Wednesday night, sparking the visiting Celtics on their way to a 2-0 GCAC White win over St. Laurence in Burbank.
Gabby Tylka also scored for Providence (5-1-1, 2-0), while Gabriella Raczka made four saves for the shutout. Bailey Ortiz, Morgan Johnson, Kellyn Shellito and Alexa Thompson led a strong defensive effort in front of Raczka.
Taylor Goodwin finished with five saves for St. Laurence (2-1-1, 1-1). Amelia Pazmino produced two shots on goal.
The Vikings controlled play for much of the first half, when they had all four of their shots on goal, but Curry broke through with the first goal for the Celtics, scoring from 15 yards with 18:41 to go.
“It was good,” Curry said. “I feel like it definitely made our energy go up. Everybody was happy and we went to go get another goal.”
Tylka did that just over four minutes later, making it 2-0. Tylka also came through with some pretty good advice to help Curry.
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“Gabby told me, ‘Stay out of your head,’” Curry said. “And the seniors just tell me to stay positive and don’t let anything affect me.
“Once I scored my first goal this season, I gained confidence. I knew I’m able to do it.”
Understandably, Tylka is a good source of knowledge for Curry. After all, she went through the same challenge of starting as a freshman on the varsity last season.
Tylka has been impressed with how Curry has contributed immediately.
“From experience, I know when you come in as a freshman, it’s such a different experience and it’s so different playing high school compared to club,” Tylka said. “‘Bre’ just ignored all the challenges and she stepped right in. She’s obviously scoring and doing really well.”
Curry believes the Olympic Development Program has played a big part in her growth as a soccer player.
“I’ve done it for two years now,” Curry said. “It helped me meet a lot of new people and play with different people. It’s been a lot of fun and helped me get better. I think it’s a good experience.”
Curry helped the Celtics shake off a slow start to dominate the second half. Having a strong wind at their backs in the final 40 minutes certainly helped, but Providence coach Mike Taylor knew there was more to it than that.
“I thought the girls responded pretty well in the second half,” Taylor said. “I don’t know why we couldn’t connect in the first half.
“Credit to St. Laurence. They pressured us and took us out of our game, but our girls bounced back and started connecting.”
And the freshman provided the spark.
“She’s a nice player,” Taylor said of Curry. “She plays very simple, she has good ball control and she has a good awareness of the game. I knew she’d be a load for us and help us a lot.
“But for her to start like this, she’s been a nice surprise.”