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GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE
GOLD DIVISION
SOUTH AMBOY
Coach: Tony Gonsalves, 38th season
Last year’s record: 11-6
Top letterwinners lost: Riley Rone (D).
Returners: TJ Moskal (Sr., GK), Jayson Olivares (Sr., D), Justin Rios (Sr., F), Brendan O’Keefe (Sr., D), Gustavo Pena (Jr., M), Connie Grygoriew (Jr., M).
Newcomers: Marcelo Tapia (Jr., D), Jeremy Pena (Fr., F), Jeremy “Pocho” Pena (Fr., F).
Outlook: Led by Grygoriew and Pena, the Governors’ offense should have no problem scoring goals this season. Coach Gonsalves believes his team is a favorite for the Gold Division title and hopes to make a deep state tournament run. How far they go is dependent upon how their defense holds up.
PERTH AMBOY TECH
Coach: Stephen Moir, ninth season
Last year’s record: 10-10
Top letterwinners lost: Gonzalo Bazan (F), Angel Ramirez (GK), Jason Zaleski (D).
Returners: Eduardo Tafur (Sr.), Manny Herrara (Jr.), Diego Carbajal (Sr.), Carlos Vega (Sr.), Henry Rivas (Sr.), Javier Torres (Jr.), Chris Hernandez (Sr.).
Newcomers: Hernan Martinez (So.), Omar Ruiz (Sr.), Piero Coronado (So.), Jaden Torres (Jr.), Travis Campbell (Sr.), Aaron Rodriguez (So.), Brianna Cruz (Sr.), Gabriel Veras (Jr.), Andy Gonzalez (Jr.), Diego Robles (So.), Alexander Salazar (So.).
Outlook: Tafur and Torre will lead a team that lost its top scorer (Bazan). Coach Moir believes the Patriots’ strength is their balanced scoring. Look for newcomers Martinez and Coronado to strengthen this veteran team.
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN
Coach: William Bills, 37th season
Last year’s record: 8-10-2
Top letterwinners lost: Ayub Yousag (F), Wonjoon Kim (M), Josh Fang (D), Jake Leyesa (D), Josh Decker (D).
Returners: Matt Parris (Sr., M), Joe Caruso (Sr., D), David Lopes (Sr., D), David Sawuk (Sr., D), Mike Oduro (Jr., F), Josiah DeSantos (Jr., F), Mike Gortaire (Jr., M), Mike Cheng (Sr., M), Matt Ng (Sr., M), Chris Trilleras (Jr., M), Jon Matthew (Sr., M), Robert Saydee (So., GK).
Newcomers: Tim Rabideau (Sr., D), Josh Alcoriza (Jr., F), Josh Koshy (So., M).
Outlook: After finishing 1-9-1 last season, the Tigers are looking for some stability this season. The loss of many of their defenders is big, but coach Bills believes if he can develop a solid defense, his team should compete in the Gold Division. Other keys are to have Parris control the midfield and DeSantos and Oduro to become consistent scorers.
WOODBRIDGE ACADEMY
Coach: Scott Modzelewski, second season
Last year’s record: 7-8-4
Top letterwinners lost: Varun Uchil (F), Ali Ben Saad (M), Justin Ramos (D).
Returners: Ruchit Patel (Sr., M/F), Neel Patel (Sr., M), Michael Nogueira (Sr., D), Vraj Shah (Jr., M), Saifol Ahmed (Jr., M).
Newcomers: Kevin Lynch (Sr., GK), Arjit Sood (Sr., F), Arvin Mohapatra (Jr., D), Sathya Rameshkumar (Fr, D), Anisha Patel (Fr., M).
Outlook: Ruchit and Neel Patel are senior captains and will lead the offensive attack. Nogueira is a tough, gritty defender who will lead the back line. Lynch started the last few games last season and is one of the most athletic keepers in the division.
RED DIVISION
ST. JOSEPH
Coach: Brian Jenkins, third season
Last year’s record: 13-5-3
Top letterwinners lost: Brandon Cruz (M/F), Brandon Goldy (D), Brendan Kacani (M), Grant Kelly (M), Ethan Donnelly (M), Kevin Callinan (D), Alex Annun (M), Brendan Wash (GK).
Returners: Chris Taraska (Sr., M), Kyle Duggan (Sr., D), Michael Echeverria (Sr., F), Colm Sullivan (Sr., D), Tom Summers (Sr., D).
Newcomers: Matt Pinho (So., D), Zac Riviere (So., M), Nick Cruz (So., D), Ryan Brede (So., D), Tour’e Reaves (So., M).
Outlook: After graduating one of the most talented senior classes in years, the Falcons are still a force to be reckoned with. Look for a mix of seniors and sophomores to play alongside each other. They’ll struggle against the bigger, more physical teams in the division, but they are technically sound, which will counteract their lack of size.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Chris Hayston, 13th season
Last year’s record: 14-5-2
Top letterwinners lost: Harrison Kudwitt (M), Alexandros Rissiotis (D), Ryan Philip (D), Sean Louhisdon (M), Matt Cannon (D), Joe Mastro (M), Miles Anglin (F), Kyle Ferry (D), John Chuang (D), Chima Meme (F), Corey Gorelick (M), Sharat Durbhakula (D), Josh Sadder (F).
Returners: Nasser Aamer (Sr., F), Russ Baskin (Sr., M), Chris Bobev (Sr., D), Kyle DeGroff (Sr., D), Jake Foeldes (Sr., D), Pat Grudnik (Sr., D), Paul Grudnik (Sr., D), Jarret Kean (Sr., D), Keiler Knapp (Sr., M), Sean Ray (Sr., D), Jermaine Small (Sr., M), Arvind Swaminathan (Sr., GK), Ronaldo Solano (Jr., M).
Newcomers: Koonj Patel (Sr., M), Tyler White (Sr., M), Max Anstisell (Jr., D), Sergio Cabellero (Jr., M), Raam Chinnaya (Jr., M), Steve Disario (Jr., D), Nick Hoffman (Jr., D), Kevin Nunez (Jr., M), Will Robinson (Jr., D), Kunal Thakral (Jr., F), Anirudth Vemupali (Jr., D), Dylan Inguardi (So., D), Christos Lolas (So., M).
Outlook: The Vikings lost many players from their division-winning squad from last season, but they retained just as many. Swaminathan, who recorded four shutouts last season, will return as the starting goalkeeper. Forwards Aamer and Grudnik are more than capable to lead the scoring attack. In the midfield, the Vikings have a rotation of nine players that can be used effectively.
EAST BRUNSWICK
Coach: Terry McKibbin, 11th season
Last year’s record: 14-7-1
Top letterwinners lost: Kevin Walsh, Adam Rosa, Noah Levine, Alex Mora, Joshua Barkoff, Derek Morgen, Dennis Kotenko
Returners: Keysean Brant-Sharp (Sr., F), Ryan Stelicos (Sr., M), Mohammed Fquihi (Sr., M), Jason Kramer (Sr., M), Phil Ogalo (Sr., D), Philip Ripp (Sr., D), Robert Ciuraru (Sr., F), Allan Carrillo (Jr., M), Sahil Patel (Jr., M).
Newcomers: Matthew Taffett (Sr., D), Alec Mandell (Sr., D), Adil Kolenovic (Sr., F), Joseph Elqumos (Sr., F), Brendan Hills (Sr., M), Joe Fawzy (Sr., M), Ryan Flynn (Jr., M), Ben Rosen (Jr., D), Lucas Espada (So., GK), Ayyan Ray (So., GK), Vincent Huang (So., M).
Outlook: The Bears lost many of their goal scorers from last season, so it will be up to the newer faces to get East Brunswick on the board. The experienced starting back line, including Ripp and Ogalo, should be solid and will protect the younger, inexperienced goalkeepers. Brant-Sharp, Stelicos, Kramer and Fquihi man a midfield that is known for its physicality.
OLD BRIDGE
Coach: Christopher McGrath, 10th season
Last year’s record: 7-13
Top letterwinners lost: Lou Petrozziello (D).
Returners: Tyler Mazza (Sr., M), Sual Downes (Jr., M).
Newcomers: Jayson DeNovellis (Jr., D), Greg Johnson (Jr., F).
Outlook: There is some quiet optimism for the Knights. Coach McGrath will rely upon his upperclassmen but also thinks his underclassmen will play a big role. They’ll need to deal with the physicality of the Red Division to compete.
PISCATAWAY
Coach: David Hilgert, 12th season
Last year’s record: 5-13
Top letterwinners lost: Ariel Castro (D), Khalid Khalil (D), Romeo Lopez (M), Alex Lopiccolo (M), Cristian Torres (F),
Returners: Victor Bonilla (Sr., F), Reid Couchie (Sr., M), A.J. Lerner (Sr., GK), Zack Lopez (Sr., D), Selvin Morales (Sr., M), Alex Kuchnicki (Jr., M), Brandon Tran (Jr., D).
Newcomers: Victor Bonilla (Sr., F), Ahmed Khalil (Jr., M), Brando Tran (Jr., D), Alex Kuchnicki (Jr., M).
Outlook: The Chiefs had trouble scoring goals last season, but coach Hilgert hopes Bonilla can become a dangerous scoring threat with help from Morales and Kucknicki. The defense was inexperienced last season but should improve this year. How quickly a younger midfield adapts to varsity play is a major factor for the Chiefs.
NORTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Paul Liddy, eighth season
Last year’s record: 4-16
Top letterwinners lost: Lucas Gomes (F).
Returners: Davide Sousa (Sr., M), Jordan Luthers (Sr., F), Chris Shamy (Sr., M), Brian Cha (Sr., D), Tyler Hoagland (Sr., D), Joe Scariano (Sr., D), Chris Martinez (Jr., M), Chris Persaud (Sr., F).
Newcomers: Pawel Dzilewski (Jr., GK), Hamza Kahn (Jr., D), Eric Goggin (Jr., D), Sam Mikhailov (Jr., M), Yardin Miranda (So., M/F), David Rodriguez (So., M), Kevin Weilson (So., M/F), Freddy Cobb (Sr., M).
Outlook: Despite a tough year last season, coach Liddy feels his team has great chemistry and camaraderie. Liddy hopes his solid defense and goalkeeping will allow his team to compete in a very tough division.
BLUE DIVISION
METUCHEN
Coach: Ed Albanese, first season
Last year’s record: 16-3
Top letterwinners lost: Jordan Kessler (D), Ben O’Connell (GK), Joe Misdea (GK), Matt Biancamano (M).
Returners: Kieren Brennemen (Sr., GK), Tom Davis (Sr., GK), Ryan Josell (Sr., M), Cameron Kessler (Sr., M), Cameron O’Connell (Sr., F), Christian Nunez (Sr., M), Mike Plunkett (Sr., M), Liam Weeks (Sr., M), Kyle Harry (Jr., D), Brandon Iskandar (Jr., D), Ken Rosamelia (Jr., M), Jack Bradley (So., D).
Newcomers: Pete Chen (Sr., M), Jake Galeota (Sr., D), Jacob Kay (Sr., F), Victor Lacson (Sr., D), Joe Maloney (Sr., M), Ethan Mauro (Sr., D), Greg Pondell (Sr., D), Romeo Tiu (Sr., D), Giovanni Cordova (Sr., F), Ayush Sood (Sr., M), John Mullen (Jr., D), Marco Spasiano (So., D).
Outlook: With a stacked, talented senior class, the Bulldogs should be a strong contender for the Blue Division title. The Bulldogs played a fast-paced style of soccer in which they dominate possession. Their technical abilities and tactical awareness should make them a tough team to beat this season.
SPOTSWOOD
Coach: Jeff Marvinny, 13th season
Last year’s record: 10-9-2
Top letterwinners lost: Adrian Nieves (D), Justin Vizzi (F), Nicky Logatto (M), Matt Rodriguez (M).
Returners: Dylan Blado (Sr., M), Ed Kovalski (Sr., M), Andrew Picado (Sr., M), John Reyes (Sr., M), Zach Miller (Sr., M), Ed Amaya (Sr., F), Robby Nason (Sr., D), Nick DiMaria (Sr., D), Jake Ryan (Sr., D), Lou Basile (Sr., D), Zach Rodriguez (Sr., GK), Nick Moran (Jr., F), Matteo Tavella (Jr., M), Colin Barlow (Jr., D).
Newcomers: Anthony Gialanella (Sr., D/M), Nick Evanego (Jr., M), Ryan McCook (Jr., M), Dylan Whitfield (Jr., D/M), Tommy Wells (Jr., D), Andrew Cross (So., M/F).
Outlook: A strong returning senior class should fuel the Chargers this season. They have four returning starters on defense to help out the improving Rodriguez, who played goalie for the first time competitively last season. A versatile and deep offensive attack will be a strength for the Chargers.
CARTERET
Coach: Nestor Cortina, ninth season
Last year’s record: 11-7-2
Top letterwinners lost: Ajay Singh (M), Humberto Vivar (M).
Returners: Vickram Singh (Sr., D), Moussa Diouf (Sr., F), Akzhol Beketaer (Jr., D), Zeriab Abdou (Jr., D), Justin Gallardo (So., M), Wilson Idrovo (Sr., M).
Newcomers: Carlos Viera (So., M), Nicolas Garrafo (Fr., F).
Outlook: After losing in the first round last season, the Ramblers are looking to make a deeper state tournament run this season. Singh and Diouf will be the senior leaders on what should be an impressive and dangerous squad.
SOUTH RIVER
Coach: Eric Clays, 16th season
Last year’s record: 11-9-1
Top letterwinners lost: Steph Lukinov, John Rodrigues, Rick Mariano.
Returners: Ian Sawicki (Sr., D), Ryan Farrell (Sr., D), Nark Miranda (Jr., F), John Franco (Sr., F), Kyle Santos (So., D), Alex Gandarinho (Sr., M), Jon DaSilca (Sr., M).
Newcomers: Andre Mirassol (So., D), Miguel Fonseca (So., F), Alex Oliveira (Jr., F), Michael Pisco (Jr., M), Mo Ayad (Jr., F), Eric Lucas (So., GK).
Outlook: Great leadership from the senior class and a talented group of underclassmen should combine for a lot of success for the Rams this season. Coach Clays intends for his team to not only compete in the division but also be one of the more mature teams.
MIDDLESEX
Coach: Keith Murray, 18th season
Last year’s record: 5-11-2
Top letterwinners lost: Adam Wick (GK), David Spencer (D), Luis Guererro (D), Manny Marina (D), Luis Burgos (M), Zac Rios (M).
Returners: Paola Marina (Sr., M), Elvis Perez (Sr., F), Ivan Mata (Sr., M), Adrian Martinez (Jr., M), Jason Gary (Sr., GK), Brendan Chiappa (Sr., D), Bob Dinger, (Jr., D), Arturo Barrett (So., F).
Newcomers: Anthony Ortiz (Jr., M), Dan Newton (Sr., D), Francisco Nielo (Jr., F), Brian Velasquez (So., M), Gabe Valencia (So., M), Huy Truong (Sr., D), Chris Lopez (Sr., M), Harry Singh (Sr., M), Roldopho Gonzalez (Sr., M), Joe Venutolo (Jr., GK), Joe Moskal (Jr., D).
Outlook: After an up-and-down season, the Blue Jays expect to compete for the division title and hope to make a state tournament run. Perez and Marina should once again lead the offense. Newcomers Valencia and Ortiz have been pushing some veterans for their starting spots.
WHITE DIVISION
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Anthony Perfilio, 11th season
Last year’s record: 20-2-3
Top letterwinners lost: Kevin Casteblanco, Kyle Dennis, Andy Garcia, Jose Guardado, Patrick McCoid, Anthony Rovayo, Mark Butrico.
Returners: Jacob Alba (Sr., D), Jason Cieszkiewicz (Jr., D), Jake Hoffman (Sr., F), Jared Marks (Sr., M/D), Nathan Mensah (Sr., F), Nick Polizzano (Sr., F), Jacob Villacres (Jr., M), Caleb Kuberiet (Jr., D), Richard Marcovecchio (Sr., M), Ricky Pellegrino (Jr., M).
Newcomers: John Boyce (So., M/D), Marc Giordano (Fr., F/M), Chris Kuberiet (Sr., GK), Victor Ladino (Sr., M/F), Anthony Mannino (Sr., F), Ian McCoid (Fr., D), Alec Paez (Jr., M), Nick Plate (Jr., GK), John Serro (Jr., D), Isaiah Storah (So., M), Jack Townley (Sr., M/F), Brandon Wizda (So., F/M), Kurush Yusifiy (Jr., F).
Outlook: A perennial contender, the Tigers look to make some noise in the GMC and state tournaments. Look for Polizzano to once again pace the offensive attack. Villacres is the table setter in the midfield while Alba anchors the defense.
COLONIA
Coach: Mike Kizoulis, 11th season
Last year’s record: 14-6-3
Top letterwinners lost: Nick Filzen (D), Derek Phells (GK), Kevin Korycki (M), Joel Concha (F), Brandon Bras (M).
Returners: Jimmy Nunez (Sr., M), Kevin Orrego (Sr., M), Alberto Simoes (Sr., D), Damian Cunha (Sr., D), Gabe Forero Sr., M), Ryan Litterer (Sr., GK), Shawyan Kabi (Sr., F).
Newcomers: Will Arias (Sr., M/F), Meshal Bannerman (Jr., D), Lenny Gigantino (Jr., D), Nick Albarran (Jr., M), Andy Frias (Jr., M), Carlos Goncalves (So., M/D), Josh Crawford (Fr., D), Tim Meehan (Fr., M).
Outlook: After losing 13 seniors, including their top scoring threats and their starting goalkeeper, the Patriots will still look to compete for the White Division title. Coach Kizoulis believes his young team is enthusiastic and determined to achieve great things this season.
SAYREVILLE
Coach: Nick Cifelli, 15th season
Last year’s record: 11-9-1
Top letterwinners lost: Trevor Pucciarello (M), Isaac Blagogee (M), Bjourn Anderson (D), Justin Santos (D), Connor Drabik (GK).
Returners: Fernando Maldonado (Sr., F), Lucas Pereira (Sr., F), Louis Brooks (Sr., F/M), Kevin Asare (Sr., M), Matt Barobasa (Sr., M), Nahir Llorente (Sr., M), Tyler Gates (Sr., D), Mohil Trivedi (Sr., GK), Edwin O’Connor (Sr., D), Jhostyn Quito (Sr., M), Eryk Rachwal (Sr., D/M), Mostafa Moussa (Sr., D).
Newcomers: Roberto Salgado (Sr., M), Ope Olaloko (Jr., M), Kevin Sousa (Jr., F), Tyler Barreiro (So., M), Zach Colgan (Fr., D).
Outlook: With 12 returning seniors, including five starters, the Bombers are an incredibly experienced team. Alongside the seniors, underclassmen like Sousa and Olaloko should contribute to a team that should be one of the better teams in the division.
PERTH AMBOY
Coach: Steve Rubin, 33rd season
Last year’s record: 5-11-1
Top letterwinners lost: Gaston Medina (F), Kelvin Chico (M), Ben Rojas (GK), Luis Altamarano (D), Sergio Ruiz (D).
Returners: Ronaldo Velasquez (Sr., D/M), Henry Zuniga (Sr., M), Derlyn Santos (Sr., D), Daniel Calderon (Sr., D), Axel Moyano (Sr., F), Luis Beron (So., M), Francisco Media (So., M).
Newcomers: Jose Farfan (Sr., F), Javier Ventura (Sr., M), Heurison Cruceta (Sr., D), Henry Cruceta (Sr., D), Darlyn Santos (Sr., D), Damian Daley (Sr., D), Ariel Jacuinde (Sr., M), Cesar Vargas (Jr., GK), Denzel Osorio (Jr., M/F), Erick Carrion (Jr., D), Gustavo Soriano (Jr., F), Osiel Vivar (So., M/D), Kenneth Garcia (So., M), Hector Barranco (So., GK), Harrison Camargo (So., F), Gustavo Gamino (So., D), Joseph Torres (Fr., F), Joel Zuniga (Fr., M/D).
Outlook: Sweeper Calderon will lead an improved defense with the speedy Santos brothers helping on the outside and goalkeeper Vargas anchoring. Moyano, along with newcomers Torres and Camargo, will lead the scoring attack. Four-year starter Zuniga leads the way in the midfield.
EDISON
Coach: Brian Murtagh, sixth season
Last year’s record: 7-12
Top letterwinners lost: Kevin Sullivan (GK), Mused Mohamed (F).
Returners: Justin Ruetsch (Sr., M), Andreas Zambas (Sr., M), Kendall Campos (Sr., D), Ken Kore (Sr., M), Oscar Cleaver (Sr., D), Nabil Boto (Jr., F), Jason Salazar (So., M).
Newcomers: Benito Rojas (Fr., M).
Outlook: Ruetsch and Zambas return to form a strong midfield, while Campos and Cleaver anchor the defense. The Eagles will try to find replacements for their starting forward and goalkeeper positions.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Anthony Clarke, second season
Last year’s record: 4-15
Top letterwinners lost: Eugene Frimpong (D), Jeffrey Skros (D).
Returners: Herbert Robles (Sr., M), Isaac Yamuca (Sr., D), Robert Parker (Sr., GK), Jeff Reyes (Sr., M), Abe Juan (Sr., D/M), Steven Luzuriaga (Sr., F), Mike Magera (Jr., D), Connor Penrod (Jr., D), Andrew Fuentes (So., M), Khalid Mamman (So., M).
Newcomers: Arthur Nebus (Sr., D), Joe Shaw (Sr., GK), Matthew Corcoran (Jr., F), Terrance Hendricks (Sr., D), Elijah Hosein (Jr., F), Sule Ibrahim (Jr., D), Diego Hernandez (Jr., D), Zachary DelValle (So., M).
Outlook: Coach Clarke thinks his team can contend for the division title. Fuentes, Reyes and Luzuriaga, last year’s scoring leader, will fuel the offense. Magera and Yamuca form a strong partnership to anchor the defense.
J.F. KENNEDY
Coach: Joseph Migacz, second season
Last year’s record: 3-15-1
Top letterwinners lost: Kieran Williams (M), Michael Perez (M).
Returners: Noah Miranda (Sr., M), Mattheus Matos (Sr., M), Isaiah Diaz (Jr., D), Bilal Gumusay (Jr., D), Nick Lepinski (Jr., D), Chris Osorio (Jr., M), Tim Restauro (Jr., M), Michael Sandor (Jr., GK), Christian Lopes, (So., F), Eder Mendez (So., D).
Newcomers: Victor Milton (Sr., F), Anthony Colleymore (Jr., M), Anthony Padilla (Jr., M), Nikhil Thapa (So.), Joshua Friederwitzer (Fr.).
Outlook: Senior captain Miranda will anchor the midfield and fuel the offense. A young back line of Diaz and Lepinski return with varsity experience and confidence. The Mustangs’ strengths are team speed and their experience playing together.
Staff Writer Daniel LoGiudice: dlogiudice@gannettnj.com
GMC Preseason Top 10
1. South Plainfield (20-2-3)
2. Monroe (21-4-1)
3. Metuchen (16-3)
4. Colonia (14-6-3)
5. St. Joseph (13-5-3)
6. South Brunswick (14-5-2)
7. East Brunswick (14-7-1)
8. Carteret (11-7-2)
9. Sayreville (11-9-1)
10. South Amboy (11-6)