Courier News Boys Soccer Preview Capsules

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

DELAWARE DIVISION

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN

Coach: Rick Szeles, 20+ seasons

Last year's record: 6-11

Top letterwinners lost: Nick Monteschio, Marcus Raboy, Omar Ahmed, Arun Mohan, Eric Pearce, Mike Giordano, Eric Patullo, Danny Voelker, Brandon Koskinen, Kyle Chylinsky.

Returners: Nate Race, Ricky LaStella, Joe Umana, Josh Nabbie Logan Kelly, Nick Halpin, Liam Reilly, Mike Moody, Kyle Scott, Sean Masur, Dominik Demcak.

Outlook: Bridgewater-Raritan will look to build on last season and improve on last season's record with a number of varsity returners.

READ: MONTGOMERY BOYS SOCCER TAKING IT ONE GAME AT A TIME

HILLSBOROUGH

Coach: Eric Puma, 21st season

Last year's record: 3-13

Top letterwinners lost: D Gareth Dennis, D Phil Masiakowski, F Ed Michta, M Andrew Patterson, M Steve Tamayo, D Sam Benadon, M Alex Segura.

Returners: Sr. F John Agosta, Sr. D Carter Altman, Sr. F Christian Barrera, So. M Zurab Bedoshvili, Sr. M Joe Bevilacqua, Jr. F Kyle Bogado, So. G Nick Burd, Sr. M Panayiotis Christodoulides, Sr. M Phivos Christodoulides, Sr. F Liam Jurkowich, Sr. M Danny Kozimbo, Sr. D Nick Manuelli.

Newcomers: So. M Christian Bogado, So. M Nick Bogado, Jr. G Vishal Chalam, Jr. D Logan Conway, Sr. M Chris Gacek, So. M John Gadaleta, So. M Alfredo Gonzalez, Jr. M Carrick Hawes, Sr. M Matt Mullarkey, Sr. F Tom Pennacchio, So. D Justin Zinger.

Outlook: Despite losing a number of players from last year's squad, the Raiders return a number of players who had varsity experience last year, and along with a number of talented newcomers, they expect to be competitive in the conference and county this season.

MORE: SOUTH BRUNSWICK BOYS SOCCER READY TO SEE WHAT ITS CAPABLE OF

HUNTERDON CENTRAL

Coach: Anson Smith, ninth season

Last year's record: 9-5-4

Top letterwinners lost: M Andrew Pannone (6g), F Anthony Leidli, Kyle McCracken.

Returners: Jr. Josh Bordwick (6g), Sr. D Matthew Slebodnik, Sr. G Dan Mecadon.

Newcomers: Jr. M Alex Truppi.

Outlook: The Red Devils will look to a veteran core of players to lead the team this year, and a number of new players on the roster will offer speed in attack and a disciplined defense. The goal this season is to get back to the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament final and to continue to rebuild the program. Dan Mecadon, Matthew Slebodnik, Ben Greenstein, Evan Youshock, Jacob Grant and Josh Bordwick will be looked to to lead the team. Hunterdon Central has a rough road ahead with the Skyland Conference schedule as well as some tough non-conference opponents, and the players will have to rely on their sense of team and commitment to each other this season.

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THE PINGRY SCHOOL

Coach: Miller Bugliari,

Last year's record: 12-4-3, Somerset County Tournament co-champions, Non-Public South A quarterfinalist, Delaware Division champions.

Top letterwinners lost: Jack Casey, Jack DeLaney, Thomas Zusi, Phil Zachary.

Returners: Sr. M Owen Gaynor, Sr. M Henry Kraham, Sr. F Obi Ikoro, Sr. D Ollie Martin, Jr. M Eddie Acosta, Jr. D Vineil Reddy, Jr. M Alexy Alin-Hvidsten.

Newcomers: Jr. G Owen Wolfson, Jr. D Mitchell Flugstad, Sr. F Jack Smith, Jr. F Wallace Truesdale, Sr. M Josh Greer, Sr. D Lucas Monserrat, Sr. D Jamie Moore-Gillon.

Outlook: Coming off another standout season, Pingry returns a number of starters as well as some talented newcomers. The Big Blue should be competitive in every match as it will utilize a strong defense unit and good attacking midfielders.

RIDGE

Coach: Ken Cherry, 13th season

Last year's record: 10-8-2

Top letterwinners lost: Kyle Brady, Brandon Sahler, Colin Morrissey, James Mitchell.

Returners: Sr. F Noah Jefferies (13g), Sr. M Joe Jara, Sr. D Omar Faheem (3g), Sr. D Austen Lui (1g), Sr. F Andrew  Barton (4g), Sr. D PJ Shariati, Sr. M Julian Larrondo (2g), Sr. D Glen Serillo, Sr. D Gabe Jefferies.

Outlook: Ridge expects to improve on last year and challenge for the Skyland Conference Delaware Division title, as well as make the final four in the county tournament and get to a sectional final.

RARITAN DIVISION

FRANKLIN

Coach: Dan Riverso, second season

Last year's record: 2-16-1

Top letterwinners lost: M Alex John, M/F Patrick Auguste, D Collin Kane, D Brenden Kane, D Justin Marquez, G Billy Hill.

Returners: M Cameron Consiglio, M/D Omar Valentin, M Chris Hill, M/F Ryan Arnold, D Dimitry Grachev, F/M Malcolm Gaines, F/M Khari Shepherd.

Newcomers: G Jordan Davis, G Sam Benson, D Ronald Williams, M Kimoni Greene, D Timmy Van, D/M Anthony Gordon, F Boluwatife Sanya, M Juan Peral, M Akil Prevost, M Brandon Ezaro, M Mark Harris, F Steve Missal.

Outlook: Coach Riverso is excited about this upcoming season as last year was more of a rebuilding year. The underclassmen received a lot of playing time and experience, which should pay of this season. This season the Warriors have a number of player with varsity experience returning as well as some new faces that will add energy and grit to the team.

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Rickey Steeb, ninth season

Last year's record: 13-2-3, Somerset County Tournament co-champions, Central Group IV quarterfinalist, Raritan Division champions.

Top letterwinners lost: D Zach Epstein, D Conner Yurcisin, F Joey LaVake, M David Goldman, G Matt Cabrera.

Returners: Sr. D Andrew Dollard, Sr. F Christian Espana, Sr. M Lucas Freda, Sr. F Rory Kemmerer, Sr. M Brandon Marna, Sr. D Daniel Choi, Jr. D Marko Elez, Jr. D Trent Kettelkamp, Jr. M Charlie Rodgers, Jr. F Steve Tattoli, So. M Jack Callan, So. G Nick Millett.

Newcomers: Jr. D Vincent Malgrange, Jr. D Peter Ni, Jr. D Brian Richie, Jr. F Sebastian Tamayo, Jr. D Kevin Cresti, So. G Lance DeSantis, So. M Justin Hirsch, So. D Mark Tattoli, So. M Justin Zhao, Fr. F Jace Orvos.

Outlook: Having scrimmaged some of the top teams in the area, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Somerville, Robbinsville and West Morris, during the preseason, Montgomery is looking to gain some valuable experience early. The Cougars have six starters returning, along with six players that have varsity experience. The players have been working extremely hard, and will look to get better every day. Coach Steeb expects the team to be led by captains Rory Kemmerer, Christian Espana and Daniel Choi.

NORTH HUNTERDON

Coach: John Simpson, 14th season

Last year's record: 7-9-2

Top letterwinners lost: M Parker Hughes, D Sean Rooney, M Alex Wong, D Brandon Klisch.

Returners: Sr. M Joey Steitz, Sr. G Tyler Peragallo, Sr. D Mark Winter, Jr. M Michael Sabatella, Sr. F Jordan Sawaged.

Newcomers: Sr. F Dylan Ottinger, Sr. M Jack Carroll.

Outlook: The Lions has greater depth this season than in year's past, and overall the speed and potential for scoring exceeds last year. If North Hunterdon can funnel its talent into scoring goals, it will be a tough team to contend with.

WATCHUNG HILLS

Coach: Greg Leonow, 12th season

Last year's record: 7-7-1

Top letterwinners lost: G Matt Grunstein, M Hans Hoffman, D Matt Levin, D Shaun Parimoo, D Tyler Pereira, D Tim Voorhees.

Returners: Jr. M Shaun Cagnetta, Sr. D Danny Canossa, Sr. F Pawel Cudnoch (10g), Jr. D Gabriel Ferreira, Jr. D Johnny Hadlet, Sr. F Ryan Keller, Sr. M Sam Khazaei, So. M Davin Lui, Sr. D Matt Mauricio, Jr. M Ryan Santos, Sr. M Sammy Seltzer, Sr. D Mike Snyder.

Newcomers: Fr. F Michael Bressler, Sr. F Alessandro Conte, So. M MaxAnthony Costa, So. M Marc Inacio, Jr. M John Jara, Jr. F Michael Kinsella, Sr. G Kyle Lamble, So. F Chris Meireles, Sr. D Andrew Ringel, So. G Liam Scanlon, Jr. G Timothy Scanlon, Sr. D Anthony Speros.

Outlook: The Warriors will look to be as competitive as possible, with several starters returning and a wealth of upcoming talent. Watchung Hills will compete for conference, county and state titles.

VALLEY DIVISION

BERNARDS

Coach: Joe Laspada

Last year's record: 13-3-2, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist, Central Group II semifinalist.

Top letterwinners lost: Dan Schindler, Owen Miller, Dylan Khan, Nico Britt.

Returners: M/F Dan Paez, F Nick Neptune, D/M Nico Arza Arce, D Max Stanley, D/M Freddy Ludtke, D/M Kian Fazel-Sarjui, M Vinny Cabrera, M David McMillan, G Andres Lezme.

Newcomers: M/D Jacon Siegel, M Axel Gonzalez, M Erion Lamaj, M/F Drini Zenelaj, D/M Joel Paredes, M Anthony Milan.

Outlook: Bernards looks to improve on its record from last season and get to the final of the state and county tournaments.

DELAWARE VALLEY

Coach: CJ Inglin, third season

Last year's record: 7-12-1

Top letterwinners lost: F Kevin Moran (8g), M Matt Geissler (3g, 2a), M Kevin Delatte, D Stephen Cooper, D Sean McIntyre, G Kyle Refalvy (133 saves).

Returners: Sr. M Justin Fiaschetti (3g, 2a), Sr. M Zach Smith (5g), Sr. F Matt Kolonia (2g), Sr. D Tyler Malina, Sr. D Evan Gundell, Sr. D Michael Ailara, Sr. M Tim Unkert, Sr. D Arben Djombalic, Sr. F Miguel Ravelo.

Newcomers: So. F Nick Dibetta, So. F Caleb Bush, So. M Anthony Fancera, Jr. D Pat Maxwell, Jr. D Mason Szeplaki, Jr. G Justin Wagner, Sr. D Brad West, Sr. D Logan Devitt, Sr. G Nick Brown.

Outlook: The large returning senior group will fill the majority of the starting lineup with the addition of a few players moving up this year. With a large returning core group, coach Inglin is expecting a good performance from the senior class. This senior class is the group Inglin began his career with at Delaware Valley, and he's hoping that they play up the level they're capable of. Evan Gundell is a great leader in the back, and has been the anchor of the defense since his sophomore year. Michael Ailara is also a skilled center back, who will be expected to fortify the defense. Leading the midfield are seniors Justin Fiaschetti and Zach Smith. Both players are verbal and have the ability to score. Overall the team contains many seniors who possess the skills necessary to put together a great season.

GILL ST. BERNARD'S

Coach: Tony Bednarsky, 28th season

Last year's record: 18-4, Valley Division champs, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist, Non-Public North B finalist.

Top letterwinners lost: Tyler Kwaak, Dan Sivolella, Nic Ricciardi, Max Aunger.

Returners: Sr. M Steven Bednarsky, Sr. D Cam Miller, Sr. F Kevin Brito, Sr. F Anes Mrkulic, Sr. D Andres Gonzales, Sr. M Armeen Mozaffari, Jr. M Bailey Gano, Jr. D August Boland.

Newcomers: Jr. G Alex Roch, Jr. D Andrew Amaro, So. M John Baber, So. M Daniel Shen.

Outlook: Coach Bednarsky, who is two wins shy of 400, is cautiously optimistic about his team this season as the Knights will look to challenge in the conference, the Prep B Tournament and the state tournament. Gill St. Bernard's has appeared in eight of the last nine sectional finals, winning five, so a goal this season is to advance to the state final, as well as defend the Prep B title. The Knights possess a balanced attack and experienced defenders, but there is some concern over a lack of depth.

IMMACULATA

Coach: Dominic Rice, eighth season

Last year's record: 10-8-1

Top letterwinners lost: Jonathan Roberts, Daniel Reyes, Nicholas Fari, Mark Schwalm.

Returners: Sr. M Gurteg Singh, Jr. F Kendall Davies, Jr. D Michael Golankiewicz, So. G Anthony Ivanov, So. D James Cummins, So. F Matthew Hendrzak, So. D/M Jack Hendrzak, Sr. M Angelo Hinojosa.

Outlook: Coach Rice is optimistic that this year will be a pretty similar season to last year, but it's going to depend on everyone else. The aim is to be around .500, but the team is hoping for a decent run in the county and the state tournament.

SOMERVILLE

Coach: Bryan Smith, sixth season

Last year's record: 4-14-1

Returners: Sr. G Will Sokol, Sr. M James Liu, Jr. Dan Conforti, Jr. AJ Quade, So. Chris Noriega, So. Jose Carasco, So. Andrew Diodato,

Newcomers: Sr. G Jewlin Cabrera, Sr. G Ryan Burkhart, Sr. F Tommy Garretson, Sr. F Blake Rose, Sr. D Josh Nemeth, Sr. D Zach Godon, Sr. D Bryan Stickel, Sr. F Sean Kelly, Sr. F Stephen Okoye, Jr. F Aldair Franco, So. M Jack Dailey, So. F Scott Duncan, So. F Jake Figuredo, Fr. M Phatcharapong Phantura, Fr. F Nolan Quade.

Outlook: After a difficult 2015 season, Somerville will look to bounce back. With a lot of young talent surrounding a solid core of experience, the Pioneers should be able to enjoy a lot of success. Senior captains Will Sokol and James Liu have put the work in to lead the team and put them in position for success. Sokol should continue his strong defense in goal and compete for the top goalie in the county, while sophomore midfielder Chris Noriega will be a constant threat on the field.

VOORHEES

Coach: Chase Barbieri, fifth season

Last year's record: 5-12-1

Top letterwinners lost: Justin Critelli, Dan Hinson, Evan Weiss, Mark Risse (PDA Academy).

Returners: Sr. F Jesus Guerrero, Sr. D Nick Markarian, Sr. M Matt Moran, Sr. M Jon Raefski, Sr. D Ryan Soloman, Jr. F/D Austin Crail, Jr. M/D Glenn O'Brien, Jr. M Zach Orgozalek, Jr. M/D Tom Risse, So. M/F Yachine Whanon.

Newcomers: Jr. G Chad Belick, Jr. M Greg Taylor, So. M Alex Endersen, So. G Teddy Stafford, So. F Matt Lowe, Jr. D Lucas Cervelli, So. D Michael Cucchiara, So. F Brendan Ruscher.

Outlook: The Vikings have a young group of players who are looking to build on last year's experience as well as making adjustments to the varsity level. Voorhees lost a core group of seniors that were very impactful on creating a culture that coach Barbieri hopes the new leaders can continue to build on. Changes have been made to the schedule this season in the hope that it will be more competitive.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

BOUND BROOK

Coach: Stephen Nicholson, eighth season

Last year's record: 11-4, Central Group I quarterfinalist.

Top letterwinners lost: Christoper Cisneros, Oscar Zapata

Returners: Sr. D Nick Lujan, Sr. D Kevin Ocampo, Sr. F Gerald Cubero, Jr. F/M/G Ronald Arce, Jr. D Kevin Alvarenga, Jr. D Eric Alvarenga, Jr. M Matt Borja, Jr. G Obrian Arias, So. M/F William Gutierrez, So. M/F Angelo Steck, Jr. M Eduardo Vargas, Sr. D Jose Vargas, Sr. D Juan Santiago, Jr. M Myke Melo, Sr. M Christopher Mora.

Newcomers: Jr. M Luis Enriquez.

Outlook: With a strong number of players returning, including leading scorer Gerald Cubero (36 goals, 11 assists), along with goalie Obrian Arias, Bound Brook will look to build on last season's record and compete in the division, county and state tournaments.

MANVILLE

Coach: Ken Eckles Jr., second season

Last year's record: 8-12

Top letterwinners lost: F. Danny Santana (12g, 4a), M Adrian Cubero (5a), D Kieran Green, D Nick Acosta.

Returners: So. Jeff Cubero, So. Tomas Hernandez, Sr. Julian Castro, Jr. Antonio Mcfadden, Jr. Isaac Alfaro, Jr. Mateus De Souza.

Newcomers: Fr. Alan Khizanishvili.

Outlook: Manville will look to build on last season's success, in which team won eight games, the most since 2012, and qualified for the state tournament. The Mustangs will look to some of the younger players to step up and take a leadership role after graduating eight seniors last year. They will continue to battle and be a competitive team.

NORTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Chuck Henriques, 21st season

Last year's record: 14-4

Top letterwinners lost: Allen Gavilanes (22g, 24a), Francisco Corral (18g, 13a), Denilson Abreu, G Alan Del Salto.

Returners: Sr. F/M Ronaldo Garcia (23g, 8a), Sr. M Chris Medrano, Sr. M Kenny Navas (2g, 6a), Sr. F Kevin Forester (2g, 4a), Sr. M Kevin Tabares (3a), Sr. M Eric Acosta (3a), Sr. M Kevin Andrade, Sr. D/M Christian Wieczorek, Jr. D Frankie Dox, Jr. D Eric Chavez, Jr. D Floyd Ebanks Jr., Jr. G Edgar Castaneda (2 shutouts), Jr. M Brandon Diaz, Jr. M Antony Alvarez, Jr. F Andrew Guanatagsi.

Newcomers: Sr. F David Wilson, Sr. M Jason Carranza, Sr. D Alex Marquez, Sr. M Hector Guevara, So. D Jonathan Guardado, So. G Danny Gonzalez.

Outlook: The outlook for North Plainfield this season is a strong one, despite losing two players to transfer and two key players to graduation. However, the Canucks were deep last year and will be even deeper this year. The back line, anchored by Frankie Dox, Eric Chavez and Floyd Ebanks Jr., started 15 of 18 games together last year. The goalie duties will be split between sophomore Danny Gonzalez and junior Edgar Castaneda. Returning midfielder Chris Medrano has held down the center of the field for the past two seasons. Partnered with Eric Acosta and Kenny Navas, North Plainfield's strength should be in the center of the field. The front line will be led by Ronaldo Garcia, who scored 23 goals last season and will finish when needed. Helping out Garcia will be newcomer David Wilson along with Kevin Forrester and Andrew Guanatagsi. After winning back-to-back division titles, the Canucks have unfinished business in the county and state tournaments.

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: John Pompeo

Last year's record: 7-12

Top letterwinners lost: F Ezer Browne.

Returners: Sr. F Jake Needleman, Sr. F Luigi Apollo, Sr. M Alec Aloia, Sr. M John Langenfield, Sr. D Sean Lau, Sr. D Owen Chavez, Jr. G Cameron Burton, Jr. D Ryan Mangani.

Newcomers: Fr. D Matthew Foxworth.

Outlook: Rutgers Prep looks to build on its 7-12 record, and with the only loss being Ezer Browne, the team looks to have a good year. Forward Jake Needleman (7g, 8a) leads the attack this year and seniors Sean Lau and Owen Chavez will bolster the defense with newcomer Matthew Foxworth.

SOUTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Daniel McMillan, first season

Last year's record: 5-11

Top letterwinners lost: F Jacob Von Giebel (15g), D Antonio Gasparro (8a), G Robert Tomenchok (84 saves).

Returners: Jr. M Joe Armstrong (2a), Sr. F Marcos Delcid (11g), Sr. M/F Jes Cally (3g), Sr. M Eric Huesca, Sr. D Evan MacGregor, Jr. G Cameron Paventi, So. D Edgar Hernandez, Jr. M/D Luke Buckenberger, Jr. D Zachary Ingersoll, Jr. F/M Pat Reilly, Jr. M/D Jordan Chaussepied, Jr. F Davon Garvey, Jr. M Zack Connors, Jr. D James Johnson.

Newcomers: Sr. F/G Omar Delcid, Jr. F/M Ben Kane, Jr. D Pedro Jimenez, Jr. M/F Shaun Begg-Klein, So. M/F John Zidzik, So. D Jason Barrett, So. D/F Mike Skrebel, So. D/M Ryan Wedeking, Fr. M/D Chris Romano, Fr. F/M Conlan Paventi.

Outlook: With a combination of experienced players and talented newcomers, coach McMillan has high expectations as the team chemistry is terrific. The three captains will be Joe Armstrong, Eric Huesca and Jes Cally, while Marcos Delcid, Zachary Ingersoll, Jordan Chaussepied, Cameron Paventi, Edgar Hernandez, Luke Buckenberger and Evan MacGregor will also be looked to to lead the team. The team goals are to win the Mountain Division and advance as far as possible in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and state tournament.

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

WATCHUNG DIVISION

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD

Coach: Tom Breznitsky, 42nd season

Last year's record: 20-2-2, Union County Tournament champion, North 2 Group IV semifinalist.

Top letterwinners lost: Jake Longo, Ari Rosenzweig.

Returners: Sr. D Patrick Ellman, Sr. G Sean Murray, Sr. M Ryan Peterson (6g, 8a),

Newcomers: Jr. M John Murphy, Jr. D Tom Devizio, Sr. D Andrew Murray, So. F Rock Valian.

Outlook: With the addition of four academy players in John Murphy, Tom Delvizio, Rock Valian and Andrew Murry, Sean Murray back in goal and 14 letterman returning, Scotch Plains-Fanwood should be the team to beat in the state.

WESTFIELD 

Coach: Eric Shaw, fourth season

Last year's record: 9-7-2

Top letterwinners lost: Luke Beauliu (5g, 5a), Sam Karnovsky (2g, 5a).

Returners: Sr. M Loukas Carayanopolous, Sr. D Kevin Reinhard, Sr. G Cullen Birkel.

Outlook: Westfield will again look to compete for the Union County and state titles. The Blue Devils return some top players, with Carayanoplous, Reinhard and Birkel leading the way.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

PLAINFIELD

Coach: Ronald Umana, fifth season

Last year's record: 9-6-1

Top letterwinners lost: William Guzman, Rovin Cruz, Emanuel Pantaleon, Luis Arevalo, Edwin Membrano, Tai Harte, Edwin Orellano.

Returners: Sr. D Cofi Boima, Jr. F Chris Navarrete, Jr. M Fernando Aguilar, So. D Chris Alvarado, Jr. D Miguer Ramirez.

Newcomers: So. M Narvis Bent, Jr. M Gerson Ixcuna, Fr. G Anderson Lopez, Jr. M Jose Diaz.

Outlook: Plainfield will look to have another competitive season in the conference and have a good showing in the county and state tournament. The Cardinals will be led by Boima, Bent, Kevin Cano, Navarrette (two goals, two assists) and Ixcuna.

VALLEY DIVISION

NEW PROVIDENCE

Coach: Jon Panella, third season

Last year's record: 8-8-1

Top letterwinners lost: Jimmy Evangelos, Sean Regan, Yoseph Shamovsky, Lorick Berisha, Nate Dounel.

Returners: Jr. D Tyler Bradley, Jr. G Matt Byrnes, Sr. D Ethan Conklin, Jr. M Joe Crisafi, Sr. M Cristiano Hocken (7g, 3a), Jr. M Chris Kang, Jr. G Dillon Konzelmann, Jr. M Dylan Pizzi, So. M Brenden Regan, Sr. D Mike Rinaldi, So. F Sebastian Everton, Sr. D Johnny Kovacs.

Newcomers: So. M Ben Peng, So. M Devin Mulligan, Sr. F Chris Bernal, Jr. D Paul Seth, Jr. D Billy Vignail, Sr. F Tomas Mickel, Sr. D Armani Rodriguez, Sr. D Louis Minet, Jr. M Nick Caburis, Jr. F Shane Mahlstadt.

Outlook: New Providence will be tough to score on with third year starter Dillon Konzelmann in goal, and seniors Johnny Kovacs, Mike Rinaldi and Ethan Conklin and junior Tyler Bradley on defense. On the offensive side, senior Cristiano Hocken will create the attack along with returning players Joe Crisafi, Sebastian Everton, Brenden Regan, Chris Kang, Dylan Pizzi and Shane Mahlstadt.

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

PISCATAWAY

Coach: David Hilgert, 12th season

Last year's record: 3-15-1

Top letterwinners lost: Victor Bonilla.

Returners: Alex Kuchnicki, Ahmed Khalil.

Outlook: This year the Chiefs have received great leadership from Alex Kuchnicki and Ahmed Khalil. The pair has the team focused and prepared to do what is necessary to improve. With a much older and experienced group, the team knows that individual talent does not guarantee success and will be looking to improve on last year's win total. Overall, the goal is to get back to the state tournament.

WHITE DIVISION

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Anthony Perfilio, 12th season

Last year's record: 16-7-2, GMC co-champion, North 2 Group III semifinalist.

Top letterwinners lost: Jake Alba (2g, 1a), Richard Marcovecchio (9g, 5a), Nick Polizzano (20g, 5a), Deshai Smith (10g, 3a).

Returners: Sr. D Jason Cieszkiewicz, Jr. M/D John Boyce (1a), So. F/M Marc Giordano, Sr. F Jake Hoffman (3g, 3a), Sr. D Caleb Kuberiet, Sr. M/D Jared Marks (1g), So. D Ian McCoid (2g, 1a), Sr. M Alec Paez, Sr. M Ricky Pellegrino (4g, 4a), Sr. G Nick Plate, Sr. D John Serro, Jr. M Isaiah Storah (2g, 1a), Sr. M Jacob Villacres (7g, 24a), Jr. F/M Brandon Wizda, Sr. F Kurush Yusifiy (1g, 3a).

Newcomers: Fr. F Nicholas Atehortua, Fr. M Adrian Dominguez, Jr. G Alejandro Garcia, So. M Michael Marrero, Fr. M Gabriel Mont, Sr. D/M Angel Ruiz, Fr. M/D Kevin Veliz.

Outlook: The Tigers lost a number of players to graduation, but there are a number of players who are fighting to fill those spots. Coach Perfilio is confident that South Plainfield will be competitive in the division and should do well in both the state and county tournaments.

BLUE DIVISION

MIDDLESEX

Coach: Jesse Goldberg, first season

Last year's record: 14-8

Top letterwinners lost: F Paolo Marina (11g, 14a), M Ivan Mata (7g, 11a), F Elvis Perez (17g, 1a).

Returners: Sr. Joseph Moskal, Sr. Joseph Venutolo, Sr. Anthony Ortiz Zumba, Sr. Adrian Martinez, Jr. Arturo Barrett (6g), Sr. Robert Dinger, Sr. Fernando Cortes-Farfan, Jr. Gabriel Valencia.

Newcomers: Sr. F Daniel Alarcon, So. D Alexander Arroyo, Sr. M Michael Arroyo, So. G Christopher Cuadros, Sr. F Justin Dela Cruz, Sr. D Thomas Dinger, Sr. M Marino Flores, Sr. M Israel Garcia, Sr. M Esteban Jacome, So. F Rhys Lee, Fr. M Diego Naranjo, Fr. D Adam Seoudy, Sr. D Diego Villeda, Jr. M Ivan Ramirez, Fr. D Seth Hansen.

Outlook: Coach Goldberg expects seniors Adrian Martinez, Anthony Ortiz, Robert Dinger and Joseph Moskal to be the centerpeice of the team. There are three freshmen on varsity who will be playing a huge role as the future of the program, so getting everyone on the same page and integrating them into high school soccer and used to the speed of play will be an exciting adventure. Junior Arturo Barrett scored six goals last season and will be looked to as a key player to lead the attack. Expectations and goals are to compete for the division and additionally make a strong run in the state tournament, as well as improve every day individually and as a team.

INDEPENDENT

SOMERSET TECH

Coach: John Heinbach, sixth season

Last year's record: 4-11

Top letterwinners lost: David Sosidko, Masood Karimi.

Returners: Sr. G Terrence Driscoll, So. F/M Michael Heller (1 goal, 1 assist), Sr. M Parth Patel (8 goals, 3 assists), Jr. M Noah Rodelius (2 goals, 1 assist), Sr. D Robert Bender.

Newcomers: Fr. F Milan Patel, Jr. F Brian Turck.

Outlook: The goal this season for Somerset Tech will be to develop the younger players. The program is hoping to have its first JV team this year, which will help to grow the program for the future. The Runnin' Jags will look to be competitive as possible and coach Heinbach hopes to get the record above .500. Bender, Parth Patel and Driscoll are expected to be captains and their leadership will be extremely valuable.