HNT/GMC Boys Soccer Team Preview Capsules

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Terry McKibbin, 13th season 

Last year's record: 9-10-1, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Sahil Patel (6g, 6a); Ryan Flynn (3g, 2a); Samweal Mahrous (5g, 5a); Ben Rosen (2g, 2a). 

Returners: Sr. D Zach Desrosier; Sr. D Corrado Carbone (1g, 5a); Sr. F Gorkem Yurekli (2g, 3a); Jr. F Justin Woo (4g, 2a); Sr. F Sanket Jain (2g, 2a); Jr. F Aaron Lucea (4g, 1a); Sr. D Jagath Ranaweera (1g); Jr. M Andrew Hong (1g, 1a); Sr. G Lucas Espada (5 shutouts); Jr. M Max Lee (1g, 1a); Sr. D Will Schaff (1g, 2a); Jr. D Akeem Alexander.  

Newcomers: Sr. M Ivan Loncar; Jr. D Phil Han; Sr. D Bradley Susskind; Jr. D Alex Naryshkin; Sr. F Nick Riggio; Jr. M Magnus Steinberg; Sr. M Vincent Huang; Jr. M Poorav Desai; Jr. G Keegan Roeder; Jr. F John Elqumos; Jr. F Joshua Newton; Jr. D Zane Weinglass. 

Outlook: The Bears endured growing pains last year, struggling to score in a frustrating season that included several tight games that resulted in losses. The year’s team returns 12 varsity players who now have considerable experience and hunger. The defense will be led by senior goalie Lucas Espada, who has been one of the best goalkeepers in the conference the past two years, and senior Zach Desrosier, a three-year starter who will anchor the back line with junior Phil Han. While the offense will look for balanced scoring from several junior attackers who played valuable minutes as sophomores, the strength of this team will be its creative midfield that can control the game. East Brunswick expects to be a contender come tournament time. 

SOCCER PREVIEW: SOUTH PLAINFIELD PRIMED FOR COMPETITIVE SEASON 

BOYS SOCCER: COURIER NEWS TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

J.P. STEVENS

Coach: William McMullen, 31st season 

Last year's record: 3-16-1

Top letterwinners lost: Ryan Minor (7g); Paul Trevidic. 

Returners: Sr. D Derek Chun; Sr. G Max Glinn; Sr. M Arnav Jain; Jr. M Austin John; Jr. S Anish Matta; So. M Aniket Narkhede; Sr. M Darshan Patel (10g); Sr. D Ram Patel; Sr. D Joseph Shannon; Sr. M Dhwan Wanjara. 

Newcomers: Sr. M Sanjay Athrey; Sr. S Binod Bhat; So. M Sukhbir Ghotra; Sr. D Judson Guillaume; So. M Viraaj Kumar; So. D Anish Mallavarapu; Jr. M Damola Olugboji; Sr. S Nirav Patel; Sr. D Bharath Selvaraj; Sr. M James Soole. 

Outlook: J.P. Stevens returns 10 varsity players that will look to build on last year's record. A talented group of newcomers will look to bolster the lineup and the Hawks will look to improve with every game. 

MONROE 

Coach: Steven MacKenzie, 19th season 

Last year's record: 16-4-1, Central Group IV semifinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Matt Mischler; Matt Cavadas. 

Returners: Sr. F Matt Hoyt; Jr. F Brendan Deal; Sr. G Nick Rios; Sr. M Liam Craver; Sr. M Chris Graetzig; Sr. D David Zaorski; Sr. D Kevin Senkus; So. M Tommy Haimer; Jr. M George Olynyk; So. M Bobby Hunter; Jr. G Victor Park. 

Newcomers: Fr. F Christian Bernal; Jr. M Declan Cioffi; So. M Matt Pascal; So. D Akshat Gupta; So. F Adrian Dilascio. 

Outlook: Monroe will look to be conference and sectional champions this season as a great group of seniors who represent their families, community and school with utmost pride and respect. Character is their strength and hopefully it will translate onto the field. This year’s group has a solid blend of personalities which will allow the Falcons the flexibility to adjust in every match. 

NEW BRUNSWICK

Coach: Rafael Castillo, fourth season 

Last year's record: 12-5-2 

Top letterwinners lost: William Rojas; Kelvin Ortiz; Felix Rojas. 

Returners: So. F Homer Melendez (13g); Jr. M Emmanuel Zamora; Sr. M Evaristo Solano; Sr. M/F Luciano Garcia; Jr. D Jordy Gomez; Sr. G Dalber Inestroza; Jr. G Jomar Vizcaino. 

Outlook: The Zebras are working hard to compete in the Red Division this season with the leadership of Evaristo Solano, Homer Melendez and Emmanuel Zamora. The team has many new players and will prove to be a challenge, but New Brunswick hopes to be able to make a run for all the championships with the hardworking players it has. The goal is to always do better than the previous season. 

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Christopher McGrath, 11th season 

Last year's record: 12-6, Central Group IV quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Sual Downes; Bobby Shannon. 

Returners: Sr. M/F Christian McCartney; Sr. D/M Nick Liberal; Sr. D Tyler Martins; Jr. M Mauro Sciancalepore; Jr. M Antonio Andre. 

Outlook: With the loss of 17 players from last year, Old Bridge will have some ups and downs this season. There are 17 new players to the team, which will be a challenge but the goals are to improve from game to game and play the best soccer down the stretch in order to get prepared for the postseason. 

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Carlos Baltodano, 24th season 

Last year's record: 1-17

Top letterwinners lost: G Cesar Vargas; F Javier De Villareal (8g, 5a). 

Returners: Sr. D Gustavo Gamino; Sr. M Luis Alan Beron; Sr. M Joseph Torres; Jr. M Joel Zuniga; So. D Joel Santos; So. D/M Jonathan Valentin. 

Newcomers: Jr. F Robert Matesuwicz; Sr. F Juan Chapparo. 

Outlook: The expectations for this season are to improve the defensive posture from last year, to be in better fitness shape than last year and to generate additional chances to score more goals and better last year’s record. Perth Amboy will also look to maintain composure in tight games and be able to outplay and out run opponents. The Panthers also want to generate a team/player sense of purpose and achievement with the group as a whole by instilling a soccer culture of respect and the desire to play the game not only to represent the high school and town but also to prove that Perth Amboy can play with any high school team. 

PISCATAWAY

Coach: David Hilgert, 13th season 

Last year's record: 5-13-2

Top letterwinners lost: Alex Kuchnicki. 

Returners: Sr. D Hunter Merring; Sr. D Edi Castro (3g, 3a); Sr. M Alex Roman; Sr. G Andres Infante; Sr. D Joe Queenan; Sr. M Hector Tobar; Jr. M Chris Lopez. 

Outlook: This year Piscataway has gotten great leadership from Edi Castro and Hunter Merring. They have the team focused and prepared to do what is expected to improve. With a large mix of younger and older players, the team has high expectations. However, the Chiefs know that individual talent does not guarantee success and are still looking to improve on last year’s record. Overall, Piscataway is aiming to get back to the state tournament. 

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Chris Hayston, 15th season 

Last year's record: 14-7, GMC Tournament finalist.

Top letterwinners lost: M Sergio Caballero (8g, 10a); M Kevin Nunez (7g, 4a); F Kunal Thakral (10g, 3a); D Anirudth Vemupalli (2a); D Steven Disario (1a); G Nick Hoffman (4 shutouts). 

Returners: Sr. M Dylan Ingaurdi (8g, 8a); Sr. D Christos Lolas (2a); Sr. D Ben Aug; Sr. D James Li; Sr. Anuj Kothari (1a); Jr. D Jared Budhu (2a); Jr. D John Bohrer (2g, 2a); G Justin Cross (3 shutouts); M Connor Ferry (4a); Jr. M Ciro Iovine; Jr. F Vinayak Iyer (3g); So. F Jake Stump (7g, 2a). 

Newcomers: Sr. F Kyle Chang; Sr. F Neil Mehta; Jr. M Antonio Debari; Jr. F Justin Ibrahim; Jr. M Jay Mehta; Jr. G Aryaman Tiwari; Jr. M Aneesh Datla; Jr. M Fernando Giron; Jr. D Ashwi Dubey; Jr. D Colin Park; Jr. D Arshad Roshan; Jr. D Marc Stephens; So. F Antonio Iovine; So. M Sebastiano Villano.

Outlook: Despite losing eight players from last year’s team, South Brunswick expects to have a good season. Justin Cross returns in goal and has had an outstanding preseason. Christos Lolas returns to lead the back line with Ben Aug, Jared Budhu and John Bohrer. In the midfield, Dylan Inguardi was an All-Division selection and the coaching staff has been pleased with Connor Ferry, Jay Mehta and Antonio Debari in the midfield. Up top, Jake Stump returns and Antonio Iovine could compliment him well. In addition, James Li, Vinayak Iyer and Justin Ibrahim give the Vikings depth all over the field. 

ST. JOSEPH (MET.)

Coach: Brian Jenkins, fifth season 

Last year's record: 12-7-2, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist, Non-Public A South semifinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Antonio Oliveira (22g, 10a); Gurjivan Kalkat; Owen Donnelly. 

Returners: Sr. M Nick Cruz (13g, 14a); Sr. M Matt Pinho; Sr. M Tour’e Reaves; Sr. M/D Dan DiSarro; Sr. D Will Schanagl; Sr. D Ryan Brede; Sr. F Chris Nguyen; Jr. F Matt Cruz; Jr. M Matt Nunziata; Jr. F Andrew Carchio. 

Newcomers: So. M/D Max Shubert; So. D Eric Freda. 

Outlook: With nine returning starters, St. Joseph has very high expectations. The Falcons fell to South Brunswick in overtime in the GMC Tournament semifinals last year, and will expect to compete at a very high level this season. Nick Cruz (all-GMC, all-state) and Matt Pinho (three-year starter) are captains. 

WHITE DIVISION

CARTERET

Coach: Nestor Cortina, 10th season 

Last year's record: 4-13-2

Returners: Sr. M Justin Gallardo (13g, 7a); Jr. F Nicolas Garralfo (4g, 4a); Sr. D Carlos Veira (3g). 

Outlook: After moving to the White Division last season, Carteret is ready to make some noise this year. With a mixture of three seniors, five juniors and three sophomores starting this year, the Ramblers are on the rise and ready to compete. Leading the team are seniors Justin Gallardo, Carlos Veira and Julen Gorostiza. With a complimenting cast of juniors in Nicholas Garralfo, Nicolas Lujan, Sukhpal Saini, Jordan Almendares and John Rodriguez. The sophomores are Jeffery Sanchez, Miguel Morga and Foti Xidias. 

COLONIA

Coach: Mike Kizoulis, 14th season 

Last year's record: 2-14

Returners: Sr. Carlos Goncalves; Sr. Tyler Wolff; Jr. Tim Meehan; So. Karim Askar; So. Marc Nykolyn; So. Pat Fila; So. Gabe Cruz. 

Newcomers: Fr. Sneh Shah; So. Jesse Warth; So. Dan Sosiak; So. Joseph Gibardi; Jr. Ros Shkromiuk. 

Outlook: With 10 returning players, the goal for Colonia this season is to improve on last year’s record and to qualify for the Group III tournament. 

EDISON

Coach: Brian Murtagh, eighth season 

Last year's record: 9-9-1, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Adolfo Vasquez; Andrew Awad. 

Returners: Sr. M Jason Salazar; Jr. M Benito Rojas; Sr. D Brandon Meyers. 

Newcomers: So. Andrew Soloman; So. Ahmed Ali; So. Christian Noel. 

Outlook: With 15 returning players, Edison will look to improve on last year’s .500 record, compete in the White Division and GMC Tournament and earn a berth in the state tournament. 

J.F. KENNEDY

Coach: Joe Migacz, fourth season 

Last year's record: 8-8-3

Top letterwinners lost: Nick Lepinsky. 

Returners: Sr. D Eder Mendez; Jr. M Oladimeji Oyinkolade. 

Newcomers: Jr. G Alex Obertan. 

Outlook: The Mustangs will look for a big season from forwards Nick Garison and Mohamed Abdelaal, as well as some players getting their first taste of varsity in Jaden Rannie-White, Jeffery Alfaro and Josh Platt. 

NORTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Paul Liddy, 10th season 

Last year's record: 16-4-2, GMC Tournament champion, Central Group IV quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: G Pawel Dzielski; F Sam Mikhailov (12g, 5a); M Bruno Andino (5g). 

Returners: So. F Alusine Kamara; Sr. F David Rodriguez; Sr. F Chris Spataro; Sr. M Isai Aguilar; Sr. M DJ Cobb; Jr. M Zavier Hernandez; Sr. M Yardin Miranda; Sr. M Fabrizzio Reyes; Jr. M Chris Scariano; Sr. D Aldo Bautista; Jr. D Derrick Audain; Sr. D Karim Bayoumi; Sr. D Tim Quach; Sr. D Alejandro Thomas. 

Newcomers: Jr. F Yvan Vertus; So. M Justin Fisher; Sr. M Keneil Richards; Sr. M Victor Gonzalez; Jr. M Chandler Mattis; Sr. D Jayson Williams; Jr. D Zack Kriegl; Sr. D Kyle Gosner; Sr. G Graham Randall; Jr. G Ali Karim. 

Outlook: North Brunswick will look to compete in a tough White Division and GMC with a strong group of seniors that includes captains Fabrizzio Reyes, Aldo Bautista, Isai Aguilar and Tim Quach. This year’s team also has an influx of players from last year’s strong JV squad which finished 18-0-1. 

SAYREVILLE

Coach: Nick Cifelli, 17th season 

Last year's record: 8-9-1, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: F Ope Olaloko (8g, 8a); M Kevin Sosa (8g, 6a); D Brandon McCoy (1g, 1a). 

Returners: Jr. F Zach Colgan (8g, 1a); Sr. F Tyler Barreiro (4g, 3a); Sr. M Joe Martinez (3g); Jr. F Frankie Astarita (1g, 1a); Sr. F Dawud Mbenga (1g, 1a); Jr. D Sebastian Cardoso (1g); Jr. M Alex Szpindor (2a); So. M Dylan Clerigo (2a); Jr. D Dan Espejo; Sr. D Hamidul Islam; Sr. D Ryan McCracken; Sr. D Matt Rodriguez; Sr. G Mike Philip (8.33 saves a game, 5 shutouts). 

Newcomers: Sr. M Christian Castro; Sr. G Brian Marra; Sr. D Alex Meza-Navarro; Sr. D Rayan Shrestha; Sr. M Travis Umanzor. 

Outlook: The Bombers head into the 2017 season with a lot of experience. If the team can remain healthy, they will look to be competitive in the White Division and make a run deep into the county and state tournaments. Sayreville will look to build on the great finish to the 2016 season in which it went 6-3 in its last nine games, including a 2-1 victory over top-seeded Monroe in the GMC Tournament. The team’s strength looks to be in the midfield and attacking third with the return of Zach Colgan and Frankie Astarita (coming off an injury) leading the offensive charge with midfielders Tyler Barreiro and Alex Szpindor controlling the center. Defensively, goalie Mike Philip returns for his senior season after posting five shutouts and gaining valuable time and experience in net last year. With the addition of Alex Meza-Navarro and Travis Umanzor, the Bombers look to field a very talented and experienced team. 

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Anthony Perfilio, 13th season 

Last year's record: 15-6-1, GMC White Division champion, GMC Tournament semifinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Jason Cieszkiewicz; Jake Hoffman; Jared Marks; Nick Plate; Jacob Villacres. 

Returners: So. F Nicholas Atehortua; Sr. M John Boyce; So. M Adrian Dominguez; Jr. M/D Marc Giordano; Jr. M Michael Marrero; Jr. D Ian McCoid; So. M Gabriel Mont; Sr. M/F Isaiah Storah; So. M/D Kevin Veliz. 

Newcomers: Jr. D Alex Ardito; Fr. M Victor Balewicz; Jr. M/D Chris Born; Fr. G Bryan Cruz; Fr. M/F Joseph Frascino; So. D/M Jose Galdamez Mauricio; Jr. D David Guevara; Sr. D Christiansen Gunawan; So. G Jake Jones; Fr. F George Mangandi; Fr. D/M Julio Mauricio; So. M Agastya Patel; Fr. M David Rovayo. 

Outlook: Despite the loss of five All-GMC White Division players, South Plainfield is primed to be competitive with the return of a large core of seasoned veterans and a talented group of incoming underclassmen. The Tigers will look to defend their White Division title and advance deep into the GMC and state tournaments. 

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Anthony Clarke, fourth season 

Last year's record: 7-12-1

Top letterwinners lost: Elijah Hosein (9g, 5a). 

Returners: Sr. M Khalid Mamman; Sr. D Stefano Gangemi; Sr. D Sean Estoque; Sr. M Ethan Barroqueiro; Sr. M Zachary Delvalle; Sr. M Misael Yamuca; Jr. M Nigel Pala; Jr. M/F Ethan Figueroa; So. M Melvin Alvarado; So. M Leandro Flores; Sr. M/F Andrew Fuentes. 

Newcomers: Sr. D Cameron Christine; Sr. G Brayan Rincon; Jr. F Prince Jackson; Jr. D John Catipay; So. G Marcos Piastre; So. D Hector Lopez; So. M/F Cainan Dasilva; Sr. G Jayson Morgado; Jr. F Peter Flomo. 

Outlook: Woodbridge will be looking to improve on last season, and with a lot of experienced players returning and an influx of younger talent, it makes the Barrons an exciting prospect this year. Stefano Gangemi and Sean Estoque will lead the defense, while Ethan Barroqueiro, Khalid Mamman, Melvin Alvarado and Zach Delvalle will bolster the midfield. Andrew Fuentes, who was the leading scorer as a sophomore, returns from academy and will establish the offense. The addition of Prince Jackson and Peter Flomo will give additional pace and power to the forward line. 

BLUE DIVISION

METUCHEN

Coach: Ed Albanese, third season

Last year's record: 11-6, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Kyle Harry (4g, 7a); G Alex Brooks (4 shutouts); Sam Johnson (9g). 

Returners: Sr. M Jack Bradley; Jr. M Michael Cyran; Jr. M Avi Hogan-Appell; So. D Jay Harry; Jr. D Michael Fuccile; Jr. M Griffin Kick. 

Newcomers: Jr. M Charlie Bradley; Jr. F Trent Leaf; Jr. D Jimmy McGuire; Jr. M Griffin Makar; Sr. M Marco Spasiano. 

Outlook: Metuchen hopes to continue its success and compete in the GMC Blue Division with a new class of talented soccer players. Midfield leaders Jack Bradley, Michael Cyran, Avi Hogan-Appell and Michael Fuccile will be expected to lead a young group of dynamic players. 

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Eric Clays, 25th season 

Last year's record: 15-5-1, Central Group I semifinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Nark Miranda; Matthew Pietrzyk; Josh Santos. 

Returners: Sr. G Erick Lucas; Sr. D Jake Boyd; Sr. D Bassam Youssef; Sr. D Giancarlo Silva; Sr. M Miguel Fonseca; Sr. M Brian Raimundo; Sr. M Kyle Santos. 

Newcomers: Fr. M Philipe Quieroz; Fr. M Goncalo Pausiero; Fr. S Anthony Perriera; Fr. D Eber Lucas. 

Outlook: Team captains Erick Lucas, Giancarlo Silva and Jake Boyd will help lead the team towards winning a sectional title. 

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Jeff Marvinny, 14th season 

Last year's record: 13-6, Central Group II quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Nick Moran (34g); Matteo Tavella (14g); Colin Barlow. 

Returners: Sr. M Andrew Oross (1g, 10a); So. F Chris Moran (5g, 5a); Sr. F Brandon Rubin (3g); Sr. M/D Danny Peabody (3a); Sr. D Jon Vizzi; Jr. M Jordan Church; Sr. D Chris Mathew; So. G Andrew Bishara; Sr. G Matt Evanego.  

Newcomers: Sr. D Vinny Guardiola; Sr. D Matt Chludzinski; Sr. M Mike Kaczmarski; Jr. M Edozie Okafor; Jr. M/D Sean Duffy; Jr. D Skylar Malone; So. M Brian Lumsden; So. F Yanni Hatzistefanis; Fr. M/F Liam Barlow; Fr. M Luke Tharney. 

Outlook: Spotswood, the reigning Blue Division champion, lost 10 players to graduation including a large chunk of its goal scorers in Nick Moran and Matteo Tavella. There is a good mix of returning players and newcomers and how they mesh will determine how the team does. Six starters return and there is potential in the freshman and sophomore class. The Chargers will look to be competitive in the Blue Division and will be fairly young but creative and skillful up front. If the younger players can score some goals, they will be a good team. Chris Moran will move up front from outside mid to replace his brother, and Danny Peabody will move from midfield to defense. If Spotswood works hard and continues to develop, it could be pretty good come tournament time. 

GOLD DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK TECH

Coach: Mike Buonaguro, seventh season 

Last year's record: 12-7-1

Returners: Sr. M Jonathan Dela Rosa; Sr. M Joshua Dela Rosa; Sr. M Zack Chrobocinski; Sr. D Mike Malgioglo; Sr. F/M Cesar Prieto; Sr. D Mark Sironga. 
Newcomers: Sr. G Patrick Temenski; Sr. M Makayla Brown; Sr. D Edward Beck; Sr. D Randy Hernandez; So. M Kelly Jamison; So. F Seth Correra; So. M Seth Lopez; So. D Ken Slater; So. D Justin Pacheco; So. M James Kushner; Fr. F Dennis Noon; Fr. G Jayson Vassallo; So. G Andrew Giron. 

Outlook: After winning the Gold Division in 2015 and 2016, this will be a rebuilding year for East Brunswick Tech. Jonathan and Joshua Dela Rosa, Zack Chrobocinski and Mark Sironga create a good foundation to build on. Dennis Noon will be a scoring threat at all times. 

PERTH AMBOY TECH

Coach: Stephen J. Moir, 10th season 

Last year's record: 2-12-1

Top letterwinners lost: D Enmanual Herrera; M Javiar Torres; M Eric Garcia. 

Returners: Sr. D Piero Coronado; Sr. M Hernan Martinez; So. D Fernando Carabajal; Jr. G Edisamir Carballo; Sr. M Diego Robles; So. D Daniel Piri; So. G Julian Castillo. 

Newcomers: Jr. M Marvin Ramirez. 

Outlook: Perth Amboy Tech is looking to build on last year’s young team. The team is young and hungry but will need to gel. 

PISCATAWAY TECH

Coach: Mike O'Boyle, first season

Last year's record: 1-13

Top letterwinners lost: G Kevin Quintero. 

Returners: Sr. F Jordan Simpson (9g, 4a); Sr. G Daniel Peacock; So. M Bruno Jimenez (5g, 3a); Jr. F/M Adrian Garcia (3g, 3a); So. D Miguel Perez.

Newcomers: Fr. M Daniel Scavino; Fr. D Jose Dolores; So. M Jason Olmedo; So. D Eli Santiago; So. D Arlington Burrell. 

Outlook: Piscataway Tech has a young group this season but the youth will benefit the team for the future. The Raiders will be led by Jordan Simpson and Daniel Peacock. Depsite the youth, coach O'Boyle believes his team will be able to compete for the Gold Division title, but his players know that they have to have strong performances against East Brunswick Tech and Timothy Christian. 

SOUTH AMBOY

Coach: Tony Gonsalves, 41st season

Last year's record: 10-6

Top letterwinners lost: Conrad Grygoriew; MacKenzie Buczak; Tavito Pena.

Returners: Kasper Gurdak; Dan Davis; Kangni Chen; Nick Mihalecko; Pocho Pena; Jeremy Pena; Jose Ventura; Lance Pierce; Bryan Pena.

Newcomers: Zenon Yanez; Andy Quispe; Steve Fusco; Brendan Soper; Jason Delgado; Dave Hojnowski; Jake Szatkowski; Jonathan Yepes; Jakob Mercado; Nathan Vastey.

Outlook: South Amboy has a strong core of varsity players returning, along with a talented group of newcomers. The Governors will look to improve on last year’s record and contend for county, conference and state titles.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN

Coach: William Bills, 39th season 

Last year's record: 12-4-2 

Top letterwinners lost: Mike Oduro (13g); Josiah DeSantos (10g, 8a).  

Returners: Sr. F Josh Koshy (10g); So. F Jordan Gottshall (7g); Sr. G Robert Saydee (8 shutouts); Sr. D Pierce Kokosinski. 

Newcomers: Fr. D Danny Wang; Fr. D Jon Snyder; Fr. G Brandon McCall. 

Outlook: After losing 18 players from the past two seasons, Timothy Christian is facing a rebuilding year. The team boasts talented players but the coaching staff will have to figure out the right mix in order to be successful. There is enough talent to challenge for the Gold Division title. 

WOODBRIDGE ACADEMY

Coach: Scott Modzelewski, fourth season 

Last year's record: 4-13

Returners: Sr. G Alijah Vanterpool (126 saves); Sr. F Awab Hassan; Jr. M Sathya Rameshkumar; Jr. M Anisha Patel; Jr. M Chloe Jacques; Jr. M Karanvir Singh; Jr. M Shraven Subramanian; So. D Darshan Patel. 

Newcomers: Fr. F Shivam Patel. 

Outlook: Woodbridge Academy will expect to make a push for the Gold Division. The defense is young and inexperienced but the team has good leadership which will help to strengthen the team. 

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: John Pompeo, sixth season 

Last year's record: 4-12

Top letterwinners lost: Alec Aloia, Jake Needleman; Luigi Apollo; John Langenfield; Sean Lau; Owen Chavez. 

Returners: Sr. D Ryan Mangini; Sr. G Cam Burton. 

Newcomers: Sr. D Jack Sandstedt; Fr. F Demetri Zambas; Fr. M Griffin Hooper; Jr. F Michael Amaefule. 

Outlook: The Argonauts will be led senior captain Varun Kadikar, who will be the team leader on and off the pitch. The team is also excited for the new additions of Jack Sandstedt, Michael Amaefule, Griffin Hooper and Demetri Zambas. Returner Cam Burton in net brings three years of experience to Rutgers Prep, which looks ready to post some shutouts. Matt Foxworth, Nick Barreiro, Temisan Omabegho and Vaughn Hernandez lead the talented sophomore class that coach Pompeo will rely heavily on this season with the loss of 12 seniors. The coaching staff is looking forward to some entertaining soccer and some wins this season. 

RARITAN DIVISION 

FRANKLIN

Coach: Eric Osman, first season 

Last year's record: 6-10-1

Top letterwinners lost: Dimitri Grachev; Cameron Consiglio. 

Returners: Chris Hill; Ryan Arnold; Juan Peral; Kimoni Greene; Malcolm Gaines. 

Newcomers: Jr. Ryan Kobylinski; Jr. Anthony Peral. 

Outlook: Former four-year starter Eric Osman takes over as head coach at Franklin this season. With the loss of six players and 13 retuning, Franklin is looking to improve on last year’s record and get better as a team every game.