Courier News Boys Soccer Team Preview Capsules

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

DELAWARE DIVISION

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN

Coach: Rick Szeles, 20+ seasons

Last year's record: 13-4-1, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist, North 2 Group IV finalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Nick Halpin; Ricky LaStella; Josh Nabbie; Nate Race; Joe Umana. 

Returners: Sr. M Sean Masur; Sr. M Dominik Demcak; Sr. D Brady Regan; Sr. M Brandon Jimenez; Sr. G Calum Erlendorn. 

Newcomers: Sr. D Kavan Shah; Sr. F Anthony Cabrera; Sr. D Steven Alamio; Sr. M Brady Feurer; Jr. F Oliver Trujillo; Sr. F Regan Goldberg; Sr. F Pat Mancini; Sr. M/D Trevor McNulty. 

Outlook: Despite the loss of a number of key players, Bridgewater-Raritan is primed to regroup and have a strong season. 

SOCCER PREVIEW: SOUTH PLAINFIELD PRIMED FOR COMPETITIVE SEASON

BOYS SOCCER: HNT/GMC TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

HILLSBOROUGH

Coach: Eric Puma, 22nd season 

Last year's record: 2-10-1

Returners: Jr. D Scott Bandola; Jr. M Zurab Bedoshvili; Jr. M Christian Bogado; Jr. M Nick Bogado; Sr. F Kyle Bogado; Jr. G Nick Burd; Sr. D Logan Conway; Jr. M John Gadaleta; Jr. M Alfredo Gonzalez; Sr. D Carrick Hawes; Jr. D Justin Zinger. 

Newcomers: Jr. D Dan Chesner; So. D Jamie Moni; Sr. D Ben Naroden; Jr. D Matt Roteman; Sr. M Nate Ambrogio; Jr. M Cameron Bruno; Sr. M Karan Mahesh; Jr. M Ryan Mehrtens; Jr. M Michael Fazio; Jr. F Simon Angelo; Jr. F Jorge Cervantes; Jr. F Justin Dominique; So. F Jake Laifer; Jr. F Dan Prusa; Jr. G Jack Renz. 

Outlook: Hillsborough has a talented roster and plans to be competitive and compete for conference and county titles. 

HUNTERDON CENTRAL

Coach: Anson Smith, 10th season 

Last year's record: 18-1-2, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament champions, Central Group IV champions, Group IV champions. 

Top letterwinners lost: G Dan Mecadon; D Matt Selbodnik; F Jacob Grant; F Matt Tetreault; M Martin Menedez; M Aidan Cook. 

Returners: Sr. F Josh Bordwick; Sr. M Aaron Baxter; Sr. M Alex Truppi; Sr. D Andrew Colossi; Sr. M Ben Lewis. 

Newcomers: Jr. D Sean Murtaugh; Jr. G Drew Hanson; Jr. M Will Drinane; Jr. D Jason Tinney. 

Outlook: After a state championship campaign in 2016, Hunterdon Central returns some key starters but must fill some very important spots. With the loss of goalie Dan Mecadon, the Red Devils will need to fill that hole as juniors Drew Hanson and John Padavano will compete for the position. Hunterdon Central has measured expectations and will rely on several new varsity players to lead the team in key positions. 

PINGRY

Coach: Miller Bugliari, 59th season 

Last year's record: 12-5-1, Somerset County Tournament finalist, Non-Public North A quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Obi Ikoro; Henry Kraham; Owen Gaynor. 

Returners: Sr. D Mitchell Flugstad; Sr. D Vineil Reddy; Sr. M Alexy Alin-Hvidsten; Sr. G Owen Wolfson; Jr. M Alberto Choussy. 

Newcomers: Sr. S Wallace Truesdale; Sr. M Dylan Cheng; Jr. D Drew Beckmen; So. S Matthew Agudelo; So. M John Robertson; So. M Will Bugliari; So. M Pranav Jha; So. S Simon Ribiero; Fr. M Tristan Sampedro. 

Outlook: This season Pingry looks stronger than the past two seasons. There is more depth in the senior class, which should also provide more experience and leadership. The four seniors, Mitchell Flugstad, Vineil Reddy, Alexy Alin-Hvidsten and Owen Wolfson, have been contributors to varsity since their sophomore year and will each be a captain. The Big Blue should be very strong defensively, the core of defenders are all upperclassmen and returning letterwinners. They have speed in the wide positions up top and should be able to stretch defenses. A core group of sophomores and one freshman will have the opportunity to be big contributors on the offensive side of the ball. 

RIDGE

Coach: Ken Cherry, 14th season 

Last year's record: 9-9-2, North 2 Group IV quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Noah Jefferies; Joe Jara; Omar Faheem; Austen Lui; Julian Larrondo. 

Returners: Jr. Gabe Jefferies; Sr. Jimmy Waldron; Sr. Jason Clingensmith; Sr. Mark Stachowski (5g); Jr. Franklin Arcos; So. Danny Ruiz; Sr. Carter Kalustyan. 

Outlook: Ridge expects to improve on last year, challenge for the Skyland Conference Delaware Division title, make the final four in the Somerset County Tournament and aim to get to the sectional final. The Red Devils are team oriented, focused, work hard on both sides of the ball and are showing a good understanding of each other during the preseason. 

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. 

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Rickey Steeb, 10th season 

Last year's record: 11-7, Somerset County Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: F Rory Kemmerer; F Christian Espana; M Brandon Marna; D Dan Choi; D Andrew Dollard. 

Returners: Sr. F Charlie Rodgers; Sr. D Trent Kettelkamp; Sr. M Marko Elez; Sr. M Vincent Malgrange; Sr. F Tony Vicente Bailon; Sr. F Sebastian Tamayo; Sr. D Kevin Cresti; Jr. M Jack Callan; Jr. G Nick Millett; Jr. D Mark Tattoli; Jr. D Justin Hirsch; Jr. G Lance DeSantis; Jr. D Alex Marna; Jr. D Justin Zhao; Jr. G Omar Hassanin; So. F Jace Orvos. 

Newcomers: Sr. D Harry Fang; Sr. D Miguel Tan; Sr. M Ryan Gallagher; Sr. D Jacob Curtiss; Sr. D Issac Brukham; Jr. F Jordan Grunfeld; So. F Jonny Spiegler; Fr. M Ben Choi; Fr. M Zach Oliu; Fr. F Jason Edelstein. 

Outlook: Montgomery returns five starters along with 11 other players that have varsity experience. The team has been working extremely hard and one of the goals is to have a successful season and get better every day. The team captains are Charlie Rodgers and Trent Kettelkamp, and coach Steeb expects the captains and upperclassmen to lead on and off the field. 

NORTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Patrick Letourneau, first season

Last year's record: 6-10

Top letterwinners lost: D Mark Winter; D/M Joey Steitz. 

Returners: Sr. F Rory Temple; Sr. F/M Gabe Volpe; Sr. D Ryan Reed; Sr. G Joe Vitovitch; Sr. D/M Michael Sabatella; Sr. D/M Matt DeSousa; Sr. D Tyler Monsell; Jr. F/M Dom Russillo; Jr. M Dave Moreira. 

Newcomers: Sr. M Edward Acosta; Sr. M Gehrig Anderson; Sr. F John DeNero; Sr. G Brandon Hunt; Sr. M Amrit Kumar; Sr. D Jack Powers; Sr. M Shankar Sundaresan; Sr. D Tom Westra; Jr. M Trevor Wise; Jr. M/F Tom Zappetti; Jr. D Ethan Avecillas; Jr. F/M Garrett Andreski; Jr. D Chris Hale; So. G Nick Fetten; So. F/M Zachary Ailara; So. M/F/D Matt Cox. 

Outlook: With a strong returning senior class with varsity experience, North Hunterdon is expecting to compete for the conference, county and state championships. The team goals are to win the conference and the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament titles. Tyler Monsell will anchor the back line and Gabe Volpe and Rory Temple will be weapons on offense. Three-year varsity players Mike Sabatella will help lead from various positions and Dave Moriera will hold down the middle of the field. With a talented group of new varsity players that coach Letourneau has high expectations for, the Lions have a lot of depth and talent at almost every position. The younger and newer varsity players are proving themselves despite no varsity experience. 

WATCHUNG HILLS

Coach: Greg Leonow; 13th season

Last year's record: 5-9, Somerset County Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: F Pawel Cudnoch. 

Returners: Sr. M Shaun Cagnetta; Jr. M MaxAnthony Costa; Sr. D Gabriel Ferreira; Sr. D John Hadlet; Jr. M Marc Inacio; Sr. M John Jara; Sr. M Michael Kinsella; Jr. M Davin Lui; Jr. M Chris Meireles; Sr. F Ryan Santos; Jr. G Liam Scanlon; Sr. G Timothy Scanlon. 

Newcomers: Jr. M Evan Bujnowski; Sr. D David Cantone; Jr. M Salvatore Cianfano; Sr. D Karl Durant; Sr. M Preston Gatto; So. M Apostoli Malouhos; Sr. D John Maziarz; So. F Maxim Nikolov; Jr. M Nicholas Reyes; Sr. M Rajveer Singh; Sr. D John Sonta; Sr. F Michael Tobin; So. M Brian Veliz; So. M Joel Veliz; Jr. D John Seyda. 

Outlook: With a strong roster of returning players and talented newcomers, Watchung Hills will be a competitive team looking to compete for a conference championship. 

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

MANVILLE

Coach: Ken Eckles, third season

Last year's record: 7-11-1

Top letterwinners lost: Julian Castro. 

Returners: Jr. F Tomas Hernandez (23g, 8a); Sr. F Brandon Vigueras (6g, 1a); Sr. F Isaac Alfaro (4g, 3a); Sr. D Antonio McFadden (3g, 5a); So. G Sebastian Rodriguez (123 saves). 

Outlook: Manville will look to build on a seven-win season last year. Tomas Hernandez returns and will look to lead the offense. Hernandez is already one of the top forwards to come out of Manville High School and finished in the Top 5 in goals in all of Central Group I last year. Jeffrey Cubero and Donte East will look to control the midfield. Antonio McFadden and Mateus De Souza will man the defense and goalie Sebastian Rodriguez returns in net after he finished in the Top 12 in Central Group I in saves last year. Although Manville is a small Group I school, the Mustangs will continue to fight and build a program that players want to be a part of. 

NORTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Mario DellaFortuna, first season 

Last year's record: 14-4, Somerset County Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: M Christopher Medrano; M Kenny Navas; S Ronaldo Garcia; M Kevin Tabares; S David Wilson. 

Returners: Sr. M Frankie Dox; Sr. M Brandon Diaz; Sr. G Edgar Castaneda; Sr. D Floyd Ebanks; Sr. M Erik Chavez; Sr. S Andrew Guanatagsi; Sr. M Anthony Alvarez. 

Newcomers: Sr. M Brian Carranza; Sr. S Josh Tobar; Jr. D Jonathan Guardado; So. S Josh Castillo; Jr. D Bryan Sanatana. 

Outlook: With many key players returning this season, North Plainfield expects to have a very good season. The outlook and goals for the season are to finish at the top of the division and to be very competitive as a contender in the county and state tournaments. 

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. 

SOUTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Dan McMillan, second season 

Last year's record: 2-13-1 (team forfeited first eight games after it was revealed South Hunterdon fielded an overage player). 

Top letterwinners lost: F Marco Delcid (6g, 1a); M Jes Cally (6g, 1a); M Eric Huesca (3g, 3a); D Jordan Chaussepied; D Edgar Hernadez (2g, 4a). 

Returners: Sr. M Joe Armstrong (8g, 3a); Sr. G Cameron Paventi (three shutouts); So. F Conlan Paventi (1g, 3a); Sr. F Davon Garvey; Sr. M Patrick Reilly; Sr. M Luke Buckenberger; Sr. D James Johnson; So. D Chris Romano; Sr. D Zach Ingersoll; Jr. D Jason Barrett; Sr. M Zack Connor; Sr. D Shaun Begg-Klein; Jr. M Ryan Wedeking; Jr. F Mike Skrebel. 

Newcomers: Fr. M Danny Ingersoll; So. M Ryan Balog; Fr. D Ryan Barrett; Fr. F Ethan Sutton; Fr. M Jason Sutton; So. F Matt Cally. 

Outlook: With the largest class of seniors (nine) in South Hunterdon’s brief history, this is an experienced team that was ranked as high as sixth in the Skyland Conference before being forced to forfeit its first eight games last season. The team goals include winning the conference and making a run in the Group I Tournament. The captains will be Joe Armstrong, Cameron Paventi and Zach Ingersoll. Armstrong, Conlan Paventi, Davon Garvey and Patrick Reilly will look to provide offensive firepower while the defense of Cameron Paventi, James Johnson, Jason Barrett, Ingersoll and Chris Romano will look to improve on South Hunterdon’s best defensive season last year. Luke Buckenberger, Zack Connors and Danny Ingersoll are all expected to contribute key minutes at the heart of the midfield. 

VALLEY DIVISION

BERNARDS

Coach: Joe LaSpada, 38th season 

Last year's record: 22-1-1, Somerset County Tournament champions, Central Group II champions, Group II champions. 

Top letterwinners lost: Dan Paez; Fred Ludtke; Max Stanely; Kian Fazel-Sarjul; Nick Neptune; Vinny Cabrera; David McMillan; Anthony Milan. 

Returners: G Andres Lezme; Nico Arce Arza; Axel Gonzalez; Jacob Siegel. 

Outlook: The team will be a mix of freshman, sophomores and juniors this season and coach LaSpada is hoping his team will grow and gain experience from each game and get better as the season progresses. Bernards wants to keep going forward and not backwards and will look to blend and mix as a team. 

DELAWARE VALLEY

Coach: C.J. Inglin, fourth season

Last year's record: 7-15, H/W/S Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Justin Fiaschetti (5g, 10a); Zach Smith (2g, 5a); Matt Kolonia (4g, 1a); D Michael Ailara; D Evan Gundell; D Tyler Malina; M Tim Unkert; G Tim Brown. 

Returners: Jr. M Nick DiBetta (11g, 3a); Sr. M/D Mason Szeplaki; Sr. D Pat Maxwell; Sr. G Justin Wagner (55 saves); Jr. F Caleb Bush; Jr. M Anthony Fancera. 

Newcomers: So. D Michael Gonzalez; So. M/D Michael Reinhart; So. M/D Kevin Reinhart; Jr. M/F Santiago Varela; Jr. M/D Chris Jacob; Jr. M/F Alejandro Silva. 

Outlook: Coach Inglin is expecting Nick DiBetta to continue to prove that he can produce goals and offense along with the three seniors, Mason Szeplaki, Pat Maxwell and Justin Wagner, who all have experience from last season. The goal of the team will be to continue to improve throughout the season as there will be a few players who will be playing their first full season on varsity. Delaware Valley will continue to shoot for the goal of a winning season with a young team composed mostly of juniors and sophomores.

GILL ST. BERNARD'S

Coach: Tony Bednarsky, 29th season 

Last year's record: 17-4-1, Skyland Conference Valley Division champions, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist, South Non-Public B champions, Non-Public B champions. 

Top letterwinners lost: Steven Bednarsky; Cam Miller; Anes Mrkulic; Kevin Brito; Andres Gonzales; Max Aunger. 

Returners: Sr. F Bailey Gano (12g, 5a); Sr. G Alex Roch (13 shutouts); Sr. D August Boland; Jr. M Tyler Merna; Jr. M Dan Shen; Jr. D John Baber. 

Newcomers: So. D Ayman Kazi; So. D Nicholas Kovalenko; Jr. F Andrew Moglianesi; Fr. F Jordan Canica; Fr. F/M Adam Berrrocal; Fr. M Cody Torgovnik. 

Outlook: Although this is the youngest team coach Bednarsky has had in 29 seasons at Gill St. Bernard’s, expectations are still high. The team goals are to defend the Non-Public B title, repeat as Valley Division champions and make deep runs in both the Somerset County and Prep B Tournaments. The Knights may take some lumps early in the season, but come tournament time, they may surprise some people. 

IMMACULATA

Coach: Dominic Rice, ninth season 

Last year's record: 3-10-3

Top letterwinners lost: Gurteg Singh. 

Returners: Sr. D Michael Golankiewicz; Sr. S Kendall Davis; Jr. G Anthony Ivanov; Jr. D James Cummins; Jr. M Jeremy Barnes-Bey; Jr. M Owen Frank; Jr. M Jack Hendrzak; Jr. F Matthew Hendrzak; Jr. F Joe Oliveri. 

Newcomers: Fr. D Alec Bongiovanni; Kevin Ford. 

Outlook: This year Immaculata is hoping to push and win the conference title, but it's going to come down to how good Gill St. Bernard's and Bernards are. Coach Rice believes there is an opportunity as long as his team stays healthy. The Spartans have a strong 11 players on the field and will look to make a run in the county and state tournaments. 

SOMERVILLE 

Coach: Bryan Smith, seventh season

Last year's record: 10-8-1, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: G Will Sokol; M James Liu; D Brian Stickel. 

Returners: Sr. Dan Conforti; Sr. A.J. Quade; Jr. Jose Carasco; Jr. Andrew Diodato; Sr. Aldair Franco; So. Nolan Quade; Jr. Sebastian Rebolledo; Jr. Jack Dailey; Sr. Cole Pacini; Jr. Marcus Johnson. 

Newcomers: So. Phatcharapong Phantura; Sr. Pedro Ramirez; Jr. Brandon Morales; Shane Morris; Jr. Jake Figuerdo; Jr. Manny Vidal; So. Julian Franco; Jr. Matt Anczarki; Sr. Scott Byruty. 

Outlook: After a solid 2016, Somerville will look to build off of experience and depth, look to compete for the division championship and match the Somerset County Tournament semifinals appearance and go deeper in the state tournament. 

VOORHEES

Coach: Chase Barbieri, sixth season

Last year's record: 6-10-2

Top letterwinners lost: Jon Raefski. 

Returners: Sr. Lucas Cervelli; Jr. Michael Cucchiara; Jr. Alex Endersen; Jr. Matt Lowe; Sr. Glenn O’Brien; Sr. Zach Ogorzalek; Sr. Tim Risse; Jr. Brendan Ruscher; Sr. Austin Soares; Jr. Teddy Stafford; Sr. Greg Taylor; Jr. Yachine Wahnon. 

Newcomers: So. Gerry Endersen; So. Sam Houser; So. Taran Miller; Sr. Matt Tybon; Sr. Anthony LaVecchia; Sr. Mike Maurizio. 

Outlook: Voorhees will expect to compete throughout the year with a difficult schedule against some respectable programs. The Vikings have a good group of core players returning that should help them turn the corner as a program. Yachine Wahnon and Zach Ogorzalek return and will be looked to as producers on the offensive side of the ball, and seniors Glenn O’Brien and Greg Taylor will be on the defensive end. Teddy Stafford was the starting goalie as a sophomore so Voorhees is hoping with a year under his belt he can be even better than last year. 

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

WATCHUNG DIVISION

PLAINFIELD

Coach: Ronald Umana, sixth season. 

Last year's record: 7-9-1, Union County Tournament quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Diego Moreno; Joseph Londono; Fenfaaquee Boima; John Paul Lema; Kevin Bonilla. 

Returners: Jr. G Milton Moren; Sr. M Gerson Ixcuna; Sr. D Fernando Aquilar; Sr. M Jose Diaz; Jr. F Narvis Bent; Sr. M Ogechi Ehiobuche. 

Newcomers: Jr. F Asa Johnson; So. F Juan Pablo Rodriguez; So. D Dennis Vasquez. 

Outlook: Plainfield’s expectations are to improve on what was done last year and hopefully making a run in the county and state tournaments. 

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD

Coach: Tom Breznitsky, 43rd season 

Last year's record: 22-4, Union County Tournament finalist, North 2 Group IV champions, Group IV finalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Sean Murray, Ryan Peterson, John Murphy, Tommy DeVizio. 

Returners: Sr. D Jack Brady; Sr. G Aaron Schack; Sr. F Brogan Quigley; Sr. M Jonathan Schwab; Sr. F Anthony Miguelino. 

Newcomers: Jr. F Jonathan Koseoglu; Jr. M Adam Weiner; Jr. F Steven Feinman-Riordan; So. G Daniel Coyle. 

WESTFIELD 

Coach: Eric Shaw, fifth season 

Last year's record: 15-4-2, Union County Tournament champions, North 2 Group IV quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Loukas Carayannopolous; Cullen Birkel; Owen Pryblski; Joseph Contreras Aguirre; Kevin Reinhard; Gabriel Romano; Max Kaplan; Owen Ripperger. 

Returners: Sr. D Mark Walters; Sr. M Mike Birle; Sr. Graham Studwell; Sr. Chris Beulieu; Sr. George Angelides; Sr. Alex Fonseca. 

Outlook: Despite a few losses Westfield is confident it can defend its Union County Tournament title. 

VALLEY DIVISION

NEW PROVIDENCE

Coach: Jon Panella, fourth season 

Last year's record: 11-9, Union County Tournament quarterfinalist, Central Group II quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Cristiano Hocken (16g, 8a); Ethan Conklin; Mike Rinaldi; Johnny Kovacs. 

Returners: Sr. G Dillon Konzelmann; Sr. D Dylan Pizzi; Sr. F Shane Mahlstadt; Sr. M Chris Kang; Jr. M Brendan Regan; Jr. M Devin Mulligan; Jr. F James Miller; Jr. F Sebastian Everton; Sr. D Paul Seth; D Billy Vignali; Sr. D/G Matt Byrnes; Jr. Ben Peng. 

Newcomers: Sr. D Jeremy Demarco; Sr. M Matt Farrel; Jr. F Matt Gonzalez; Jr. M Tom Harris; Jr. M Jose Jimenez; Sr. D Tyler Lawton; Jr. Noa Lewing; Sr. D Andrew Paniagua; Sr. D Oliver Smith; Sr. M Aditya Tigadi; Sr. D Sean Yu. 

Outlook: The Pioneers have strong expectations for the season. They will be very strong in the back with four-year starter and second-team all-county Dillon Konzelmann in net. The defense will be led by four seniors in center backs Joe Crisafi and Dillon Pizzi and Matt Byrnes and Tyler Bradley out wide. Delaware Valley will also have a strong midfield led by Brendan Regan, Devin Mulligan, Chris Kang and Ben Peng. The team should also be dangerous up front with James Millar (12g, 4a) returning along with Shane Mahlstadt and Sebastian Everton. 

SKY DIVISION

UNION CATHOLIC

Coach: Tim Breza, second season

Last year's record: 14-4-1, North Non-Public A quarterfinalist. 

Returners: Sr. M Kevin Degnan; Sr. D Alex Parillo; Sr. M Sebastian Moralez; Sr. M George Pavlakis; Sr. S Kyle Bartley; So. S Brian Espinoza. 

Newcomers: So. M Jon DiDario; So. D Teddy Amo; So. D Liam Bennett; Jr. M Mark Pita; So. S Arthur Almeida. 

Outlook: After graduating 14 seniors last season, Union Catholic is looking at a very young team with little varsity experience. However, the Vikings have strong senior leadership that includes team captains Kevin Degnan and Alex Parillo. Union Catholic is looking to have a strong year in the conference and to make a run in both the county and state tournaments. 

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

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. 

WHITE DIVISION

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. 

GOLD DIVISION

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. 

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. 

INDEPENDENT

SOMERSET TECH

Coach: Louis Violante, first season

Last year's record: 4-12

Returners: Jr. M/D Max Allegro; So. F/M Brandon Gonzalez; Jr. M Kenneth Hecht; Jr. M/F Michael Heller; So. M Milan Patel; Sr. D David Petersen; Jr. D Declan Reilly; Sr. F/M Noah Rodelius; Jr. M/F Evan Sapirman; Jr. D/M Islam Soliman; Sr. F/M Brian Turck; So. G/D/M Brandon Vargas.

Newcomers: Fr. D/M Bernie Babitsky; Fr. D/M Kevin Gorel; Fr. D Devon Holland; Fr. D/M Kaleb Johnson; Fr. M/D Alejando Olea; Fr. M Kendall Porras; Fr. M Jonathan Reynolds; Fr. D/G Julio Rivas.

Outlook: The goals for Somerset Tech this season is to have a better record than last year. There are a lot of young and talented players, and the projected starters are the returning veterans. Coach Violante expects all of his players to be leaders and great role models on and off the field.