Boys Soccer – 2014 Preview: Class A North

What was once considered the Shore Conference’s most talented division by a wide margin has seen that gap closed in recent years and with the depth of Class B North this year, it could be that another division has finally passed A North. The top three teams in this division will absolutely have something to say about that this year, particularly defending Shore Conference Tournament champion Manalapan. The Braves will have their hands full trying to repeat as Class A North champions because of a strong returning groups at both Christian Brothers Academy and Freehold Township, the next two teams behind Manalapan in the standings last year.

The top three teams in A North are all legitimate Shore Conference Tournament contenders, while the next group is likely a couple tiers below, at least based on last season’s performance. There should be at least one other SCT spot for an A North team to grab, but unless one of the other five teams can break through with a couple of wins against this top group while also picking up another few non-divisional wins, A North may turn out to be a top-heavy division this year. Here’s how the top of the division – and everything the follows – might look.

Manalapan

Head Coach: John Natoli, 23rd season
Last Year’s Record: 19-3-1 (11-2-1, first in Class A North)
Returning: Ryan Hammer (Sr., Forward); Adam Weisberger (Sr., Midfield); Mike McNicholas (Jr., Defense); Mitch Volis (Jr., Midfield); Rocky Garretson (So., Midfield); Rob Pratka (Sr., Midfield); Jordan Vance (Sr., Defense); Eric Wilkinson (Sr., Defense); Joseph Ahn (Jr., Midfield); Ayush Mittal (Jr., Midfield)
Departed: Brian Dolan (Defense); Brandon Garcia (Defense); Chris Colen (Defense); Matt Dizenhaus (Forward); Ethan Siegel (Goalkeeper); Mason Chin (Midfield); Stefano Muniz (Midfield); Matt Rosenberg (Goalkeeper); Phil D’Anna (Midfield)
Newcomers: Daniel Natoli (Jr., Forward); Pio Lamoriello-Schiano (Jr., Forward); Dylan Williams (Jr., Defense); Tiago Reyes (Jr., Midfield); David Buckman (Sr., Midfield); Drew Brendli (Sr., Forward); G.J. Lockhart (Sr., Forward); Kenan Kizar (Jr., Midfield); Tom Colen (Jr., Defense); Mile Schindler (Jr., Defense); Andrew Kaplan (Jr., Defense); Justin Terr (Sr., Goalkeeper); Mike Cavanaugh (Sr., Goalkeeper)

Last year marked a major return to prominence for Manalapan, which won its first Shore Conference Tournament championship since 2006 and its first Class A North championship since 2005. As far as top players go, the Braves have a trio that rivals the best of the Shore Conference, one that figures to have a major say in whether or not Manalapan will repeat as the champions of either this season. Senior forward Ryan Hammer returns after leading the Braves in scoring a year ago (10 goals, five assists), which included two goals in the Shore Conference Tournament final against Rumson-Fair Haven. The Braves also return third-team All-Shore junior center back Mike McNicholas to anchor the back line and senior midfielder Adam Weisberger, whose potentially promising individual campaign was hampered by issues related to a concussion.

While the Braves do return a reliable group of varsity starters and contributors to go with Hammer, McNicholas and Weisberger, the group is not as deep as it could have been thanks to injury and departures. Senior Stefano Muniz, who emerged as a versatile player on the attack and might have been the team’s most creative midfielder during its postseason run, suffered a significant knee injury over the summer and will miss the season, according to coach John Natoli. Junior goalkeeper Matt Rosenberg – who recorded two shutouts despite serving as the backup to Ethan Siegel – decided to play academy soccer this season, leaving a goalkeeper spot open for competition. Last year, talented sophomore midfielder Phil D’Anna left the team prior to the SCT and has not returned for his junior season, making Manalapan three players short of what it potentially could have been this season.

With all that being said, there is still plenty left, even beyond the top three players. Junior midfielder Mitch Volis and sophomore midfielder Rocky Garretson are both breakout candidates after starting as underclassmen last year, while seniors Rob Pratka, Jordan Vance and Eric Wilkinson are ready for bigger roles after producing in short bursts last year. Manalapan’s junior class has come up through the ranks with high regard from opposing coaches – as well as its own – so there will be plenty from which to draw to fill the open spots. The Class A North schedule is never forgiving, but even if it gets the better of Manalapan during its quest for another division title, expect the Braves to be a major player once again in the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Group IV tournaments.

Christian Brothers Academy

Head Coach: Dan Keane, 36th season
Last Year’s Record: 13-5-2 (9-3-2, second in Class A North)
Returning: Russell Romano (Sr., Forward); Matt Thorsheim (So., Midfield); Richie Leister (Sr., Midfield) Nick Misson (Sr., Defense); David Krall (Sr., Goalkeeper); Jim Cavanaugh (Sr., Defense); Tom Lozowski (Jr., Midfield); Dean Canale (Jr., Defense); Deven Bhattachayra (Sr., Midfield); Jon Frycz (Jr., Forward); Conor Gilmore (Sr., Defense); Tyler Vandermolen (Sr., Midfield)
Departed: Jackson Irwin (Defense); Gianluca DiUbaldi (Midfield); Nikko Plakoudas (Midfield); Garrett Patten (Forward); Colin Mulligan (Midfield); Joe Gordon (Midfield); Thanasi Scheidt (Midfield); GianCarlo Stigliano (Defense)
Newcomers: Tony Tracey (Jr., Defense); Pat Kollman (So., Forward); Nick Meyer (Jr., Midfield)

The 2013 season – like the 2011 season and 2012 season at different points - was supposed to be the final one in the legendary career of Colts coach Dan Keane. Once again however, Keane did not try to fight the urge to return to the Academy and he returns to a team that, like Manalapan, remains largely intact despite some unexpected losses. Senior forward Russell Romano is one of the fastest straight-ahead runners in the conference and is on the short list of potential leading scorers in the conference after finding the net 12 times in 2013.

Romano leads a list of eight players with regular starting experience, which also includes seniors Richie Leister, Nick Misson, Jim Cavanaugh and David Krall, as well as juniors Dean Canale and Tom Lozowski. Despite losing third-team All-Shore center back Jackson Irwin to graduation, Cavanaugh, Misson and Canale will solidify the defense in front of goalkeeper David Krall, one of the top returning goalies in the conference. Leister, Lozowski and sophomore center midfielder Matt Thorsheim return in the midfield, with Lozowski moving to the middle with the loss of junior Colin Mulligan to the academy ranks.

Seniors Deven Bhattachayra, Conor Gilmore and Tyler Vandermolen, as well as junior Jon Frycz, will look to step into bigger roles to help the Colts fill some holes in the lineup. In addition to losing Mulligan, juniors Joe Gordon and GianCarlo Stigliano both left for acadamies, with Stigliano also transferring to Donovan Catholic. The CBA staff was also hopeful last year that senior Rory Slevin – who played in the program as a freshman and is a potential Division I player – would come out of the team this year, but he has not yet made a college decision and will remain in the academy ranks in the meantime. While CBA is not used to talent walking the hall that does run between the lines, the Colts also have plenty of depth to make a run at the SCT and the division after a bounce-back 2013 season, even if their state title hopes took a bit of a hit.

Freehold Township

Head Coach: Todd Briggs, ninth season
Last Year’s Record: 13-6-1 (9-4-1, third in Class A North)
Returning: Chase Berkowitz (Sr., Midfield); Mark Fasano (Jr., Midfield); Mike Staklinski (Sr., Defense); Mike Maltese (Jr., Defense); Nick Facendo (Jr., Forward); Jason Czajkowski (Sr., Forward); Kyle Czajkowski (Sr., Forward); Jake Kennis (Jr., Defense); Tim O’Donnell (Sr., Forward); Adrian Barajas (So., Defense); Brian Shushkovsky (Sr., Goalkeeper); Chris Hoskins (Jr., Defense); Andrew DiBella (So., Midfield); Anthony Orrico (Jr., Forward); Chris Anello (Jr., Defense); Ryan Morrison (Jr., Defense); Nick Lisowski (Sr., Defense); Chris Cardace (Jr., Defense);
Departed: Brian Dziobak (Midfield/Defense); Nick Fasano (Midfield)
Newcomers: Kyle Trainor (So., Midfield); Sean O’Donnell (So., Midfield); Kris Kulik (So., Midfield); Derek Amoah-Kusi (Sr., Forward); Mike Christina (Jr., Goalkeeper)

While they might not have the top talent of Manalapan or CBA, the Patriots could very well have the best top-to-bottom roster in the division. Freehold Township only graduated two starters from last season’s team and by the late stages of the season, seniors Brian Dziobak and Nick Fasano both fell victim to injuries and forced coach Todd Briggs to run out a lineup void of seniors. That probably hurt Freehold Township in their pursuit of postseason success, but it served to prepare the Patriots for this season.

While no one on the Patriots roster has produced at the level of CBA’s Romano or Manalapan’s Hammer, a number of returning Patriots field players have a chance to make a push for division player of the year should Freehold Township win a division title. Juniors Nick Facendo and Mark Fasano have been varsity players since they entered the program, with Facendo already flashing the potential to score 15 goals. Senior Kyle Cjazkowski led the team in scoring last season and could do the same this year on a team that again challenged for the division title. In addition to those three, seniors Chase Berkowitz, Tim O’Donnell and Jason Czajkowski are all front-six players who can create scoring, while defenders Mike Staklinski, Mike Maltese and Jake Kennis are all proven contributors. Sophomore Andrian Barajas even emerged as a freshman in the back last year and will now play in the middle of the defense, so even if the player-of-the-year candidate doesn’t emerge, there is more than enough athletic talent to compensate.

In addition to the field talent, Freehold Township gets a boost in goal with the return of Brian Shushkovsky. Shushkovsy started as a freshman and sophomore before leaving to play academy soccer last season. During those two high school seasons, Shushkovsky established himself as one of the top young keepers in the Shore Conference and he will return with that same potential this season. He is potentially the final piece on a deep roster that – if healthier than last season – will challenge for every championship in its sights.

Howell

Head Coach: Rich Yuro, 24th season
Last Year’s Record: 6-8-3 (6-6-2, fifth in Class A North)
Returning: Leroy Anderson (Sr., Forward); Tyler Johnson (Sr., Midfield); Nate Schank (Sr., Goalkeeper); Andres Kaiafas (Sr., Defense); Tyler DiGiovanni (Jr., Forward); Conner Hansen (Jr., Defense); Evan Houdousek (Jr., Defense); Mike Flaherty (Jr., Midfield); Joe Masino (So., Defense)
Departed: Matt Szyarto (Forward); Kyle Yuro (Defense); Jeremy Hoops (Midfield); Dan Eiras (Sr., Midfield); Andrew Mato (Defense); Brian Lopes (Midfield);
Newcomers: Tim Mortillaro (Jr., Defense); Zach Terraciano (Jr., Defense)

The drop-off – at least on paper – between the above three teams is steep and there was very little separating the next three teams during last year’s A North schedule. Howell got back into the Shore Conference Tournament last year after a rough 2012 season thanks to the addition of some talented offensive players and the growth of some of its sophomore talent. One of those standout offensive players – senior striker Leroy Anderson – returns and the crop of sophomores is now juniors. Anderson mixed time at midfield and forward last year and will spend most of his time up top again this year after scoring six times last year.

Junior Tyler DiGiovanni found his scoring touch last year with five goals during his sophomore campaign and returns to play up top with Anderson this season. Fellow juniors Conner Hansen and Evan Houdousek join senior Andres Kaifais and Joe Masino in the back. Senior goalkeeper Nate Schank returns in the net to command the defense, which will play only one senior. Senior Tyler Johnson will anchor the midfield, where Howell took its biggest hit to graduation. With some stability in the middle, Howell has the talent up top and potential in the back to be a factor in A North.

Marlboro

Head Coach: Dave Santos, 19th season (25th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 4-11-0 (4-10-0, tied for sixth in A North)
Returning: Bryan DaSilva (Sr., Midfield); Ben Metzger (Sr., Forward); Brandon Enny (Sr., Goalkeeper); Jacob Bordman (Jr., Defense); Matt Sherman (Sr., Defense); Steven Karp (So., Midfield); Alex Gong (Jr., Defense); Max Rodenborn (Sr., Defense); Justin Belasco (Sr., Defense); Kyle Caruso (Sr., Forward); Jordan Jay (Sr., Midfield); Jared Bouer (Sr., Midfield)
Departed: Fil Cautadella (Forward); Tom Fraumeni (Sr., Goalkeeper)
Newcomers: Greg Reimer (Sr., Goalkeeper); Ryan LaRocca (So., Defense); Josh Grun (So., Midfield); Andrew Toron (Jr., Midfield); P.J. Ringel (So., Midfield); Dan McGrath (So., Defense); Noah Moorstein (Jr., Forward); Robert Chiusano (Sr., Midfield); Joey Stapleton (Jr., Midfield); Matt Howard (So., Midfield); Dennis Chacko (Sr., Goalkeeper); Connor Yuen (Sr., Forward); Conor Leahy (Jr., Defense); Mike De Carlo (Jr., Defense); Matt Bongiovanni (Jr., Defense)

Since winning the Shore Conference Tournament in 2009, Marlboro has not so much as played in a postseason game – Shore Conference or NJSIAA. That could change this season as the Mustangs return two quality players at the top of the formation, a young-but-experienced defense and two strong options at goalkeeper. Like Howell, there are some holes to fill in the midfield that could limit the offense early in the season, but if Marlboro can address those holes, a turnaround could be in store.

Bryan DaSilva and Ben Metzger combined for seven of Marlboro’s 15 goals last season and will both play on the attack again this year. The senior duo wouldn’t mind decreasing the percentage of offense for which they account if it means the total offensive output increases, but with the roster as is, Metzger and DaSilva may have to carry the scoring load. Junior Jake Bordman and senior Matt Sherman lead the back four in front of the Mustangs senior keeper combo of Brandon Enny and Greg Reimer. Enny played well in goal last season and with Reimer playing well this preseason, the two could split time, according to coach Dave Santos. A trio of sophomore midfielders – Steven Karp, Josh Grun and P.J. Ringel could be key in heping Marlboro take the next step, which in this case would be a trip to one or both of the SCT and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV tournaments.

Middletown North

Head Coach: Fred Napoli, 12th season (23rd season)
Last Year’s Record: 4-12-1 (4-10-0, tied for sixth in A North)
Returning: Dan Bennett (Sr., Midfield); Jim Kelly (Sr., Forward); Chris Marino (Sr., Defense); John Maxted (Sr., Midfield); Jordan Robinson (Sr., Forward); Connor Crosby (Sr., Defense); Dan Cavanaugh (Jr., Defense)
Departed: Georges Fiori (Forward); Sean Moccaro (Midfield/Defense); Ramzi Habiby (Midfield/Forward); Crispin D’Augusta (Defense); Jeff Rodre (Midfield)
Newcomers: Ryan Harmon (So., Midfield); Scott Wiegel (So., Goalkeeper); Elliot De La Rosa (So., Midfield); Justin McKenna (So., Midfield); Noah Grant (Sr., Defense); Mike Reiser (Sr., Defense)

In a division that returns a lot of scoring from last year, the Lions will have the most work to do when it comes to replacing graduated/departed goals. Georges Fiori and Ramziz Habiby accounted for 11 of the team’s 19 goals last season and Middletown North’s attack was heavily reliant upon Fiori’s skill with the ball and creativity. Without the two scoring threats, the Lions will have to be structured a little differently, but they have the pieces to potentially pull it off.

Middletown North returns six senior starters to the lineup and will add two more to the rotation with first-year varsity seniors Noah Grant and Mike Reiser. Dan Bennett and John Maxted return to the midfield, Chris Marino and Connor Crosby are back at the back of the formation, and Dan Bennett will play up top while looking to pick up some of the scoring. Coach Fred Napoli will also get creative by moving two-year starter in goal Jordan Robinson to a forward spot in an effort to spark the offense. Scott Wiegel will take over in goal for Robinson as one of four sophomores who will play key roles for the Lions. With the senior establishment in play and some youth coming along, the Lions are in good position to get back to the postseason if they can the lost scoring.

Middletown South

Head Coach: Pat Petretta, eighth season
Last Year’s Record: 2-15-0 (1-13-0, eighth in A North)
Returning: Hunter Davey (Sr., Midfield); Ian Breyer (Sr., Defense); Patrick Corey (Sr., Midfield); Alex Keating (Jr., Midfield); Liam Davis (Jr., Midfield/Forward); Jack Jennings (Jr., Defense); Shane Poli (Sr., Defense); Joey Gambale (Jr., Midfield); Zach Nanney (Jr., Defense); Jesse Price (Jr., Midfield); A.J. Stevens (Jr., Defense); Nick Mihoulides (Jr., Defense); Mike Britt (Jr., Forward); Louis Moure (Jr., Goalkeeper)
Departed: Gabriel Guzman (Forward); Tyler Fiore (Defense); Sean O’Neil (Goalkeeper); Josh Bardell (Midfield)
Newcomers: Jake Skribner (So., Midfield); Blake Finlayson (So., Midfield/Forward); John Pagliettini (So., Defense); Liam Honnen (Jr., Defense); Sean Killeen (Jr., Forward); Krischan Wehnke (Jr., Midfield/Forward); David Lowenstein (Sr., Defense); Ryan Magner (Sr., Midfield); Mike Procopio (Sr., Midfield); Walter Schaefer (Sr., Forward); Ryan Naclerio (So., Goalkeeper)

While no coaching staff lays out a blue print for a 2-16 season, it had to be somewhat accounted for by Middletown South considering how senior-reliant the Eagles were during their deep postseason run in 2012. The blowback from that season was last year’s frustrating campaign, which featured only two players on the team with significant playing experience from the previous season. Middletown South took its lumps last year mostly because it could not score, tallying only seven goals in 17 games. With a little more scoring punch, the Eagles can better keep teams honest on the other end.

Senior midfielder Hunter Davey returns as the most experienced player on the team, while defender Ian Breyer also returns from last year’s lineup to anchor the back. Patrick Corey and Shane Poli round out the senior representation in the returning lineup, while Liam Davis leads a junior class that hopes to ultimately push Middletown South toward its next postseason berth.

Freehold

Head Coach: Anthony Sessa, second season
Last Year’s Record: 4-9-3 (3-6-3, fifth in Class B North)
Returning: Roberto Albarran (Sr., Forward); Gerson Garcia (Sr., Midfield); Eric Horowitz (Sr. Defense); Jack LeMunyon (Sr., Midfield); Matt Marinella (Sr., Midfield); Anthony Matteo (Sr., Defense); Dominick Matteo (Sr., Defense); Jon McGackin (Sr., Forward); Joe McMerty (Sr., Defense); William Lee (Sr., Midfield), Jose Silva (Sr., Midfield), Jesus Lopez (Jr., Goalkeeper); Andy Rizo (So., Forward)
Departed: James Soto (Midfield); Moises Garcias (Forward); Jesus Hinojosa (Defense); Yusef Mohammed (Midfield)
Newcomers: Jon Widmen (Sr., Defense); Ethan Kudler (Jr., Defense); Matthew Schertzer (Jr., Midfield); Jacob Mieskin (Jr., Goalkeeper); Isaiah Ladouceur (So., Midfield); Thomas Boyle (So., Midfield)

The Colonials proved to be pesky at times last year in a Class B North division that was probably much better than most of the Class A North crowd realizes. That fighter’s mentality will be essential in moving into Class A North, which will be, at the very least, as tough as B North was last year and probably more so considering the three teams at the top.

Under second year coach Anthony Sessa – a former Freehold Township assistant – the Colonials will run out a more experienced lineup than they did a year ago. Roberto Alberran and Jack LeMunyon lead that group of returnees, with Alberran returning at the top scoring threat up top and LeMunyon running the show in the middle. Junior Jesus Lopez drew praise from opposing coaches for his work in goal last year and will be called upon to keep Freehold in games again this year while the defense looks to progress with Dominick and Anthony Matteo back. With some sophomore influence coming up through the program to compliment sophomore striker Andy Rizo, the Colonials should continue to improve as they assimilate to life in A North.

The A North 11

Ryan Hammer, Manalapan

An All-Shore first-teamer as a junior, Hammer flourished – and so did the Shore Conference champion Braves – as a goal-scorer once he moved from midfield to striker.

Russell Romano, CBA

The top scorer in Class A North during 2013 returns as one of several dynamic senior strikers in the Shore Conference. With his pure speed, Romano could top them all with a little more proficiency in finishing around the net.

Leroy Anderson, Howell

On a sub-.500 team and with numbers that don’t jump off the page, Anderson got lost in the mix somewhat last year, but the senior has some of the best ball skills in the Shore and the ability to create scoring opportunities for the Rebels.

Adam Weisberger, Manalapan

Concussion problems slowed Weisberger down during his junior season, but he still managed to scored three goals with five assists while his team still managed to win the Shore Conference Tournament. A healthy Weisberger will help Manalapan offset some of its other losses.

Kyle Czajkowski, Freehold Twp.

The Patriots’ leading scoring from a year ago should again help head up a balanced scoring attack as part of a deep, athletic roster.

Nick Facendo, Freehold Twp.

Another standout athlete in the Patriots formation, Facendo has made a significant impact during his first two high school seasons and there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Matt Thorsheim, CBA

Arguably the best freshman in the conference last season, Thorsheim will run the Colts midfield as a sophomore while looking to help CBA build on a bounce-back season last year.

Mike McNicholas, Manalapan

As a sophomore last year, McNicholas was one of the most highly-regarded center backs in the Shore Conference and many coaches will attest that he, more than anyone on the team, is the key to what Manalapan does.

Mike Staklinski, Freehold Twp.

A prototype Patriots sweeper with size and speed, Staklinski anchored the defense last season while a lot of the team battled injuries. The Patriots defense will look to improve on goals-per-game average of just over one.

Brian Shushkovsky, Freehold Twp.

With regard to that goals-per-game average, Shushkovsky should certainly help. The senior keeper returns after missing his junior high school season while playing academy soccer, picking up where he left off as an all-division player as a sophomore.

David Krall, CBA

Only one Shore Conference team gave up fewer total goals last season than the Colts and a big reason was because Krall established himself as one of the Shore’s better goalkeepers.

Breakout Players to Watch

Tom Lozowski, CBA – Good size and speed in the middle with plenty of skill to boot. Came on strong over the course of his sophomore year.

Jordan Vance, Manalapan – Injuries limited his time last year, but when healthy, Vance provided energy in the back and showed he could get involved in goal-scoring too.

Jordan Robinson, Middletown North – There is a reason he is coming out of goal to play up top and it’s not because he could not play in goal.

Liam Davis, Middletown South – Accounted for three of Middletown South’s seven goals as a sophomore, scoring one and assisting two others.

Tyler Johnson, Howell – The Rebels have the talent up top to score and are pretty sound in the back, so they’ll ask Johnson to help out in the midfield after serving as a defender.