Boys Soccer – 2023 Season Preview: Class B South
Prior to last season, the previous decade of Class B South soccer was dominated by three teams: Point Pleasant Boro, Pinelands and Lacey. In 2022, Jackson Liberty broke up the triumvirate by stealing a share of the division championship – a parting shot from the Lions before they were sent to Class A South as part of the latest divisional realignment in the Shore Conference.
Point Boro, Lacey and Pinelands remain and while Pinelands attempts to build up its talent base again after enduring heavy graduation losses over the past several years, Point Boro and Lacey remain contenders. The Panthers and the Lions open up the 2023 season against one another, then will battle the rest of the division with an eye on what the other is doing.
The Class B South teams have yet to make any serious postseason noise in recent years, but the new Shore Conference Tournament format will give all eight teams more of an opportunity for marquee wins.
In predicted order of finish
Point Pleasant Boro
The Panthers return their top two goal-scorers from a team that won a share of the Class B South championship, with John Witkowski coming off a 14-goal junior campaign and classmate Owen Clearwaters slamming home seven goals. Point Boro also has a seasoned veteran in goal with the return of fourth-year starter Andrew Holper, who will direct a back line that will look much different after last spring’s graduation ceremony.
Junior Noah McGinn is back, but he will be the lone returning starter on the Point Boro defense. Gavin Petrosky and freshman Sean Hankins will jump onto the back line as first-year starters in hopes of re-establishing Point Boro as a top defense following a strong season by last year’s unit, which graduating Brett Lechinski and Max Dyba and lost junior Mason Muolo to Brick Memorial.
The Panthers midfield will also have a different look, but with more experience. Seniors John Ward and Chase Norling return as starters and classmate Ben Fritz was a valuable player off the bench for most of last season. Garrett Gurzo and Jared Drewes give the Panthers two more seniors in the midfield and the lineup overall – an advantage Point Boro will have as it looks to build upon a division championship season.
Point Boro at a Glance
Head Coach: Pete Casalino, 19th season
2022 Record: 11-3-3 (6-0-1, tied first in Class B South)
SCT Group: 11 (Southern, Red Bank, Asbury Park)
NJSIAA Section: Central Group II
Key Losses: Jared Elliot (Midfield), Brett Lechinski (Defense), Max Dyba (Defense/Midfield), Alex Baginski (Midfield), Alex Corso (Forward), Mason Muolo (Jr., Defense) – Transferred to Brick Memorial
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
John Witkowski, Sr., Forward (14 goals, 3 assists)
Owen Clearwaters, Sr., Forward (7 goals, 3 assists)
John Ward, Sr., Midfield (3 goals, 1 assist)
Chase Norling, Sr., Midfield
Jared Drewes, Sr., Midfield
Ben Fritz, Sr., Midfield (2 goals)
Garrett Gurzo, Sr., Midfield
Noah McGinn, Jr., Defense
Gavin Petrosky, Jr., Defense
Sean Hankins, Fr. Defense
Andrew Holper, Sr., Goalkeeper (6 shutouts)
Other Key Players
Drew Cardia, Jr., Midfield
Liam Shand, Jr., Midfield
Matt Decker, Sr., Defense
Steven Gonzalez, Jr., Forward
Braeden Moramarco, So., Forward
Luca Grammatico, So., Midfield
Jake Greene, So., Defense
Joe Doles, So., Forward
Lacey
In a Shore Conference in which divisional opponents play one another just one time each, Lacey’s hopes of a repeat division championship took a hit when the Lions lost to Point Boro on opening day. This year, the Lions will have the Panthers as their opener once again and will attempt to reclaim the Class B South title for the second time in three years with a team that returns four starters from last year’s third-place finisher in the division.
Senior Matteo Pasqualichio was an all-division performer in 2022 as Lacey’s top scorer. His return to the midfield gives Lacey some established offensive prowess on which to lean and he should get some help from seniors Connor Noon and senior Jay Velez. Noon scored three goals while mostly coming off the bench and Velez returns as a starter in the midfield. Junior Brendan Schuler returns to lead the defense in front of freshman goalkeeper Dylan Graham.
Graham is part of a wave of young players who will make an impact this season, with sophomores Aiden Schmitt and Tanner Grozinski rising to prominence in the midfield. The defense will carry some more age with junior Jack Considine and seniors Owen Graham and Nik Vecchio rounding out the back four. The youth will be a wild card for Lacey, but overall, the Lions have enough firepower to potentially run neck-and-neck with Point Boro this season and make some noise in the postseason.
Lacey at a Glance
Head Coach: Steve Torre, seventh season
2022 Record: 7-10-2 (5-2, third in Class B South)
SCT Group: 8 (Colts Neck, Shore, Red Bank Catholic)
NJSIAA Section: South Group III
Key Losses: Ethan Riley (Forward), Logan Gross (Midfield), Mateo Musmanni (Defense), Chad Moore (Defense), Ryan Fitzgerald (Goalkeeper), Tyler Hyle (Forward), Danny Cardenas (Forward)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Connor Noon, Sr., Forward (3 goals, 2 assists)
Aiden Fitzgerald, Jr., Midfield
Matteo Pasqualichio, Sr., Midfield (9 goals, 3 assists)
Jay Velez, Sr., Midfield
Tanner Grozinski, So., Midfield (3 goals)
Aiden Schmitt, So., Midfield (1 goal, 1 assist)
Brendan Schuler, Jr., Defense
Jack Considine, Jr., Defense
Nik Vecchio, Sr., Defense
Owen Graham, Sr., Defense
Dylan Graham, Fr., Goalkeeper
Other Key Players
Matt Gilani, Jr., Goalkeeper
John Heckle, So., Defense
C.J. Donahue, Sr., Midfield
Jayson Crepezzi, So., Midfield
Brady Noon, So., Midfield
Jarrod Mikloski, Sr., Midfield
Chase Demay, Jr., Forward
Anthony Introna, So., Forward
Manchester
There has been standout offensive talent at Manchester over the past five years and while the Hawks parlayed that talent into a 2020 modified sectional championship, they are still battling to convert it into a Class B South title. With the graduation of top scorer Muberaq Aderogba and Owen Edwards – the latter of whom did not play last year anyway due to an academy soccer commitment – the Hawks will have some star power to replace, but plenty still in place to remain a threat.
Senior Joey Kurak returns as one of the Shore’s top scorers and will team up with the next wave of attacking players at Manchester. Junior Gabe Occhipinti is primed for a breakout after starting last season and freshman Muiz Aderogba should provide instant production. Senior Joel Panora leads an inexperienced midfield, but the defense – the Achilles’ Heel of Manchester’s recent run – returns three experienced players in junior Aidan Clauburg, junior Cody McLeod and sophomore Brayden Kurak.
Senior Noah Cundiff returns in goal, giving Manchester a strong foundation of experience, which the Hawks will try to ride to an elusive division championship. If the new midfield can hold up and the defense benefits from the experience of its players, Manchester will be a threat to Point Boro and Lacey and a difficult game for powerhouses Holmdel and Howell in Shore Conference Tournament group play.
Manchester at a Glance
Head Coach: Troy Madison, sixth season
2022 Record: 11-8 (3-4, fourth in Class B South)
SCT Group: 2 (Holmdel, Howell, Central)
NJSIAA Section: South Group II
Key Losses: Muberaq Aderogba (Forward), Evan Weiner (Forward), Diego Martinez (Midfield), Anthony Raimondi (Midfield), Luis Camarena (Midfield), Alex Lopez Gaviria (Midfield/Forward)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Joey Kurak, Sr., Forward (14 goals, 5 assists)
Gabe Occhipinti, Jr., Forward/Midfield (1 goal, 2 assists)
Muiz Aderogba, Fr., Midfield/Forward
Joel Panora, Sr., Midfield (1 goals, 1 assist)
Brandon Cruz, Sr., Midfield
Sullivan Nolan, Jr., Midfield
Yoel Santos-Zarco, So., Midfield
Aidan Clauburg, Jr., Defense
Cody McLeod, Jr., Defense
Brayden Kurak, So., Defense
Noah Cundiff, Jr., Goalkeeper (3 shutouts)
Other Key Players
Diego Bermeo, Sr., Midfield/Forward
David Estrada, Sr., Forward
Rob Rust, Sr., Midfield/Defense
Brian Test, Sr., Forward
Jan Tracz, Sr., Forward/Midfield
Josh Rosado, So., Midfield/Forward
Sam Garcia, Fr., Midfield
Eric Balkius, Jr., Defense
Brick
While Jackson Liberty now has to contend with an unforgiving divisional schedule in Class A South, Brick gets a break by moving to Class B South. The Green Dragons might not yet be a contender for the top spot, but they bring a young roster into the mix that will have a chance to build toward that end over the next several years.
The middle of Brick’s formation is both young and experienced. Senior Cailean Connolly is the lone senior in the midfield, while junior Santiago Valencia and sophomore Andrew Kaminski lead a back line that does not have any seniors. Sophomores Gabrial Waters and Karl Laffredo are back in the midfield after getting heavy minutes as freshmen, while junior Tristan Napolitano and sophomore Issac Yllahuaman round out the defense in front of returning sophomore starting goalkeeper Devin Baldwin.
The top of the Brick attack consists of all new starters, with sophomore Matt Rodas and seniors Victor Cisneros and Mateusz Torba hoping to combine forces in an attempt to replace 2022 leading scorer Jayson Nardone. A promising summer and preseason have brought genuine optimism to the Brick program, especially now that the Green Dragons no longer have to contend with the Class A South powerhouses.
Brick at a Glance
Head Coach: Tom Frazzitta, ninth season
2022 Record: 3-13 (0-7, eighth in Class A South)
SCT Group: 7 (Long Branch, Jackson Memorial, Ranney)
NJSIAA Section: Central Group III
Key Losses: Jayson Nardone (Forward), Thiago Markovcz (Forward), Dan Mazzarisi (Midfield), Josh Boyle (Sr., Defense)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Victor Cisneros, Sr., Forward
Mateusz Torba, Sr., Forward
Matt Rodas, So., Forward
Cailean Connolly, Sr., Midfield
Gabrial Walters, So., Midfield
Karl Laffredo, So., Midfield
Santiago Valencia, Jr., Defense
Andrew Kaminski, So., Defense
Tristan Napolitano, Jr., Defense
Issac Yllahuaman, So., Defense
Devin Baldwin, So., Goalkeeper (1 shutout)
Other Key Players
Bennett Mekhi, So., Forward
Luis Lenor, So., Defense
Lakewood
Information not yet submitted. Check back for updated preview.
Head Coach: Gene Drumwright, 23rd season
2022 Record: 5-7-2 (2-4-1, fifth in Class B South)
SCT Group: 6 (Rumson-Fair Haven, Ocean, Middletown South, Keyport)
NJSIAA Section: Central Group IV
Key Losses: Jesus Avila (Forward), Flavio Garista (Forward), Kevin Moreno (Forward/Midfield), Angelo Calidonio (Midfield)
2022 Starters with remaining eligibility
Pedro Saavedra, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 1 assist)
Erick Vargas, So., Midfield
Nick Avila, Sr., Defense
Hector de los Santos, Jr., Defense
Anthony Soriano, Sr., Defense (1 goal)
Jonathan Flores, Sr., Goalkeeper (5 shutouts)
Pinelands
Last season ended an impressive run of Pinelands teams that routinely contended for – and won – division titles. Eventually, graduation losses caught up with the Wildcats, who lacked the scoring punch of past seasons and will try to both recreate what they lost on that end while also replacing key players at the back of the formation.
Center back Brogan Duelly and goalkeeper Aaron Johnson are the biggest losses from last year’s squad, which gave up 28 goals in 13 games. Senior Alex Aguilar will slide back to center back in hopes of solidifying the defense, with sophomore Peyton Simonici also back in the fold in front of first-year sophomore goalkeeper Jake Miller.
The midfield returns some experience in seniors Dan Eberlin and Ian Cahill, plus two sophomores who got time as freshmen in Peyton Auermuller and Lance Heuston. Ultimately, Pinelands’ hope hinge on scoring with more frequency after converting only eight goals all of last season, which puts the spotlight on seniors and first-year starters Matt Sarfo and Dan DeMilio up top. If any of Pinelands’ young attacking players can find a scoring groove, the Wildcats have a solid enough foundation to get back near the .500 mark.
Pinelands at a Glance
Head Coach: Jim Campbell, second season
2022 Record: 1-10-2 (1-5-1, seventh in Class B South)
SCT Group: 1 (CBA, Neptune, Jackson Liberty)
NJSIAA Section: South Group III
Key Losses: Brogan Duelly (Defense), Joe Cardillo (Forward), Gage Molinaro (Defense), Aaron Johnson (Goalkeeper), Gavin Wagner (Defense), Rex Heuston (Defense)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Matt Sarfo, Sr., Forward
Daniel DeMilio, Sr., Forward
Peyton Auermuller, So., Midfield
Dan Eberlin, Sr., Midfield
Ian Cahill, Sr., Midfield
Lance Heuston, So., Midfield
Alex Aguilar, Sr., Defense
Peyton Simonici, So., Defense
Max Ramos, Jr., Defense
Andrew Albright, Sr., Defense
Jake Miller, So., Goalkeeper
Other Key Players
William Sisco, Sr., Forward
Andrew Landon, Sr., Forward
Atticus Evinson-Behrman, Jr., Midfield
Alex Dudas, So., Defense
Alexandros Kontogiannis, So., Midfield
Barnegat
The Bengals were already bracing for the loss of all-county goalkeeper Lucas Holland and standout midfielder Jesse Hedlund ahead of this season, but now the Bengals are without injured sophomore striker Leo Chmarro for the foreseeable future. While losing two of its better goal-scorers in Chmarro and Hedlund is a setback, Barnegat still brings back most of its 2022 midfield and a pair of starting defenders to help the Bengals march on in B South.
Senior Julian Marfino is the top returning scorer for Barnegat and will be a threat out on the wing, while juniors Joe and Nick Ficorilli captain the midfield. Senior Joe Valles and junior Christian Chmarro return to the back four along with newcomers Owen Scisco and Pablo Tapia. Senior midfielder Johnathan Pari will also be a key cog in the defensive midfield.
Barnegat has had some success finding freshmen who can contribute immediately and Nathan Scisco will be the latest project as one of the Bengals’ top goal-scoring threats. If they can get some early production from him, Marfino and senior Justin Patterson, that should give Barnegat some momentum out of the gate.
Barnegat at a Glance
Head Coach: Kevin Peters, fifth season
2022 Record: 4-11 (2-5, sixth in Class B South)
SCT Group: 4 (Marlboro, Toms River East, Freehold Boro)
NJSIAA Section: South Group II
Key Losses: Lucas Holland (Goalkeeper), Jesse Hedlund (Midfield), Nick Santos (Defense), Anthony Ryan (Defense)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Justin Patterson, Sr., Forward
Nathan Scisco, Fr., Midfield/Forward
Julian Marfino, Sr., Midfield/Forward (3 goals, 2 assists)
Joe Ficorilli, Jr., Midfield (1 goal, 1 assists)
Nick Ficorilli, Jr., Midfield
Jonathan Pari, Sr., Defense/Midfield
Joe Valles, Sr., Defense
Pablo Tapia, So., Defense
Christian Chmarro, Jr., Defense
Owen Scisco, Jr., Defense
Other Key Players
Joe Salamanca, Sr., Defense
Connor Zarenciewicz, Sr., Midfield
William Rollis, Jr., Midfield
Ethan Yllanes, So., Midfield
Logan Ryan, Jr., Defense
Leo Chmarro, So., Forward (Injured, out for season; 4 goals)
Donovan Catholic
Ken Oliver stepped down as coach of the Griffins after 22 seasons at the helm and his replacement is one of his predecessors. Ken Lynch returns to the sideline as Donovan Catholic’s head coach for the first time since 1994 and he will try to turn around a program that has fallen on hard times. Last year was an improvement over 2021 in that the Griffins won a divisional game after going winless in Class B South in the season prior, but the overall season was still not what the Donovan Catholic side hoped it would be.
The Griffins return a pair of proven starters and scorers in senior Max Fletcher and sophomore Max Durazzo, who will combine with seniors Adam Bachanowicz and Luke Stripolli on the attack. Senior Nick O’Brien returns to the midfield, while seniors Matt Ryan and Kevin Leny anchor the defense in front of sophomore goalkeeper and first-year starter Charlie Vidal.
Vidal and Durazzo are two of four projected sophomore starters heading into the Donovan Catholic season, with Charlie Yuro in the midfield and Dan Zaic in the back. That sophomore group will have to contribute right away for Donovan Catholic to spark a turnaround and get back to competing for Class B South titles again.
Donovan Catholic at a Glance
Head Coach: Ken Lynch, first season
2022 Record: 4-12 (1-6, eighth in Class B South)
SCT Group: 10 (Toms River North, Middletown North, Point Beach)
NJSIAA Section: South Non-Public A
Key Losses: Peyton Calvetto (Midfield/Forward), Ryan Henry (Defense), Harrison Hopkins (Goalkeeper), Logan Ascione (Defense/Midfield)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Adam Bachanowicz, Sr., Forward
Matt Fletcher, Sr., Forward (5 goals)
Max Durazzo, So., Midfield/Forward (2 goals, 1 assist)
Luke Stripolli, Sr., Midfield/Forward
Nick O’Brien, Sr., Midfield
Charlie Yuro, So., Midfield
Brody Levy, Jr., Defense/Midfield
Matt Ryan, Sr., Defense/Midfield
Kevin Leny, Sr., Defense
Dan Zaic, So., Defense
Charlie Vidal, So., Goalkeeper
Other Key Players
Konrad Dzialowski, Sr., Defense/Midfield (2 assists)
Angel Lopez, Sr., Defense/Midfield
Nick Carrera, Jr., Defense/Midfield
Brody Kountouris, Jr., Defense/Midfield
Christian Dzialowski, So., Midfield/Forward
Demitri Maugeri, So., Midfied/Forward
Nick Leone, So.
Class B South Starting XI
John Witkowski, Point Boro
Joey Kurak, Manchester
Owen Clearwaters, Point Boro
Matteo Pasqualichio, Lacey
Matt Fletcher, Donovan Catholic
Julian Marfino, Barnegat
Gabe Occhipinti, Manchester
John Ward, Point Boro
Alex Aguilar, Pinelands
Anthony Soriano, Lakewood
Andrew Holper, Point Boro
Class B South Breakouts to Watch
Tanner Grozinski, So., Midfield, Lacey
Muiz Aderogba, Fr., Forward, Manchester
Dan Eberlin, Sr., Midfield, Pinelands
Gabrial Walters, So., Midfield, Brick
Nathan Scisco, Fr., Midfield/Forward, Barnegat