By Dean Geddes
I&M Staff Writer
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Photo by Nicole Harnishfeger
Jasper Young dribbles the ball away from Hadi Nabulsi, right, during varsity soccer practice last Thursday. |
Hopes are high for the boys varsity soccer team this year, which last season tied for the best record in the history of the young program and made it to the quarterfinal round of the Division III South state tournament.
What made the success of last season’s 12-6-3 team so special, though, was the fact that the Whalers did not graduate a single senior, and have the same core group of players, with a year more of experience, as well as a handful of new additions, ready to hit the field.
The regular seasons kicked off yesterday, with the Whalers traveling to take on Martha’s Vineyard, too late for this edition of Sports. The next game, their home opener, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday against Coyle-Cassidy.
“The guys really understand, that at a minimum, we want to be in the same position heading into the playoffs as last year,” head coach Rich Brannigan said. “Everything we’re doing, is setting us up to make a strong playoff run.”
One of Brannigan’s goals for this year was to strengthen the team’s non-conference schedule, which now includes match-ups with Falmouth and Norwood, both Division I teams, and games against top Division II schools like Martha’s Vineyard, Chatham, Coyle-Cassidy and Scituate.
“I would rather play the tournament-bound teams instead of having a fluffy schedule that would result in a higher seed. If we don’t play anyone strong (during the season), we’ll be in a world of hurt when the postseason starts,” Brannigan said.
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Photo by Nicole Harnishfeger
Toby Glidden heads the ball to the goal during the beginning of practice last Thursday. |
Of the 25 players on the current roster, 18 are returning players, including sophomore striker Caio Correa, who was the team’s leading scorer his freshman year and is coming off a summer season in which he was named Player of the Year in the Nantucket Adult Soccer League.
Caleb Mitchell headlines a talented and deep group of midfielders on the team, while the defense will be anchored by Toby Glidden and Jon Gray. Junior Russell Bartlett returns as the team’s starting goalkeeper.
“We will probably be an offensively-geared team since we have an abundance of midfield-slash-striker players, and a prolific scorer in Caio,” Brannigan said.
Some of the new additions to the team include Sebastian McFarlane and Yuvi Montenegro, both of whom can play midfield or striker. Phillip DeMenzenes looks to add to the already strong Whaler defense.
“It is a really good supporting cast. The new players that came out are potential starters. It’s a great benefit to the depth of the team,” Brannigan said.
Incoming freshman midfielder Will Lendway has also impressed Brannigan, who said the rookie “has definitely been able to play with the upperclassmen,” and expects him to contribute this year.
The Whalers will probably play most of the season in a 3-5-2 formation with the option of switching to a 4-4-2, having a midfielder drop back on defense against more powerful offensive clubs.
“I’ve got some flexibility. The guys are used to playing different formations and different lineups,” Brannigan said.
Reach Dean Geddes at sports@inkym.com
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