The final week of last year’s soccer season is one that Eric Perkins will remember for the rest of his life. He and his wife welcomed their first child into the world, which came a few days after leading the Haverhill Hillies to their first MVC crown since 2008.
Haverhill fell one win shy of qualifying for postseason play. In order to get to that goal this season, the Hillies will have to rely on youth.
“Despite losing (15 seniors), we have a lot of young upcoming talent coming up to varsity this year, including four freshmen and eight sophomores,” said Perkins. “The sky is the limit for these boys. It’s going to be a challenge for this group, but I know they will rise up to the challenge and have a great season.”
Jonathan Matombo returns for his third year as starting goalie and he’s had over 100 saves in each of the past two seasons, while the Hillies will also lean on the experience of four-year starter Deacon Phillipe and three-year starter Casey Peugh.
Gavin back for Rangers
With 15 returning players with varsity experience and nine additional newcomers, depth will be the Methuen’s strong suit. Among those returning starters are goalie Dylan Gavin (143 saves and 5 shut outs), and the trio of Andy Rodriguez, Erick Ormaza and Ben Catarius, who combined for 13 goals.
Youth on Knights’ side
North Andover head coach Kyle Wood is introducing 20 new players to this year’s roster, to go along with the veterans, including goalie James Yonchak, who had a terrific season, and defenders Nathan Solivan and Aiden Siwicki.
“We have a good mix of seasoned seniors along with promising newcomers,” said Wood. “We hope to compete in what looks to be a strong MVC. Our team has quickly built a strong team chemistry that suggests we will have a fun and successful season.”
Andover ready to battle
Last year the Warriors struggled with four wins, but coming into this season the team has eight returning starters, as well as a blend of promising younger guys who could make playing time a tad bit more interesting.
Midfielder Kasey Consentino brings the most experience to the team, but eight other players have varsity experience including goalie Joe Cardillo and strikers Amogh Yajurvedi and Noah Messina, who’ll be counted on to find the back of the net.
“There is a great mix of veteran players who either started or had significant playing time last year, combined with a core group of sophomores who fit into our style seamlessly,” said head coach James Saalfrank. “Hoping to compete right out of the gate, but MVC is once again a really tough conference.”
Central focuses on future
Coming off a two-win season, coach John Sears believes the program can turn things around thanks to some additions to the roster.
“Many newcomers to the program including transfers and freshmen should make a big impact at all positions,” he said. “We should better our two win season from last year but know how tough the MVC can be. Our goal is to return to the state tournament after missing last year.”
The defense should be a strength with Tristan White back in net, along with Ayden Harris and Jack Carroll in front of him.
Ricci leads Lancers
Lawrence also ended with just two wins last season. There are nine players back with varsity experience along with several new sophomores.
“Joao Gabriel Ricci will be the anchor of this squad, guiding us through every challenge that comes our way,” said coach Edgar Escalante. “He’s got the vision and determination to lead, ensuring that our underclassmen quickly get up to speed. I have complete confidence that with Joao steering the ship, we’ll navigate this season successfully and come out stronger on the other side.”
CAC
Reggies should contend
Greater Lawrence has been on a nice run, reaching the state tournament each of the past two years and finishing in second place in the CAC last fall. This year’s team returns 20 players with varsity experience, including four league all-stars, Jimmy Bano, Thomas Kotos, Kelvyn Guzman and Kevin Bamaca.
“The expectations are sky high for this group,” said head coach Ryan DiBenedetto. “We should be very strong on the attack, but our (defensive) backs are young but also talented.”
Whittier ready to compete
The Wildcats were two wins shy of qualifying for the playoffs last year and bring back three starters, all midfielders, Logan Pickering, Zachery Zimmerman and Isaac Lefcourt to help lead a young and inexperienced team.