When Ian Valcich was named the Salem High boys’ soccer coach, he figured that it would take three years for the Blue Devils to become an elite New Hampshire Division I program.
Welcome to year three of that plan.
“We have the potential to be one of the strongest groups the program has seen in a long time,” he said.
In 2023, Salem finished with a 3-11-2 record. Last year the win total doubled, as the Blue Devils finished with a 6-8-3 record, which included competing in the playoffs for the first time since 2019. That 2-0 loss to Hanover could bode well for this year’s team which features 16 seniors.
“That experience gave our players confidence and hunger,” said Valcich. “Now, with the lessons learned and the maturity that comes with playing varsity minutes since their sophomore year, this group is ready to make a statement.”
That statement starts with a handful of talented goal scorers. Junior forward Kingston Freitas is a returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star. He’s extremely dangerous on the field and is coming off a 14-goal, 5-assist sophomore season. Mateus Pinto (3-6-9) and Levi Leite (5-3-8) also have dynamic speed and skill.
Other key returners include senior captain Jack Schaefer, a midfielder, Derek Campbell, Christian Cruz and Jake Delano in the back, who will play in front of Elias Mercedes, one of the top goalies in the area, coming off a 161-save season.
“Elias is a standout in multiple sports. He returns as the foundation of our defense. He was a huge part of our playoff run last year and is poised for an all-state caliber season,” said Valcich.
Owls have also climbed the ladder
Like Salem, the Timberlane Owls went from a winless season in 2023 to finishing 6-8-3 last year and made their first playoff appearance since 2019, losing to eventual state champion Exeter, 3-0, just a few weeks after losing to them, 8-0.
The Owls return nine letter-winners including a strong midfield led by Jude Seager, Landon Petry and Cole Rego, who will play in front of veteran defenders Matthew Cairns and Gaven Dubois. Timberlane will need to find some goal scorers, while sophomore Luken DiMarco is battling for the No. 1 goalie spot.
“Over the past few years we’ve been working hard to bring our program back to where it belongs as a respected and strong competitor in New Hampshire,” said head coach Mitch Mencis. “Last season we reached our goal of making the playoffs, and now the expectation is to build on that success. The focus this year is on improving every day and continuing to build belief in ourselves and in our program.”
Astros looking to reload
Last season was special for Pinkerton Academy. The Astros finished 9-5-4, were one of the top defensive teams in the state and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, all while longtime head coach Kerry Boles celebrated his 350th career win.
“We have an abundance of newcomers to the varsity team this season,” said Boles, “so it will be important for these newbies to adapt to the speed and of play as quickly as possible. We have a very difficult start to the season so we are hopeful our players can find their groove in quick fashion. If we can stay healthy throughout the season, we can find success.”
Hayden Marshall returns after a five goal, five assist season, while, Thomas Paquin, Miles Shea and Jack Welch bring experience and leadership to the table.
Jaguars expecting better season
Windham is coming off a 6-8-3 season and returns 15 players with experience including John Durkin (4-4-8), Alejandro Giraldo (5-1-6) and Noah Bushmante (5-2-7), who combined to score 14 goals last year, as well as senior tri-captains Jack Steffanides, Michael Tommasi and Rocco Ponzini, who will control the backline.
“Our main goal is to play to our potential. We have experienced players, improved our depth, and are fully aware of what we can accomplish if we stay focused,” said head coach Mike Hachey.
Pythons will lean on veterans
For the second straight year, Pelham is losing a star player, first with Jack Drouin and his 32 career goals after the 2023 season, and then defender Colby Crear after last year’s 3-8-5 season. This year will be a different tune, as head coach Bobby Drouin will be looking for consistent production from his eleven veterans, along with the ten first-year varsity players.
“We have eight senior athletes who will help guide and train the ten newcomers,” said Drouin. “As one of the smaller schools in Division II, we anticipate we will continue to be competitive and expect to lean heavily on our returning varsity players to mentor the freshman heavy class.”
Senior captains Brady O’Connor (goalie), Quinn Blanchette (midfield) and Gavin Drouin (forward) will be impactful players for the Pythons, while freshmen center-backs Andrew Rose and David Lemieux have opened up some eyes during pre-season.