Last year’s boys’ varsity soccer team was undeniably special in talent and accomplishment; eight of the players from the 2010-2011 squad are now playing Division I soccer.
Due to the graduation of many seniors, new players will be taking on old roles. Many players that were once in the shadows, will be taking on positions in the spotlight; Woog expects big things from them.
Jake Malowitz ’12 and James Hickock ’13 replace graduates Frank Bergonzi ’11, Brendan Lesch ’11, and Sean Gallagher ’11 as captains. Tucker Rizzi ’13 has been impressed by the way Hickock and Malowitz have already filled their new roles.
“Jake and James are doing a really good job leading the team, and coaching players who maybe needed work to be ready for the season,” Rizzi said.
According to the captains, the style of play this year will be altered in order to make up for the loss of last year’s stars.
“We’re going to win as a team and we’re going to have to work as a team; it will be much more about the team’s play than any individual’s,” Malowitz said.
Despite the need for more offensive balance this year, Woog maintains that the team will continue to prioritize defense.
“Staples teams always are built from the back with defense first. It’s easier to win a game 1-0 than 5-4,” Woog said. Malowitz also feels that the team has been showing positive signs thus far. He was initially concerned about the team’s ability to score with the absence of established players, but feels that this has not been a problem so far, as shown in scrimmages against teams likeBethelandWethersfield.
Although there is still room for improvement, Malowitz agrees that the team is ahead of schedule in terms of preparation.
“We are being underestimated but we’ve set out a goal to prove everyone wrong” says Espizoto. In fact, Coach Woog says that he is happy the team is under the radar, and hopes that people are still underestimating the squad at the end of the season.
“Nobody on the team will be satisfied with anything less than an FCIAC and a State Championship at the end of the season,” Malowitz said. “If we keep working hard and listening to our coaches, we will be a force in the FCIAC and in the state.”
Racing Suits • Oct 12, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Eight players from the 2010-2011 squad are now playing Division I soccer!! Now that is impressive. I bet it feels fa nominal to build a stout team of soccer players and excel above the competition. great work to the coaches who work hard building success within a team.