Mercury Boys Soccer 2019 Team-By-Team Preview

Boyertown

Coach: Mark Chambers, 2nd season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 5-4-1 PAC Liberty, 8-4-1 PAC, 11-7-2 overall, PAC and District 1-4A playoff qualifier
Players to watch: Seniors Ryan Foskey, def., Landon Wenger, mid., Jake Groff, mid.; Mason Kurtz, GK. Junior Matt Kerr, fwd.; Nick Willson, fwd. Sophomore Beckett Wenger, fwd.
Outlook: With a sturdy foundation returning, led by 2018 All-Area second team choices Ryan Foskey and Mason Kurtz and honorable mentions Landon Wenger and Nick Willson, the Bears look to be firmly in the PAC championship discussion. Second-year coach Mark Chambers will be looking to his underclassmen to fill in the spaces around the returning core. “We will be looking for returning senior leadership with growth and a greater impact from underclassmen and new varsity players,” he said. “We have new players in many areas so we will be looking to use players in various positions and play a deep bench.” Those principles are nothing new for a Boyertown program that annually keeps itself in the thick of postseason talks.

Daniel Boone

Coach: Shane Ferguson, 1st season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 4-6 Berks I, 8-10 overall
Players to watch: Caleb Rahn, mid./fwd.; Brady Ferguson, mid.; Aden Slifer, mid./def.; Justin Fetrow, def.; Jason Bliss, mid./fwd.; Danny Salguero, mid.; Max Stefanelli, mid.; Colin Bliss, mid.
Outlook: Shane Ferguson takes over as head coach upon the departure of Kevin Morris. With last year’s leading scorers Caleb Rahn and Aden Slifer both returning, the Blazers could be poised to get on the right side of .500 after two straight years with a losing record. It won’t be the easiest task with Berks I always a battle and the 2018 PIAA 4A champion Wilson likely to sit atop the division.

Hill School

Coach: Chris Drowne, 14th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 13-8-0, MAPL Champions, PAISAA State Finalist
Players to watch: Seniors Zach Barrett, def.; Baba Kallie, fwd.; Josh Shepherd, fwd. Juniors Caleb Gerdeman, def. Sophomores Noah Toole, fwd.; Sam Beckett, mid.; Jordan Samuels, def.
Outlook: In 2018, the Blues kept the faith and were rewarded: after early injuries and struggles, Hill got healthy and hit its stride, claiming the MAPL championship for the first time since 2013 and making a run to the PAISAA championship game (falling to Springside-Chestnut Hill for the second straight year in the final). It’s hard to overlook the graduation of All-American and reigning Mercury All-Area Player of the Year Euan Forrest (Lehigh) and the highly-successful Class of 2019. But many Blues underclassmen gained serious experience last fall. Senior Zach Barrett, a returning All-Area first teamer, had the best soccer-related summer of anyone in the area: his Lehigh Valley United team won the U.S Youth Soccer U19 national championship in Kansas City. Barrett transitions to his natural position, defense, thanks in part to the addition of forward and Twin Valley transfer Baba Kallie. “On paper, our attacking experience should be a strength, but facing a number of sides featuring players who will bypass college for pro soccer straight away may not let that emerge for a few matches,” Hill coach Chris Drowne said. “Therefore, our depth should be a true strength. Last year’s injuries forced 19 different guys to start
multiple matches, 12 of whom return.” While quite a bit of the Blues’ deck has been shuffled, the game plan hasn’t: negotiate the annual early season who’s who of nationally-ranked sides and work into contention in the MAPL and PAISAA come mid-October.

Methacton

Coach: Dave Stevenson, 3rd season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 4-5-2 PAC Liberty, 7-5-2 PAC, 9-7-2 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Andrew Kacala, fwd., Nick Ahlum, fwd., Brett Eberly, mid.; Michael Cinelli, mid.; Parker Stevenson, mid.; Joe Fusco, def.; Luca Numerato, def.; Ozzy Carbajal, def.; Tyler Andorn, GK. Juniors Zach Stevenson, mid.; Ryan Baldwin, def.
Outlook: The Warriors will have plenty of motivation for the new season after missing last year’s District 1-4A playoffs by three tenths of a point. A large senior class will be tasked with leading Methacton to brighter times and brush away the past late-season letdowns that have plagued past Warrior sides. Third-year coach Dave Stevenson sees a greater cohesiveness around his squad in the preseason, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. “The seniors display a camaraderie that in turn has produced a positive chemistry for this team. With that, we are better able to play possession-based soccer that will produce many scoring opportunities and defensive stops,” Stevenson said. The PAC Liberty expects to be ultra-competitive again in 2019 so those intangibles need to come together for the Warriors to join the lead pack and not leave district placement to any decimal points this fall.

Owen J. Roberts

Coach: Eric Wentzel, 7th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 5-5 PAC Liberty, 8-5 PAC, 13-7 overall, District 1-4A second round
Players to watch: Seniors Zeb Smith, GK; Christian Davis, def.; Garrett Bland, def.; Kyle Storti, mid.; Ethan Gawlik, mid.; Andrew Christoforou, fwd.; Ryan Angelo, mid.; Gavin Zorn, mid. Junior Julian Funaro, mid.
Outlook: Head coach Eric Wentzel’s blood pressure might go down if the Wildcats can avoid the trap that has gotten them in recent years – slow starts. OJR never seems to be short of deep senior classes and 2019 holds true. Even with the graduation of Mercury All-Area first team midfielder Josh Fonder, Wentzel is excited by the makeup of his new midfield. “Our midfield should be really strong this season. We have a lot of experience in the midfield which will
help. We are expecting big things from these guys,” Wentzel said. “Goalkeeping is another strength as Zeb has been playing really well.” Less of a known commodity is the goal-scoring of the WIldcats with the bulk of the scorers graduating. OJR figures to be in the conversation for the PAC playoffs and challenge every team in the strong PAC Liberty. “We hope to be in the PAC and district playoff hunt,” Wentzel said. “We know that our division is loaded with great teams so this will be no easy task.”

Perkiomen Valley

Coach: Zach Allen, 1st season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 4-1-5 PAC Liberty, 7-1-5 PAC, 11-3-6 overall, PAC champion, District 1-4A qualifier
Players to watch: Seniors Alfredo Grimaldi, Jack Hodson, Declan Loughney, Josh Moyer, Mark Pirrone, Luke Speers, Christian Suarez, Alessandro Vennettill. Juniors Alex Chamorro, Matt Holmes, Steve Warren.
Outlook: It’s a new era for the Perkiomen Valley boys soccer program. But it doesn’t expect to look much different than before. Bob McCabe, after 22 seasons leading the Vikings, stepped away in the offseason and made way for top assistant Zach Allen. The defensive style of play that led PV to the state tournament in 2017 and PAC championship in 2018 was subscribed to in equal measure by head coach past and present. It was a dream finish for McCabe after winning the PAC championship, made possible by a departed senior class that featured All-Area first team defender AJ Hansen and midfielder Brian Love and second team midfielder Matt McCabe and forward Max Chamorro. Those losses will be felt, but Allen is preaching teamwork in the preseason. “We must remain organized and disciplined in our team approach throughout the highs and lows of the season,” Allen said. “We want to continue the tradition that has been established at PV and continue to improve and build upon it.”With so much departed leadership, it feels like a wait-and-see approach is right with the Vikings, though they should be in the mix for PAC and district playoff places.

Phoenixville

Head coach: Mike Cesarski, 6th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 7-2-1 PAC Frontier, 8-4-1 PAC, 12-6-2 overall, District 1-3A second round
Players to watch: Seniors Clay Kopko, mid./def.; Sean Clark, def.; Eric Schwartz, def.; Doug Smith, fwd./mid. Juniors Gavin Perillo,GK; RJ Wineburg, def. Sophomores Kedaar Vyas, fwd.; Liam Yeatman, def. Freshman Efe Ulcay, mid.
Outlook: The Phantoms will lead from back to front this fall, with an experienced defense led by All-Area first teamer Clay Kopko and three-year starting goalkeeper Gavin Perillo. With a largely new attack though, the Phantoms will be searching for cohesion up top to get the goals flowing. “We have a smaller-than-usual group of seniors and larger groups of underclassmen. We are looking to develop the next generation of players and also compete at the high level we’ve been used to over the past few years,” coach Mike Cesarski said. It will be a higher degree of difficulty to have the win percentages of the past two years, but the Phantoms shouldn’t be counted out of postseason contention.

Pope John Paul II

Head Coach: Sackda Viravong, 1st season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 5-5 PAC Frontier, 6-7 PAC, 6-11 overall
Players to watch: David Lattanze, Sr., fwd/mid; Giacomo Badalamenti, Sr., mid.; Brett McMenamin, Jr., mid.; Anthony Capobianco, Jr., mid; Stephan Rist, So., mid.
Outlook: Sackda Viravong takes over at PJP with a vast coaching record that includes 18 years as a head coach at the high school level and as an assistant at the college level, most recently at Ursinus. Quick work is required with only three starters returning from a year ago. “Turnover due to graduation is nothing new, we just have to shuffle the deck and find out who can step up and play soccer at the varsity level,” Viravong said. “The defense is young and capable of winning balls. The midfield is strong and can adapt quickly to any given situation on the field. The forward is young and capable of scoring goals.” Viravong is preaching fitness to be prepared for the grind of high school soccer, taking a measured approach across the board. “If we can take care of the soccer ball and control how we play, then the result will be positive no matter the outcome,” Viravong said.

Pottsgrove

Head Coach: Jay Witkowski, 16th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 7-2-1 PAC Liberty, 7-5-1 PAC, 10-8-2 overall, PAC playoff and District 1-3A qualifier
Players to watch: Seniors Ryan Curnew, mid.; Collin Deckert, mid.; Ethan Pace, fwd. Juniors Shane Gleason, def.; Luke Kaiser, GK; Mike Troutman, def.
Outlook: This fall’s Pottsgrove team looks to be one of the strongest in recent years for a program that already annually flies atop the PAC Frontier Division. A whopping 10 starters return, including All-Area first team forward Ethan Pace, who surpassed the 20-goal mark in 2018. “This roster should be good in all phases of the game,” said Pottsgrove assistant Jeff Erb. The coaching staff especially like the makeup of the defense, which will feature Shane Gleason and Mike Troutman. “These guys are quick and gritty and have a strong workman-like attitude,” Erb said. The true test will be if they can build the collective mentality that was fractured too often in recent years. “The team must realize that coming together and playing for team gives them their best chance of achieving their goals,” Erb said. The Falcons should lead the Frontier field and contend for a District 1-3A championship.

Pottstown

Coach: Manuel A. Paez Sr., 4th season
Last year’s record: 0-10 PAC Frontier, 0-13 PAC, 0-17 overall
Players to watch: Demond Thompson, Sr., fwd.; Brice Cole, Sr., def.
Outlook: With one win in three seasons, the Trojans aren’t suddenly going to burst into contender status. But fourth-year coach Manny Paez is praising the mentality of his squad and its ability to navigate the rigors of the season ahead. “ Goals are staying together as a team throughout the season, building upon each game, demonstrating respect for the sport, the players, the schools and themselves,” Paez said. “Showing that a winning attitude is not just about the scoreboard.”

Spring-Ford

Coach: Brent Kissel, 4th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 8-0-2 PAC Liberty, 11-0-2 PAC, 18-4-3 overall, PAC runner-up, District 1-4A third place, PIAA 4A first round
Players to watch: Seniors Colin Trainor, fwd.; Brett Gulati, fwd.; Brandon Duke, fwd.; Ethan Mossip, mid.; Andrew Raser, def. Juniors Connor Lynch, mid.; Ekow Asomaning, def.; Tommy Bodenschatz, mid.
Outlook: If potential is the topic, this year’s Spring-Ford side has the highest ceiling of any Pioneer Athletic Conference team this decade (and longer). Colin Trainor (All-State, All-Area first team), Brett Gulati (first team) and Brandon Duke (second team) form one of the most dangerous front 3s in the state after combining for 40 goals and 25 assists in 2018. It’s a deep and talented roster behind the forwards, including last year’s team MVP Ethan Mossip in the midfield while the defense, led by Andrew Raser, got a boost from the addition of former Union academy player Ekow Asomaning. “No matter the amount of preparation, each season presents unique challenges,” coach Brent Kissel said. “How our players come together and respond to those challenges will determine how far we can go as a team.” For all the success of last year’s 18-win season, teams that took a fully defensive approach presented S-F some trouble and could frustrate the Rams at times. How this year’s edition manages to find solutions and keep their heads against teams not willing to try to out-score them will determine how long a run the Rams have. If things go to plan, the Rams should be playing for a PAC championship and into November.

Upper Merion

Coach: Philippe David, 1st season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 3-7 PAC Frontier, 3-10 PAC, 4-14 overall
Players to watch: Seniors Sam Tepe, fwd.; Marcelo Pereira, mid./fwd.; Robert Plisiewecz, mid. Freshman Patryk Rojek, mid./fwd.
Outlook: Former UM 9th grade coach Philippe David takes over for longtime coach Tom Dodds and will be joined on the sideline by Patrick David, his father, who coached more than 25 years at Germantown Academy after playing professionally in France. Despite the graduation of standout midfielder Trevor Looby (West Chester), leading forward Sam Tepe returns while a couple intriguing additions enter in Marcelo Pereira, a new student from Venezuela, and freshman Patryk Rojek, an ODP East Region player. Close games troubled the VIkings a year ago with seven one-goal losses. David is hopeful to solve that puzzle this fall. “Winning these close games will be key to the success of our season,” he said. “Our goal is to have a winning record and make the playoffs.”

Upper Perkiomen

Coach: Kyle Fisher, 6th season
Last year’s record/accomplishments: 7-3 PAC Frontier, 8-5 PAC, 12-8 overall, District 1-3A second round
Players to watch: Seniors Joe McMichael, fwd.; Mason Powers, fwd.; Austin Dunar, mid.; Dean Miller, mid.; Bryce Lesko, mid.; Pat McHale, GK. Juniors Cole Kendra, mid.; Jack Cupitt, def.; Michael Fisher, def.; Keaton Durning, def.; Dillon Brendle, def.; Lucas Carpenter, mid.; Kyle Shemeley, fwd. Sophomore David Schwab, fwd.
Outlook: Upper Perkiomen was one of the feel-good stories of the 2018 season, putting behind many years of win totals you could count on one hand and becoming a contender in the PAC Frontier and advancing to the second round of the District 1-3A tournament. With eight starters returning, the Indians won’t be seen as the plucky underdog this year – there will be real expectations. Junior Cole Kendra (All-Area second team) is the engine of a midfield unit that returns entirely, as does honorable mention defenders Michael Fisher and Jack Cupitt and goalkeeper Patrick McHale. UP must finds some goals after last year’s leading scorer Ian Costanzo graduated. Seniors Joe McMichael and Mason Powers will be looked upon to give the spark. The experience of playing so many meaningful games last fall will only help Upper Perk’s progress as a team and program and make it ready to challenge for the PAC Frontier and another run in the District 1-3A tournament. “An experienced senior class including captains McHale and Lesko, along with Austin Dunar and Dean Miller, will be providing the leadership,” coach Kyle Fisher said. “We want our players to enjoy the game, enjoy their time with their teammates and hopefully experience some success.

– By Austin Hertzog, ahertzog@Pottsmerc.com