The Northwestern boys soccer team, which returns plenty of talent from a year ago, will be trying to win a fifth straight Colonial League title this season.

Other teams who had success, like Jim Thorpe and Pleasant Valley, were hurt by graduation but still hope to be relevant in 2019.

NORTHWESTERN

GUESS WHO’S BACK … A year ago, the Tigers captured their fourth straight Colonial League championship. Eight of the starting 11 Tigers are back to make a run at a fifth title. Luke Bryan, Jason Blaine, Riley Shafer and Jeff Garcia return at midfield, while Michael Rebert, Matter Renner and Ryan Baker are back on defense. Zach Rosamalia also returns in net.

ADDING TO THE TALENT … Seth Brady is glad to be back after missing most of last season with an injury. Aidan Meyers will be sliding into the CB spot. Colin Coefield complements the midfield. Sophomores Mason Brensinger and Phil Taylor will look to contribute “big” minutes in a variety of spots.

RUNS ON DEFENSE … Just like America runs on Dunkin’ Donuts, Nate Hunsicker’s Northwestern team runs on defense. “It’s the same as the past five, six years for us — defense is key,” said the head coach about his team’s strength. “That includes solid defensive play, limiting the other team’s chances and dominating possession and the pace of the game. We may not score as much as past seasons, but if we continue to do this, we will do just fine.”

HOME SWEET TURF … This season will be a whole new experience for the Tigers, as they’ll be able to play home games on turf. “We’re incredibly excited about this for our team, the school and our community,” Hunsicker said. “We would have loved to see this happen years ago so some of the kids who came through the system could have been given this opportunity. But nevertheless, we are really excited and think it will only help make us better and fully prepare us for postseason play.”

CLOSE TO TEN-URE … Nate Hunsicker returns for his ninth season with the Tigers. The former player has a 148-26-6 overall record as head coach. Derrick Reinert, Josh Gross, Mike Koening and Noah Meyers will be Hunsicker’s assistants on a team that posted a 19-2 record last year.

JIM THORPE

ALL-STARS MOVED ON … The Olympians have some big shoes to fill. Three-time Schuylkill League All-Star Coyote Acevedo and two-time Schuylkill League All-Star Ryder Wallace, as well as standout goaltender Kinsley Ehling, have all graduated, delivering a big hit to the starting lineup.

PASSING THE TORCH … Head coach Michael Dudak, despite the key losses, does have some talent to rely on. Dudak will look to returning seniors Thor Huth, Alex Putt, Raymond O’Neil and Leandro Ramirez to step up and provide necessary leadership. Juniors Chris Condly and Jack Morris will also add experience to the lineup.

TUNNEL VISION — GOLD … With a 13-4-1 regular season record last year, and a tough loss in the district semifinals, the Olympians are looking to take care of some unfinished business. “The goal is to bring a district title to Jim Thorpe,” said Dudak. “With nine incoming freshmen making the team this season, soccer is alive and well in Jim Thorpe.”

STANDING GUARD … TJ Smith and newcomer Jacob Geiser will share the Olympians’ goaltending responsibilities, taking over for Ehling.

FOCUSING IN … Dudak hopes his preseason workouts will have the Olympians ready for a challenging season. “Fitness and conditioning will be the focus this preseason,” Dudak said. “This schedule is grueling, and injuries can certainly be a major factor. I want the boys ready to go by the first game.”

PLEASANT VALLEY

GROUND TO COVER … This year’s Bears’ team has several positions to fill thanks to graduation. Zion Moore (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference MVP), Mirza Sabovic (EPC All-Star), Logan Mackes (four-year starter and team captain), Timmy Covart (four-year starter and team captain) and Jack Robinson (talented defender and team captain) leave big shoes to fill.

TAKEN A STEP … Jake Alles (MF), Matt Earhardt (F) and Canyon Marks (MF) not only return for another season under second-year coach Alex Wunder, but all three have earned captain status, roles Wunder hopes will help lead the team in the right direction. Jason Kapsis (MF), Joe Stayer (D), Josh Haines (D) and Tyler Akob (MF) also are expected to be key contributors this season.

PV PRIDE … A team-first mentality is something Wunder has stressed at PV. It’s one of the reasons why the coach sees team unity as the Bears’ strengths this season. “We have come together as a team and play very well together,” Wunder said. “The team is doing well communicating with each other on the field. A lot of these boys have played together for a long time and know their own strengths and weaknesses. We will be successful if we score early.”

TWO THUMBS UP … As far as expectations go, Wunder is optimistic about the season. “I expect us to have a good, solid team this year. If we stay healthy, I plan on us being in contention for the Mountain Division (in the EPC) and making a run in league and district playoffs.”

WEATHERLY

WRECKER PRIDE … Head coach Kevin Kennedy mentioned the graduation of Ryan Fairchild as a key loss to the program. Fairchild, however, has remained involved with the Wreckers’ program. “(Last year) was his first and only season,” said Kennedy of Fairchild, who was a captain and the team’s spiritual leader. “He missed Second Team (league) all-star by one vote. He continues to contribute to the program through offseason leagues and mentoring.”

RUNNING LARGE … Elijah Derr (MF) left his mark last season as the Wreckers’ leading scorer with nine goals and eight assists. Derr was a First Team All-Schuylkill League selection. Josh Andreuzzi and Nic Pleban (D) were Second Team All-Stars. Mason Gerhart was second on the team in goals (eight) and had two assists. All four return and look to continue to collect more honors this season.

KEY TO TRIUMPH … Entering his third season with the Wreckers, Kennedy pinpointed athleticism and the experience of his starters playing together for a second year as the team’s strengths.

OUTLOOK LOOKING POSITIVE … A year ago, the Wreckers posted an 8-11 overall record (5-8 in the Schuylkill League). “Schuylkill League Division 2 is up in the air,” Kennedy said. “Williams Valley lost six senior starters, and the majority of them were all-stars. Nativity can always be counted in as a wildcard.”

LEHIGHTON

BRINGING BACK THE TOMAHAWK … Drew Lorenz (Sr., D, six goals, three assists), Connor Hanley (Sr., MF/F, two goals, two assists), Alex Zeigenfuss (Sr., D, one assist), Carter Strauss (Jr., MF, two goals), and Logan Lucas (Jr., F, one assist) all return to the Indians. Eldin Cokrlija (Jr., D), Randy Bongiorno (Jr., GK), Chris Fisher (Jr., MF), Mitchell Nailor (So., D/MF), Zander Bauer (So., D) and Ryan Graver (So., MF/D) also look to be key contributors this season.

SPARK NEEDED … With an overall record of 3-13-2 (1-10-1 Schuylkill League), it was apparent the Indians struggled for wins. Head coach Dave Yob admitted that the team’s offense contributed to those struggles. “Last year, the team did a solid job on defense but struggled to score goals,” said Yob, who is in his 10th season as head coach. “Lorenz led the team in scoring last year after being moved up to help the offense. This year, he will return to anchor the defense. We are hoping that Lucas, Hanley and Strauss can create some scoring opportunities and cash in on them.”

YOUTH MOVEMENT … Mason Marchesault (Fr., MF), Matt Sofranko (Fr., F/MF), Nick Zeigenfuss (Fr., MF/F), Levi Monk (Fr., D/MF), AJ Light (Fr., D/MF), Trent Dorward (Fr., F), Connor McDonough (Fr., D/GK), Nicolas Yaro (Fr., F), Daniel Hoppes (Fr., MF) and Mikhayl Conarty (Fr., F) are all trying to break into the starting lineup as freshmen. “This year’s team is very young, and the fact that 10 freshmen are on the roster bears this out,” said Yob, who has 24 players on the roster. “How quickly the freshmen grow in their roles will determine how much success we will have.”

NORTHERN LEHIGH

ALL ABOUT CONFIDENCE … Northern Lehigh posted an 0-18 overall record (0-14 in the Colonial League) last season. It marked the second straight season without a victory. Head coach Jason Ruch remains optimistic and is looking for the program to take the next step. “We went from just trying to stay in games as freshmen, to being competitive in a number of games last year,” Ruch said. “This year we need to take the next step and win some games. I truly believe once these players get a win ... they will gain the confidence they need to stay competitive for the duration of the season.”

LEND A HELPING FOOT … Juniors Josh Sollars (MF), Chuck Wilk (MF) and Logan Dyer (GK) are back for another season, while freshmen Bryce Lopinto (MF) and Ethan Kunkle (D) look to be key contributors.

IN SEARCH OF … Numbers are a concern for the team’s program. Ruch only has 13 players on his roster. “This will be either a blessing or a curse,” said Ruch. “If we can avoid any major injuries, every player will gain ample playing time. Hopefully they learn and progress along the way.”

STEPPING FORWARD … Ruch had no problem naming his team’s strength. “We have a core group of players who have been starting since they were freshmen,” Ruch said. “They have gained a lot of valuable experience and I believe are ready to take the next step, which would be being competitive and winning a few games. They are eager to learn and a very coachable group.”

PALMERTON

BOMBER ALUMNI … Head coach Rich Roselli noted the Bombers will miss Teegan Green, Chase Dailey and Zachary Thompson, all lost to graduation.

ONE LAST HURRAY … Bryce Yacone (GK), Nic Singleton (GK/F), Shawn Gardner (D), Takoda Terruta (D), Nick Papay (MF) and Connor Russo (MF) all return for their own final high school campaign. Juniors Zach Brotzman (D), Nolan Walters (D), Corlan Wood (MF) and Jonny Perloni (F), along with sophomore Ethan Page, bring back some valuable varsity experience for the Bombers.

SUNK IN … In Roselli’s first year with the program, the Bombers posted a 5-13 overall record and were 4-9 in the Colonial League. Roselli pointed to several strengths the squad has entering Year 2. “Last year our big focus as a coaching staff was having all players better understand the principles of the game and its tactics, and the boys did incredible with it,” stressed Roselli. “They took all the information in and they started to apply it as best they could in a short time span. This season we’ve built upon what was learned and have tweaked our playstyle. The boys hold more possession, they no longer “kick and run”, they are disciplined on and off the ball, and they trust one another in their roles. We’ve been working hard, and I think you’ll see something very special once we hit our stride.”

KEEP AN EYE ON … Roselli has liked what he’s seen from several players looking to make an impact this season. Juniors Caleb Sommers (MF) and Colton Stroup (MF), as well as sophomores David Heydt (F), CJ Kern (MF/F) and Aiden Wentz (D) have impressed so far this preseason

BLEED BLUE AND WHITE … Win or lose, Roselli expects to give it their all this season. “The boys expect the most from one another and I think they, and we as a coaching staff, have made it very clear that 100% effort both on and off the ball is expected in every minute of every game,” said Roselli, of the expectations for this year’s Bombers’ program. “Additionally, the team has made it their goal to make it to district playoffs and win the first playoff game in school history.”

TAMAQUA

BACK ON THE ATTACK … Seniors Nathaniel Noftz, Wyatt Zeigler, Brian Milot, Zachery Frie and Danil Melikov are back to make the most of their final season, while juniors Ian Davis, Tyler Steigerwalt, Michael Shlanta, Alexander Barron, Justin Lewis, Luke Verta, Ryne Fisher, Zachery Campomizzi and Dax Weller also return. Blue Raider sophomore Mateo Gomez returns and should also help on the varsity level.

HIT ON SCORING … Leading goal scorer Jacob Rudy (14 goals, 12 assists) and Derian Stianche (four goals, eight assists) have graduated. The two First Team All-Schuylkill County All-Stars will be heavily missed. But, Tamaqua mentor Greg Sheeler has faith in his returning talent to help fill the void. “Ian Davis and Tyler Steigerwalt are two fantastic players,” Sheeler said. “They have the potential to play either center-forward or central midfielder. Both have great finishing abilities and had goals for me last year at the varsity level.”

PAST IS THE PAST … Last season, Sheeler’s Blue Raiders knocked off eventual Schuylkill League champion Blue Mountain twice during the regular season. Tamaqua, however, missed the league playoffs. Sheeler wants his players to move on from and focus on this season. “It’s tough,” said Sheeler, of defeating Blue Mountain twice only to miss out on playing for a league title. “There’s just a lot of really good teams, and it’s so close. There are no blowout teams anymore. It’s just a tough league to be in, but of course, competition breeds better teams. So, you just have to get better if you want to compete.”

A GRADUAL PROGRESS … “Realistically, we’d have to really come together as a team more to match (last year’s) record because we had some talented players that we lost,” said Sheeler about expectations this season. “Those guys who graduated are going to be tough to replace. But, I think we will have a successful season and have a winning record. I just hope that we can piece it together and get everybody on the same page with what our program is looking to do.”