Brick boys team expects to be vastly improved this season

BY WAYNE WITKOWSKI
Staff Writer

After winning only one game last season, anything would seem an improvement for Brick Township’s boys soccer team.

But the Green Dragons actually made great strides in preparing for the season, winning their division in the GoodSports USA Summer League in Sea Girt and beating two of three preseason scrimmage opponents with an 11-6 scoring edge.

“The attitude is much better this year,” said coach Ken Lynch in anticipation of Friday afternoon’s opener at Central Regional. “These players are very coachable and motivated. They’ve done more off-season work.”

Half the lineup is back and Lynch says a favorable schedule of opponents beyond the Shore Conference A South Division creates more opportunities for winning games, perhaps even making the state tournament if the promising new players develop quickly.

That includes sophomores Noah Morris at goalie and Carlos Febus at sweeper. Mike Consoli, an outside back, started throughout the first half of the season before being sidelined by an ankle injury. Junior Mike Eleneski lines up on the left side, but sophomore newcomer Tucker Williams is pushing for a start and has shown great strength playing defense in practice. Ryan Morris, a senior captain, is the stopper, although he can play other positions if there is a greater need elsewhere.

In fact, versatility is a benchmark of this year’s team. Senior goalie John Henriques is so skilled and athletically gifted that Lynch says he’ll probably play in the midfield and back up Noah.

That area is anchored this year by a freshman — Olympic Player Development selection Andrew Smith.

“He’s shown to be a very good leader based on his play,” said Lynch.

“He’s a little small but he knows the game. He’ll be a big part of the team this year and in the future. He’s a true midfielder, which is something we didn’t have last year.”

In fact, Lynch says the midfield “is much more effective than last year” with players like returning starters Matt Tunis, a senior, and the Venerable brothers — senior Sean and junior Kyle. Sean was very effective in short distance running events for the school’s track and field team and Lynch regards him as “probably one of the most consistent players. He has a lot of endurance.”

“Tunis has a good head for the game,” said Lynch. “He has good ball skills, a good touch. We’re looking for him to distribute the ball.”

Lynch said he expects more aggressiveness and more scoring from Kyle, who strikes the ball powerfully.

They’ll look to advance the ball to sophomore striker Dan Rockefeller, a returning starter who Lynch said is “extremely fast” and senior Justin Suveg, who Lynch said has good accuracy but needs to get in better shape.

“Rockefeller needed to work on his skills last year,” said Lynch of his leading scorer last season. “He came in this season improved and with a good attitude. He’ll get more touches on the ball, which will make him more effective because he can run through people.”

Along with versatile players, there is better depth. Dan Zacca, a 6-1 senior, brings welcome height to the stopper position coming off the bench. He saw some action there last season.

Junior transfer Arifer Rahman can help in the midfield and senior Charles Arizza is another scoring threat as a reverse striker.