As the Middletown North Lions Boys Soccer season gets underway, a tough division during a unique year is a challenge that first year Coach Eric Morley was probably not envisioning.  Morley who has replaced long time Lions Coach Fred Napoli, will look to build on the success of the boys program.  That task is challenging in the extremely competitive Class A North division. The A North division, which features numerous Top 10 teams in the Shore Conference, will be a test for this year’s team.  A division that includes: Freehold Township (Defending Shore Conference Tournament and Conference Champions), CBA, Long Branch, Marlboro, Middletown South, Manalapan, and Howell.

This year’s team will depend on the return of Aidan Cardella (Sr., Forward), Denzel Boateng (Sr., Midfield), Alex Bogues (Sr., Goalkeeper), Brandon Del Grosso (Sr., Midfield), Joe Vallillo (Sr., Midfield), Ryan Prindeville (Sr., Defense), Kyle Puzo (Sr., Defense), C.J.Crolius (So., Defense).  The Lions will also have some new blood added to the mix with the addition of Thomas Long (Sr., Midfield/Forward), Grant Heller (Sr., Defense), Kyle McCarthy (Jr., Defense), Michael Colantino (So., Midfield/Forward), Dom Soares (Jr., Forward), J.T. Meredith (Sr., Goalkeeper), Chris Jensen (Jr., Midfield/Defense).

The Lions will look to build off of last year’s 7-11 season, which saw the squad start 7-3, only to drop their last 8 games.  The Lion’s will hope that experience, including Senior Aidan Cardella’s return will be a recipe for success.  Cardella is one of the Jersey Shore’s top scorers and will be the focal point of Middletown North’s offense. The Lions will look to seniors Denzel Boateng and Brandon Del Grosso to play midfield, while Ryan Prindeville, Kyle Puzo and C.J. Crolius will play defense. Senior Alex Bogues wil be in goal and will look to neutralize opposing team’s offense. Good Luck this season to Coach Morley and the Middletown High School North Lions Boys Soccer Program.