Original story via Matt Manly Shore Sports Network

With a young, inexperienced team in 2021, Middletown North took its lumps, particularly in Class A North. The Lions’ first three division losses last year – to CBA, Howell and Freehold Township – were by a combined score of 17-0 and their only win was a 1-0 triumph over rival Middletown South. Outside the division, however, Middletown North won five of its first six matches, with only a 1-0 loss to Holmdel going against the Lions. After climbing back to 6-7 overall, though, the Lions lost their last five matches of the season and will head into 2022 hoping to wash that bad taste out of their collective mouth.

The benefit to playing last season with so many inexperienced underclassmen is that Middletown North won’t be working with so much inexperience this season. The four starting midfielders all return with starting experience in some form, led by juniors Tommy Valinotti and Travis Soto. With five goals last season, Soto was the team’s top goal-scorer and its second-leading scorer was current sophomore defender Ryan Barnao. For the Lions to take a step forward, they will be looking for more production from its group of forwards, led by senior Michael Colantino.

Barnao and All-Shore fullback C.J. Crolius will lead what should be one of the division’s better defenses. Crolius has been a standout marking back and will man the middle of the defense in his fourth year as a starter in the back. Juniors Liam O’Keefe and Jake Isaksen round out the back four in front of returning goalkeeper Andrew Marinelli – a group that should be ready to significantly improve on the 42 goals allowed in 18 games in 2022.

Head Coach: Eric Morley, third season

2021 Record: 6-12 (1-6 in Class A North)

Key Losses: Chris Jensen (Midfield), Dom Soares (Forward), Sam Calhoun (Midfield)

Projected XI (Returning Starters in Bold)

Michael Colantino, Sr., Forward

Josiah Stepney, Jr., Forward

Tommy Valinotti, Jr., Midfield (1 goal, 3 assists)

Travis Soto, Jr., Midfield (5 goals, 1 assist)

Matt Silva, Jr., Midfield

Nick Dinella, So., Midfield

Jake Isaksen, Jr., Defense/Midfield

C.J. Crolius, Sr., Defense

Ryan Barnao, So., Defense (4 goals, 2 assists)

Liam O’Keefe, Jr., Defense

Andrew Marinelli, Sr., Goalkeeper (1 shutout)

Other Key Players

Landon Terrell, Goalkeeper

Cameron DelGrosso, Fr., Midfield

Andy Avram, Jr., Forward

Kevin Cardella, Jr., Defense

Anthony Giamanco, Jr., Forward

C.J. Sanford, Sr., Midfield

Vincent Valinotti, Sr., Midfield