Original content via Shore Sports Network (Matt Manley)
In most boys soccer seasons at the Jersey Shore, there is a team in Class A North that struggles to finish off games during the regular season that then goes on a tear in the postseason thanks to the iron-sharpening power of the A North schedule. Last year, that team was Middletown North, which won just two divisional games, then stormed all the way to the semifinals of the Shore Conference Tournament. During that ride, the Lions knocked off eventual Central Group IV champion Freehold Township and were tied, 1-1, with CBA before the Colts won it on a banger by D’Eletto in the final two minutes of regulation.
The exciting part of last year’s SCT run for the Lions is that most of the starting lineup is back. Losing All-Shore defender C.J. Crolius and top scorer Mac Colantino leaves Middletown North with two significant roles to fill, but the Lions retain most of the elements that made them a dangerous opponent at the end of 2022. The defense should remain a strength behind versatile junior Ryan Barnao and senior Liam O’Keefe, while senior goalkeeper Landon Terrell is primed for a big season after coming into his own as a junior.
Scoring goals is where Middletown North figures to improve, led by an experienced midfield and a talented forward in junior Josiah Stepney. Seniors Tommy Valinotti, Matt Silva and Travis Soto will run the midfield, with junior Nick Dinella and Cam DelGrosso also playing key roles. Sophomore Paulie Que is also a player to watch after he came in to score the equalizer vs. CBA as a freshman last season. All the familiar faces coupled with some new talented coming up gives coach Eric Morley some additional depth compared to last season – something that should benefit the Lions as they chase after a championship this season.
Middletown North at a Glance
Head Coach: Eric Morley, fourth season
2022 Record: 7-8-1 (2-5, seventh in Class A North)
SCT Group: 10 (Toms River North, Point Beach, Donovan Catholic)
NJSIAA Section: Central Group III
Key Losses: C.J. Crolius (Defense), Mac Colantino (Forward), Nick Dean (Midfield), Andrew Marinelli (Goalkeeper)
Projected XI (With 2022 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Josiah Stepney, Jr., Forward (6 goals, 1 assist)
Paulie Que, So., Forward (1 goal)
Tommy Valinotti, Sr., Midfield (3 assists)
Matt Silva, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 4 assists)
Nick Dinella, Jr., Midfield (2 goals, 1 assist)
Travis Soto, Sr., Midfield (3 goals, 2 assists)
Jake Isaksen, Sr., Midfield
Cam DelGrosso, So., Midfield
Liam O’Keefe, Sr., Defense
Ryan Barnao, Jr., Defense (5 goals, 1 assist)
Landon Terrell, Sr., Goalkeeper (3 shutouts)
Other Key Players
Christos, Dounis, So., Defense
Ashley Muyambi, Sr., Defense
Anthony Giamanco, Sr., Forward
Kevin Cardella, Sr., Defense
Andy Avram, Sr., Forward
Declan Chenoweth, Jr., Midfield
Aiden Dinella, Jr., Forward
Ethan Kinch, Jr. Midfield
Brody Croce, Jr., Defense
Dylan Croce, Jr., Defense
Greg Boyadjian, Jr., Midfield
Read More: 2023 Shore Sports Network Boys Soccer Preview: Class A North | https://shoresportsnetwork.com/boys-soccer-2023-season-preview-class-a-north/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
