Back to School
Written by playerpress.com, Friday September 11 2009
Summer is nearing its end. The days are getting shorter, temperatures are cooling down and leaves are turning. Likewise, kids are back to hitting the books and the soccer pitch. It’s too early for report cards, but the boys’ soccer rankings are available courtesy of ESPN. The Brentwood (NY) Indians are defending their number one ranking. They’ve yet to take to the pitch, but they finished number one in ’08 and they’re picking up where they left off.
The Indians ran the table last season going 24-0. To solidify their claim on the top spot they are returning 22 players from the ’08 squad, including eight starters. Seniors Joe Lopez and Hancell Guevara are looking to add to their impressive resumes that feature 20 goals apiece in their junior campaign. Along with skill, Lopez brings confidence to the side by stating they are deserving of their numero ono ranking. Coach Ron Eden is playing it a little closer to the vest stating that one loss could send them toppling from the rankings.
The Indians open their season on September 11 against a non-league opponent; St. John the Baptist.
McDonough (MD) High School sits second in the rankings and already has a 3-0 record to pad its stats. The Eagles got off to a fast start in a state tournament by beating three conference foes. On September 11 they wrap up tournament play against Archbishop Curley. The Eagles feature a stingy defense that shuts down foes and opens up the pitch for their forwards. If Brentwood stumbles the Eagles are a sure bet to replace them atop the table.
Ohio powerhouse St. Ignatius is off to a 5-0 start. They wasted no time blanking University School 4-0 to open their campaign. Since then they have not looked back and are well on their way to another state title. Senior goalkeeper Joe Kalt is looking to graduate in style as he has performed strongly in between the pipes for St. Ignatius.
St. Anthony’s (NY) open their season on September 11 and are hoping to make a run at first place Brentwood. The Long Island neighbors would like to top them on both their home turf and nationwide. A season opening win over St. Mary would get their campaign off to the proper start and help them keep pace with Brentwood.
The Gray Bees of St. Benedict’s were close to perfection in their 2008 season. Then, one loss cost them an unblemished sheet and their seventh national championship. While the end result could have been heart breaking coach Rick Jacobs sites it as a steady improvement over the ‘07 15-5-1 record achieved by the same basic side that fell one game short of their goal. As the side has grown, so have their talents and Seniors Bonny Londono and Larry Serrono want to go out winners. The highly recruited Londono appears set on making UConn his home for collegiate futbol, but he would like to finish the business he started in Newark. They begin action on September 15 against Blair.
Too soon to call a winner, but the 2009 season promises lot’s of excitement nationwide.
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