Higher Hopes For Boys Soccer

"If you think you're working hard, remember there's someone, somewhere, working harder than you."

—Unknown

The boys soccer team is using that quote as motivation for this upcoming season.

Last year, the Spartans (8-9-2) won their league, but missed the Bergen County tournament, and took an early exit from the .

Head coach Al Romeo and his five captains: , Nick Cundari, Javier Fuentes, Ronny Geylin and Panos Koutsis were all displeased with last year's results.

Despite winning the Big North Division III Crown, "we couldn't be too proud of it because of our record," Koutsis said.

To better themselves, the Spartans have come into camp in better shape and with a passion and drive the team lacked during the 2010 campaign.

"This year's group is working hard," Romeo said. "I think this year's team is in a lot better shape. I think that's going to turn into wins for us. I really do."

The captains began organizing practices in early July to get a head start on conditioning.

Romeo added that his team is versatile, and he can plug in his players at a multitude of positions.

"Now they know how to play other positions besides their normal position," Romeo said. "I think that's going to be a big positive for us that we have that versatility."

The Spartans were a young team last year—34 underclassmen on the roster—and will have depth at each position, having only graduated only three starters from last year's team.

Romeo believes the team will create more scoring opportunities by moving the ball faster throughout the pitch.

"We're excited to get started," Romeo said. "I believe our seniors are going to be the key to a successful season."

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The aforementioned captains, Colasante, Cundari, Fuentes, Geylin, Koutsis, sophomore Randy Casallas, senior Francisco Vives, Luka Stojanovic

The captains are motivated to close out their varsity careers in style. They have been running and practicing since early July and plan to enter the season more focused, driven and conditioned than last year. They bring a wealth of experience and will provide leadership. 

Geylin added that "we have good chemistry."

Cundari is a steady hand in goal, and played in every game last year as a junior.

Casallas was a first team all-league player as a freshman.

Romeo said that Vives has made "leaps and bounds" as a player.

Stojanovich transferred from Bergen Catholic and should crack the starting 11.

Because of the depth and versatility, these players—with the exception of Cundari—could see time at different positions throughout the season.