Boys Soccer Preview:
Maple Shade Wildcats

Monday, August 31, 1998

By Brian Croly
Maple Shade Varsity Boys Coach

The Wildcats are returning from their best season in school history. They won the league title for the first time in the 26 years of the schools existence. Their record was 16-3-2 and they made it to the South Jersey Group 1 Finals. The team set many school records including most wins, most goals scored, fewest goals against, and most shutouts (10) to name a few.

The team faces new challenges this season. They have lost 9 lettermen and return only 4 starters. Two of the starters, Jason Kufta and Bill Burke are beginning their fourth season on the Varsity team.

Some of the returning lettermen have been moved to new positions in order to try to minimize the effect of the loss of many quality players from last year's team.

The senior leadership will be a key part for the team and some of the younger players will have to step up and play well at the Varsity level.

The feature players for the 1998 Maple Shade Boys Soccer Team:

• Jason Kufta (Sr.) Midfield - '97 Season: 10 goals and 12 assists. Career: 20 goals and 20 assists.
• Bill Burke- (Sr.) Midfield - '97 Season: 3 goals and 3 assists. Career: 7 goals and 8 assists.
• Anthony Mannello (Jr.) Midfield - Missed part of last season with an injury. Career: 1 goal and 3 assists.
• Jeff Dougherty (Soph.) Back/Forward - '97 Season: 3 goals and 3 assists.
• Wesley Post (Soph.) Forward - '97 Season: 5 goals and 1 assist.