2002 Varsity Boys Soccer Preview

Another fall is upon us. This means school, this means that your daily dose of 12 hours of sleep you were getting in the summer has now been cut to 6 hours, because you are scrambling to get things done. This also means high school sports are back in swing at Triton Regional and the 2002 Varsity Boys Varsity Soccer Team led by Head Coach Bill McGrath is looking to follow up on last year's building season.

The team came into the season looking to improve on last year's sub .500 record, but a slow start will probably keep the teams win total lower than what is expected by the players. However, already a month into the season, with only six seniors (Al Lucia, Mark Lovett, Mike Murphy, Nick Ritz, Dan Michelli, and Jeff Misiak) this team has accomplished many things despite what the record reflects, and have already had some very bright spots.

Early in the season the Mustangs squared off against traditional soccer powerhouse, and any sport powerhouse for that matter, Lenape. The Mustangs were a clear underdog heading into the game, but they took the highly ranked Indians all the way to the final whistle in a 1-0 loss. The Mustangs defensive efforts were incredible on this day, and in a game of inches, came oh so close to knotting the game at 1-1.

After a disappointing first couple weeks, the Mustangs played host on a rainy, chilly, miserable day to a Paul VI team who entered the game at 4-0 and looked to keep the Mustangs winless on the year. Once again playing underdog, the Mustangs used hustle and a gutsy defensive effort combined with the goaltending of Dave Parzanese to tie PVI 1-1.

The Mustangs have youth on this squad, and this talented youth of players like Greg Lowden, Ruben Concepcion, Dave Parzanese, Frank Centrone, Andy Houser, and the goal scoring Argentinean transfer they call Dario, and others, combined with senior leadership, will turn the Triton Soccer Program into a winner much sooner then later.