Depth Will Be the Key to Success for Milton Boys Soccer

After suffering a 3-12-3 mark last season, the Milton High boys' soccer team has its sights set on lofty goals. Despite losing several key seniors to the cap and gown, the Wildcats return a large number of young talents that could provide some valuable depth throughout the season.

Gone are last year's senior tri-captains in Myron Inglis along with Steve Farmer and goalkeeper Greg Corcoran, but seventh year coach Mike Madden is optimistic of his team's chances of a run at the tournament. With 69 athletes present at the first day of tryouts, Madden was quite pleased with the large turnout during the preseason.

"We did lose some valuable guys from last year's squad, but this year we have a deeper team with some young and promising talent,'' said Madden. "I've been very pleased with the way everyone's played so far, and I'm definitely looking forward to the season."

Leading the way for the Wildcats are senior tri-captains Kevin Lamere along with Chris Zimmer and Skyler Abrams.

While Lamere and Zimmer are slated to serve as the leaders of the defensive core, Abrams is expected to emerge as a valuable asset in the midfield.

"Our senior captains have done a great job, and they've been working well with the younger guys on the team,'' said Madden. "I've been encouraged with the leadership as well as the efforts from the younger guys as well."

Other key catalysts for the Wildcats include junior midfielder Nate Breslin followed by junior center midfielders Peter Butler and Ryan Madden, junior Luke Puglesy, junior Connor Keating and freshman Brian Yongo.

"We have a young team, but I believe we also have a deep team as well,'' said Madden. "We have a lot of juniors, who have really stepped it up during the preseason and have performed above expectations. We're hoping we'll be able to do that during the course of the season."

Emerging as one of the top new scoring prospects for the Wildcats will be senior forward Alan Yongo, the older brother of Brian, who recently moved to the area from North Carolina.

"Both (Alan and Brian) are great additions to the team, and I definitely think (Alan) is going to add some firepower to our offense. One of our biggest problems last year was scoring goals, and I'm hoping we'll be able to improve on that."

Another key asset for the Wildcats will be senior defender Rev McCarthy, who fared solid in the back last season.

"Our defense has always been strong, but we've been having trouble scoring goals,'' said Madden. "Last year we scored a total of 10 goals, and we're hoping we'll be able to score more than that. As great of a defense that we played last year, we need to score goals to win games."

As for preseason scrimmages, the Wildcats managed a 1-2-1 mark, losing to Canton by 1-0 margin followed by a 2-1 defeat to Oliver Ames. Following a 3-1 win over Foxboro, the Wildcats battled Sharon to a 1-1 tie.

"(Canton) is a powerhouse and they're going to challenge Oliver Ames for the Hockomock League title,'' said Madden. "We played both of those teams extremely tight, and all indiciations that we're definitely going to improve on our record from last season."

Following an impressive preseason, Madden is hopeful that the Wildcats could reach the tournament for the first time since 1997.

Photos were supplied by Roy Chambers. More photos can be found at www.miltonsports.com.