Red Devils Boys Soccer Looks to Continue Recent Winning Tradition

The Ridge High School Varsity boys soccer team plays its first season game this Friday, Sept. 10, with a goal of continuing past winning seasons.

Two years ago, the Basking Ridge High School boys' soccer team won 16 of 20 games and advanced to the state sectional finals but lost to Elizabeth 2-1.

Last year, the Red Devils finished with a record of 15-5, and advanced to the sectional semifinals, only to lose to Clifton 1-0 in overtime to end their season.

This season, the team returns just three starters, including star sophomore goalie Kieran McCarthy and junior forward Jamison Lochhead, but a bevy of talented upper classmen return to fill the void.

"We have a huge number of seniors coming back," said assistant coach Enzo Minicozzi, who's going into his sixth year along with head coach Ken Cherry. "They've been with us for two to three years; they are a very tight-knit group and looking to build upon the success the last two years and they are eager to get going."

Leading the way will be McCarthy, who started as a freshman last year in goal. The repetitions he got last year will serve him well this year, noted Minicozzi.

 "He's a big and physical presence," Minicozzi said. "He hasn't yet reached his potential and that's scary for opponents because he played so well last year – he has a high ceiling.

"He has quick hands and tremendous knowledge of how to play the position. The one thing that sets him apart is his ability to zone out any outside distractions; there were a couple examples last year where he came up with tremendous saves against sidelines rushes and they were trying to get under his skin but he played bigger and kept his composure as a freshman." Assisting McCarthy on the defensive backline will be senior Chris Whalen, one of the team's captions.

"He has the ability to take control of the game," said Minicozzi. "He gets everybody energized and he's gets everybody's respect.

 "He's solid on the ball and has a nice touch on the ball; he sees plays before they happen."

  Flanking Whalen will be senior Dean Stangarone, who according to Minicozzi, "is steady as they come."

Also helping out on defense will be backer senior Brian Cassallo, who Minicozzi said "plays on the outside and is one of -- if not -- the fastest players on the team; he's a workhorse."

 Minicozzi believes the team's strength could be its goalie and defensive back play.

 "With this group and having a lot of seniors that weren't starters but have experience, we'll be defensive-oriented," said Minicozzi. "They've played for a long time and most of them have worked together since their youth careers; so their communication will be strong."

 Senior Chris Renna returns to anchor the midfield positions. He's one of the team's captains.

 "He's one of the best dribblers on the team," said Minicozzi. "He has the ability to take the ball down the wing and finds ways for us to get scoring chances. He draws attention to himself, and in turn, it opens up the field for others to create offense."

            Midfielder Curt Keller, a senior, also received praise from Minicozzi.

            "He has the right size and sticks it out to win headers," said Minicozzi. "He goes in for the clean tackle; makes the right play and sticks his nose in there.

            "Curt compliment's Chris and takes a lot of pressure off of him. He's a monster on defense."

            Completing the midfield triumvirate is sophomore Wade Hoffman.

            "What Chris possesses as a playmaker and Curt on defense, Wade provides the coolness and calmness at the midfield position," said Minicozzi. "His passes are always on target; he never gets nervous and provides an added dimension offensively to our team."

            Jamison, a junior and former defensive player, is the team's lynchpin at forward. He's the other team captain along with Whalen and Renna.

            "Jamison is very swift with his dribbles," said Minicozzi. "He has good speed for a player his size; from 18-yard line and in, his eyes get in scoring mode."

            Helping out Jamison will be another junior, Brian Korn, who Minicozzi describes as "very smooth with the ball." Minicozzi also notes that Brian gets in position well on offense and helps creates proper spacing with Jamison.

            The Red Devils always play a tough schedule and this year will be no different. They play in the Delaware West Division, located within the Skyland Conference. Their slate includes matches with power Hunterdon Central, Bridgewater-Raritan and Pingry.

            "We play in the hardest conference in the state," said Minicozzi. "We have no light games on our schedule.

            "These guys want to build off success the last two teams have had and advance far in the state playoffs. We play additional games this year, for example, against Morris Catholic, and most of the teams will be in top 20 this year; we have no room for error when we step onto the field but the players want to perform well and do their best."

            Ridge begins the season with a game scheduled for 4 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 10, at Morris Catholic High School, 200 Morris Ave., Denville.