Caldwell High Boys Soccer Takes Aim at Net Gain

Shutting down other teams shouldn't be an issue for the Caldwell High boys soccer team this season, it's finding the back of the opposition's net consistently that could be the challenge.

With a solid defensive unit in place, the Chiefs enter the 2010 season seeking a go-to goal scorer.

"You want to get that goal scorer who is scoring like every other game," said Caldwell coach Alan Branigan, who begins his fifth season at the helm. "We never really had anybody who can spread out the field."

The team's top returning goal scorer is sophomore forward Bill Evers, who tallied five times as a freshman.

"He's got a natural gift for goal scoring, which you don't see a lot today," Branigan said.

Joining Evers up front will be junior forwards Alex Chelius, a three-year starter, and Dan Guerriero, along with senior Rudolfo Lozado. The Chiefs will also receive a boost from forward Chris Bitetto, a transfer from Seton Hall Prep.

The Chiefs will need an added scoring punch to reach their goal of advancing past the first round of the state playoffs.

For the second straight year, Caldwell was knocked out in the first round of the state tournament last fall, losing to neighborhood rival West Essex, 3-0.

"We want to get off that, 12 or 13 wins and get a good seed in the playoffs," senior captain and midfielder Matt Olsen said.

Caldwell, which finished 9-8-1 last year, enters its second season in the Super Essex Conference's Liberty Division against premier teams like Livingston, Millburn and West Essex.

"Yes, that is a game that you definitely circle on your calendar," Olsen said of Caldwell's encounter with West Essex in North Caldwell on Sept. 20 and at home against the Knights on Oct. 18.

Olsen transferred from Seton Hall Prep, considered to have one of the premier soccer teams in the state, a couple years ago to get more playing time.

The senior captain patrols the midfield with fellow senior captain John Schlomann, junior Andrew Arcell and sophomore Jimmy Sweeney.

Sweeney, who is expected to miss at least the first game of the season due to injury, is considered one of the team's elite up-and-coming players.

"He plays quickly and calm on the ball," Branigan said. "He has good soccer IQ."

For the first part of the season, Branigan and new goalkeeper, senior captain Matt Vitiello, will be looking for help from the team's defense. Vitiello takes over for the now-graduated Matt Herskowitz.

Vitiello is still working to get into game shape after missing last season with an injury.

"He's like a guy that hasn't played in a year," Branigan said. "He has gotten better and better."

In front of Vitiello are senior captain Tom Machi and junior Henry McCoy. 

"We have to communicate well, stay wide and move up the middle," said Machi, who is switching from the midfield to defense.

The defensive unit also includes juniors Matthew Alperin and Jason Bernier. While injured to start the season, senior Kevin Stocker could see time on the field as well. 

(Games at 4 p.m. unless noted)

Sept. 11        at Barringer, 10 a.m.
Sept. 13        Orange
Sept. 16        Livingston
Sept. 20        at West Essex
Sept. 22        Nutley
Sept. 23        at Bloomfield Tech
Sept. 25        Bloomfield
Sept 27         at North 13th St. Tech
Sept. 28        Montclair
Sept. 30        Essex County Tournament
Oct. 1              at Belleville
Oct. 3             Essex County Tournament
Oct. 5             at Orange
Oct. 8             at Glen Ridge
Oct. 10           Essex County Tournament
Oct. 13           at Livingston
Oct. 15            Eastside
Oct. 17            Essex County Tournament
Oct. 18            West Essex
Oct. 20           at Nutley
Oct. 22           at Bloomfield
Oct. 27            Belleville