Sports
Hopatcong Boys Soccer: New Coach, New Start
Ryan Masterson hopes helm young, enthusiastic team to winning season.
The Hopatcong High School boys soccer team lost four key players to graduation last season, which could pose a problem for the 2011 season. The team is young and lack big bodies. But what the Chiefs have going for them might make up for all those obstacles. They have speed, a new head coach in Ryan Masterson and the naivety of youth.
Click here for head shots of Hopatcong's 2011 boys soccer team.
LAST SEASON
Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Chiefs were rarely out of any game they played last season, finishing at 7-7-5. After beating Hackettstown, 1-0, in a regular-season game, Hopatcong met the Tigers in the first round of the Tri-County tournament and lost not only the game, 3-1, but also their senior captain, Matt Sanders, who suffered a season-ending broken leg. Hopatcong qualified for the state tournament but lost in the first round to Mountain Lakes, 3-2.
LOOK OUT
Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dylan See, Forward (Sr.) – See has a work ethic that is unmatched, both during practice and during the game. He chases down every ball, never gives up on a play.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sweeper (Jr.) – Fitzpatrick has become the vocal leader on the field, especially on defense, where his physical presence makes the biggest impact.
WHO'S GONE
Dan Marino, Goalie – According to teammates, Marino was one of the best goalies to come through Hopatcong High School in a long time. He's now playing at the County College of Morris.
Ryan Sherridan, Forward – Sherridan was the field general, taking control of the game and making sure the rest of the team kept pace.
Timmy Sullivan, Defender – Sullivan was known for his fierce defense and killer leg who always made the big play.
Adam Hero, Center Mid – Hero was known as a playmaker with great vision.
COACH'S TAKE
“I think we’ll have a winning record this year. We will easily make it to the state tournament but we do have a couple of tough opponents to get through, like Newton. They’re always tough.” — Masterson
THEY SAID IT
“I think the season is going to go fairly well. In our first scrimmage we did well. We have a lot of new younger players who I think will learn the game quickly. We have a lot of potential to do well.” – See
“I think we’re going to have a really good season. We have a good young coach who can relate to us and that’s going to help. A lot of the sophomores and juniors have really improved. We’ll be as good or better than last year.” -- Logan Neubauer
