Boys Soccer Looks for Another Championship Run

Millburn has emerged as a state power in the world of boys soccer over the last few years, and that suits James Raytsin just fine.

"It's been great to watch this team improve each season," said Raytsin, a senior midfielder. "We hope to keep it going this year."

Millburn, which begins its 2010 campaign Wednesday at 4 p.m. when it hosts Newark East Side, is coming off a 16-6-2 season when it reached the NJSIAA Group 3 state final for the second straight year.

While Millburn bowed to Princeton, 2-1, in the state final, it still had a very successful season. It tied Seton Hall Prep—last year's top ranked team in the state—in the Essex County Tournament final, 0-0. It marked the third straight year Millburn has earned a share of the county crown.

"That would be the ultimate for us, to win that tournament four straight years," said Raytsin, who had seven goals and two assists last fall. "As a freshman I really didn't know how good this team could be but its been great to see us do this well."

Millburn, which won the Group 3 state title in 2008, has had The Star-Ledger's Boys Soccer Player of the Year on its roster the last two seasons. In 2008, forward Josh Plump earned the award with sweeper Chris Benedict earning the honor last season.

"Personally, I don't put pressure on myself," said Raytsin. "It would be great to be an All-State type of player, but as long as we win, that's what's important."

Head coach Rob Grosso knows his team will have a target on its back because of its recent success but he prefers not being the favorite.   "I like to be the underdog and use that as a motivator," he said. "This is pretty much a different team than last year and our motto this season is 'Every game counts' and that's how we'll approach the season."

In addition to Raytsin, Grosso will rely on players like seniors Ben Wormser and Mike Budlow, sophomore Rohan Sood and junior Drew Rosenberg. Millburn plays in the very-competitive Super Essex Conference and will play teams like Seton Hall Prep, Columbia and West Orange twice this year—and possibly three times if they meet in the ECT. Throw in non-conference matchups against Clifton, Ridge and Hopewell Valley and Millburn will be very experienced once the post-season rolls around.

"We can get beat up a little in the regular season with our schedule," said Grosso. "But that will prepare us for the state tournament. We had six losses a year ago and still got to the final."

Millers 2010 Boys Soccer Schedule

Sept. 15: vs. Newark East Side, 4 p.m.
Sept. 20: at Columbia, 4 p.m.
Sept. 23: vs. Orange, 4 p.m.
Sept. 27: at Nutley, 4 p.m.
Sept. 29: vs. West Orange, 4 p.m.
Oct. 1: at Seton Hall Prep, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5: vs. Ridge, 4 p.m.
Oct. 7: at Newark East Side, 4 p.m.
Oct. 8: vs. Hopewell Valley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Clifton, 6:15 p.m.
Oct. 13: at Montclair, 4 p.m.
Oct. 15: vs. Columbia, 4 p.m.
Oct. 19: vs. Montclair, 4 p.m.
Oct. 22: at West Orange, 4 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Seton Hall Prep, 4 p.m.
Oct. 29: at West Essex, 4 p.m.