Sneak Peak: West Orange Soccer Team

Coach: Doug Nevins (12^th season).

Assistants: Charlie Rowan, Austin Alvarado, Matt Zielyk

Last year: 21-3-1, North 1 Group IV champions

Returning starters: Chris Aristizabal (Sr., midfielder), Dan Contreras (Sr., left back), Justin Mault (Sr., center, midfielder), Jason Padilla (Sr., outside middie/forward), Josh Ringel (Sr., central defense), Matt  Schneier (Sr., right halfback), Kazari Trought (Jr., forward), Jelani Williams (Sr., striker).

Top newcomers: Julien Stello (Jr., forward), Mario Isaac (forward), Brian Marsh (forward).

Key losses:  Fabricio Acosta (center/midfield), Thomas Attamante (goalie).
Key games:  Sept. 14 at home with Seton Hall Prep and at Prep Oct. 6; Sept. 16 at Livingston and Oct. 13 home to Livingston.

Outlook: Five starters and five other players who got plenty of time return from last year. The Mountaineers, who open Friday at home against Millburn, should have enough to improve on their 2010 record and contend for the Super Essex Conference and Essex County Tournament titles. They were second to Seton Hall Prep last season in both. The Mountaineers would also appear to have enough to win the state Group IV title if the breaks fall right.

Williams, leaning toward Monmouth University as a college choice, is among the top talents in the state. He scored 26 goals and had 12 assists last year and scored 15 goals in six games during a summer league. "He’s the most dominant player we’ve had since Brayan (former West Orange High and Seton Hall University standout Brayan Martinez)," said Nevins.

Trout will give the team another big scoring threat.  Trout scored eight goals and had 10 assists last season. "He has really improved his game," Nevins said.

He should be a top forward. 

Aristizabal, a four-year varsity player, was overshadowed by Acosta.

"With Fabio gone he has stepped up his game," Nevins said. "He has looked great all summer. He is great in possession and has great feet and a soccer brain."

Contreras is back, but returns from left back to center back where he can use his quick, fast feet. Schneier moves from right wing to right back and will jump into the attack as a forward.

Mault is skilled and is being recruited by Montclair State and Rutgers-Camden.

The Mountaineers allowed just 11 goals last season and had 18 shutouts. The Mountaineers lost to Seton Hall Prep twice and tied the Pirates in the other meeting. One of the losses was in the county final. The Mountaineers' other loss was to Hunterdon Central in the state Group IV semifinal. 

"Overall the team has looked great all summer," said Nevins. "The biggest surprise has been the defense. We are small but really quick, which allows us to really pressure the other team. We can play in their end because of our skillful midfielders and dangerous attackers."
"If this team commits to defending as a group and continues to play the way they look now it could be a really special group."