William Paterson men's soccer preview
After reaching the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament and the final of the 2011 ECAC Metro Region Tournament, the 2012 William Paterson men's soccer team is looking to put together another deep run into postseason play this fall.
"This group is very similar to the teams from the last two years," said 21st-year head coach Brian Woods. "They are very hard-working guys, and I think this team will be more balanced. We're not the biggest team, but we have a lot of speed."
With eight starters and 15 letterwinners returning from last season's 14-4-4 squad, including eight seniors, Woods will have experienced and game-tested veterans available to blend with a large group of newcomers. His challenge, especially during the opening weeks of the season, will be to find the most productive combinations to put on the field.
"One of our greatest strengths is our flexibility," Woods related. "No one has a set position right now. This is the most versatile team I've ever had, so we have a lot of different ways we can go lineup-wise."
First-team all-conference and second-team all-region honoree Michael Encarnacion (Franklin, N.J./Passaic County Tech) tied for second in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) with seven assists a year ago while making the move to his natural position of outside back. The senior, who could also see time in the central midfield, will be counted upon to provide leadership on and off the pitch this season.
Senior Andrew Tauriello (Stockton, N.J./Hunterdon Central Regional) has developed into one of the best center backs in the league, garnering honorable-mention all-NJAC laurels after starting in all but one appearance a year ago. Limited by an injury during preseason training, he could also provide minutes up top this fall.
Classmate Naeem Boucher (Paterson, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) had a breakout season in 2011, garnering a spot on the All-NJAC Second Team after contributing eight goals and four assists. "Naeem was our best forward during spring workouts, and he is playing like he has something to prove," Woods stated.
Wes Ostrzycki (Edison, N.J./Edison) started 19 times as a first-year Pioneer during the 2011 campaign, notching a goal and an assist. The senior will likely see action as a center back and midfielder, but also could join the attack from the front line.
Senior Dan Patton (Pennsauken, N.J./Pennsauken) has been sidelined for much of preseason camp, but the outside mid will look to regain the form that saw him collect eight points (3 g, 2 a) a year ago. Kevin Bzdek (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley) saw his minutes increase as a junior, starting six times while appearing in all 22 matches. He is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield, but also could see action in the central back. Senior Marcus Rouse (Rahway, N.J./Rahway) made a career-high 10 appearances last fall, and will compete for time at back or midfield.
After a year away from the program, sophomore Santiago Mesa (Paterson, N.J./Passaic County Tech) has returned to compete for the starting goalkeeper role. Very athletic and great with his feet, he will battle with classmate Ben Horowitz (Spotswood, N.J./Spotswood), who has displayed exceptional quickness to the ball.
Marcus Hackett (Montclair, N.J./Immaculate Conception) was a second-team all-league selection as a rookie, tallying three goals and an assist. Capable of playing almost any field position, he will start the season in the attacking third, but could move to the back line when needed to help neutralize opponents with speedy forwards.
Matt Nigro (Morganville, N.J./Marlboro) became a regular in the lineup as a sophomore, notching a goal and an assist while starting in 17 of 21 matches. Coming off a strong spring, Nigro will likely begin the season as a starting outside midfielder.
Junior Karl Schroeder (Long Valley, N.J./Gil St. Bernard's) also had a productive offseason coming off a 2011 campaign that saw him start 21 times as a first-year Pioneer. The central midfielder is also capable of playing out wide for WP.
Sophomore Omar Jallow (Union City, N.J./Union City) was Woods' most pleasant surprise since the end of the 2011 season, and likely will be moved to forward thanks to his ability to break down opponents inside the box.
Junior Teddy Benedict (Monroe Twp., N.J./Monroe Twp.) will utilize his speed to try to win a spot at outside midfield, while sophomore outside mid Rafael Marques (Woodland Park, N.J./Passaic Valley Regional) hopes to see his role expand after playing in eight matches a year ago.
After practicing with the Pioneers in 2011, sophomore Scherdlens Jean Pierre (Irvington, N.J./Irvington) could break into the lineup this fall as an outside back since he is capable of shutting down opposing players.
Last suiting up for the Pioneers in 2006, senior David Chase (Randolph, N.J./Morristown) has impressed Woods during preseason training. As his fitness improves, Chase could earn time at center midfield or forward.
Junior Besmir Dzila (Prospect Park, N.J./Dr. Ibrahim Temo) may start his first year as a Pioneer at center mid. Exceptional at going to goal and possessing a big shot, Dzila plays with a European mindset but needs to continue to improve defensively.
At 6-foot-5, Aken Pierre (North Plainfield, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) is still growing into his body. A center midfielder from a great high school program, the freshman is outstanding in the air and will likely make an eventual move from outside to center back. Woods believes that Sean Neal (Franklin, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) has been the biggest surprise of preseason training. Strong with a deft touch, the freshman could contribute at back or midfield if he continues to develop.
Junior transfer Hugh Riley (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) has been lightning-quick in early workouts, and freshman Josh Basket (Oak Ridge, N.J./West Milford) has displayed great athleticism and could see minutes in the back.
Third-team all-state honoree Mike Conte (Franklin, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) came to WP with a number of scholastic accolades. The outside mid continues to feel his way into the college game. Fellow freshman Jason Padilla (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) showed well in the Pioneers' preseason scrimmage, displaying great pace in the attack.
Freshmen Paul MacLean (Howell, N.J./Howell) and Kevin McKeary (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) will compete for time as outside midfielders, and McKeary also could earn minutes as an outside back as well.
