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Poland boys soccer team reloading in 2010
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By GREG GULAS
The Poland High boys soccer program went 14-0-2 a season ago, winning the All-American Conference, Red Tier, while advancing to the district finals against Cardinal Mooney.
They dropped a hard fought 2-0 decision to the Cardinals and settled for runner-up honors. If they are to duplicate their 2009 mark, senior leadership and a strong junior class will need to step up their games.
“We’re rebuilding this year, trying to those voids with new players. We have a group that will need to become seasoned very quickly, all the while becoming creative with our offensive opportunities,” fifth-year head coach Brad Sackella said.
The Bulldogs lost 12 seniors from last season’s unbeaten squad, while 10 seniors return to provide much needed leadership.
Gone are Ryan Storkel (First-Team All-State in 2009), Ryan Ciccone, Frank Ferraro, Matt Wolford, Jordan Volchko, Bob Balzano, Taylor Malaniak, Cooper Kostelic, Spencer Booth, Leo D’Angelo, Charles Lamping and Matt Mrozek.
The 10 seniors on whom Sackella will depend this season are Max Demetra, Dan Hunt, Alex Magni, Dan Montgomery, Lucas Rindi, Adam Robertson, Charles Tareshawty, Drew Wagner, Jack Watson and Jeff Phillips.
The junior class includes Paul Alberti, Patrick Brown, Ian Flickinger, Kyle Kozicky, Kevin Krumpak, Chris Lane and Jordan Shepherd. One sophomore, Michael Kinkela, rounds out this year’s roster.