Class B North

1. Monmouth

The 2007 senior class of Monmouth soccer players have carried around a lot of expectations since they entered the program in 2004, but this is the year those expectations come to a climax. More established programs have the history to draw upon when a class like this comes around, but Monmouth hasn't been this relevant in the Shore Conference in a long time. Eric Mackin is one of the best scorers in the conference, and certainly the best in B North. Tiago Dutra is a creative center-mid who can get Mackin the ball, while Jared Flynn will compliment him in the midfield. The defense is a it on the young side, especially in goal, where sophomore Kevin Marron will play. Tommy Daybeck is the lone returning senior in the backfield, but junior Kevin Steinberger is a capable sweeper. The keeper situation may be the big concern, but Howell and Manalapan both had great seasons last year with sophomore keepers because they had the talent to protect them. The Falcons have a chance to be the best team in school history and they know it. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.

Big Three: Eric Mackin (Sr., F), Tiago Dutra (Sr., M), Jared Flynn (Sr., D).

2. Ocean

I'm picking the program more that the team here. Ocean lost some serious skill players in Juan Arana, Diego Huerta, and Matt Stengel and will have to get used to life without their big three. However, Tom Reilly's teams were competitive year after year in A North, so the prospects of the Spartans coming up with a team that competes for the B North title are promising. Ben Lowy is their best returning skill player, and will move from the sweeper spot to the midfield. Mike Recchia's versatility will have him all over the field for Reilly, with the senior playing a little bit in the back, in the middle and up front to create scoring chances. The strength of the team will be in the midfield, but like the rest of the teams in B North, Ocean has to find a way to keep Monmouth out of the net during its head-to-head matches. They had trouble doing so last year, and it won't be any easier this year.

Big Three: Ben Lowy (Sr., M), Mike Recchia (Sr., M/D/F), John Billik (Sr., D).

3. Neptune

Unlike Ocean, Neptune returns a majority of its starters from last year's state playoff-qualifying team, including top scorer Brennan Fitzsimmons (nine goals, four assists). Fitzsimmons will man the center-midfield along with fellow senior Tommy Joyce, while Michael Cozzetta returns as a goal-scoring threat at striker. Defensively, the Scarlet Fliers have plenty of experience in stopper Adam Nelson, sweeper Paul Sibole, and defender Omane McKenzie, all seniors with playing experience last year. The challenge for Neptune will be to simply get better with all the seniors it has back, while teams like Ocean and Long Branch have to reload.

Big Three: Brennan Fitzsimmons (Sr., M), Michael Cozzetta (Sr., F), Paul Sibole (Sr., D).

4. Long Branch

While Ocean lost its big three, Long Branch lost its big four. Ron Villatoro, Vinnie Padilha, Ricardo Dagher, and Mike Ramirez all graduated, leaving coach Joe Simon with the responsibility of replace his top striker, two center mids, and his sweeper. There is still some water left in the well though, mainly in forward Manuel Monsalve. Simon likes what he's seen out of the senior striker and expects him to score when the chances come. Antonio Jorge is back in goal, and Matt Garlip will anchor the defense in front of him. But replacing Padilha and Dagher in the middle will be too tall of a task this year. The Green Wave will be competitive, but they can't run out the same experienced talent that other teams have or that they had last year.

Big Three: Manuel Monsalve (Sr., F), Matt Garlip (Sr., D), Antonio Jorge (Jr., GK).

5. Matawan

Matawan has had good players in the past, but have not been able to put them together to form a contender in the Shore Conference on a consistent basis. Coach Dave Deegan is hoping this year is the start of a change in fortune for the Huskies, who return key contributors Eric Frye, keeper Bob Dailey, and defenders Kevin Burns and Dan Geran. In addition, Deegan likes what he's seen from sophomore newcomers Chris Harris and Alan Hrvatin. With perennial powers Ocean, Long Branch, and Wall down on experience, it's time for Matawan to strike while the iron is hot and contend in B North.

Big Three: Eric Frye (Sr., M), Kevin Burns (Sr., D), Cam Cressman (Sr., M).

6. Wall

It's hard to believe a team that won the Central Group III title just two years ago would be fighting to stay out of last place for the two years that followed. But that's the challenge Garry Linstra's team will face this season. There is some young talent in place to get back into contention next year, but getting back this year will take some fast in-season development. Harrison Wagner give the Knights a scoring threat up front, but the defense is inexperienced and will be the key to a turnaround season. If not for the history, I would probably pick Wall to finish last.

Big Three: Harrison Wagner (Jr., F), Sean Raffettio (Jr.), Mark DeSalvo (Sr.)

7. Freehold


Freehold is a lot like Middletown South in that they rely heavily on their keeper and hope they can give him enough support. Louis Herring is a proven goalie, but the Colonials need to find him some help. Senior midfielder Jason Horowitz and Ed Hearn will likely account for most of the offensive prescense. Like I said, Wall might be in trouble of finishing last, and Freehold has shown they can beat good teams (they beat Monmouth last year), so they are another team that could be much better than antcipated.

Big Three: Louis Herring (Sr., GK), Ed Hearn (Sr., M/F), Jason Horowitz (Sr., M).


Fab Five

1. Eric Mackin - Monmouth

2. Tiago Dutra - Monmouth

3. Brennan Fitzsimmons - Neptune

4. Ben Lowy - Ocean

5. Manuel Monsalve - Long Branch