Prep Boys Soccer Preview
In reaching the Class 5A regional semifinals last season, the Mariner High soccer team used a blend of rock-solid defensive players and talented finishers on the offensive end.
When they needed to win defensively, they did. This included prevailing 1-0 in a penalty kick shootout against rival Cape Coral in the District 5A-15 championship game.
When pressed, the offense also responded, evident in their 4-2 win over Davie Nova in the regional quarterfinals.
At the start of this season, though, the Tritons must lean on the defense more since the bulk of their scoring options graduated.
“We lost everybody on the offensive side,” Tritons coach Martin Cardenas said. “We’ll be rebuilding on that side of the ball.”
The Tritons, who finished 19-6-5 last year, opened their campaign Monday with a 2-0 loss at Fort Myers.
The Cape Coral Seahawks (17-4-4) also reached regionals last year. They open the new season by hosting North Fort Myers and Ida Baker hosts Barron Collier, both on Wednesday.
Though Mariner and Cape emerged as the two top teams in the district last season, Cardenas said it’s more wide open this year.
“It’s hard to tell,” he said. “Barron Collier is always tough. Gulf Coast is improved. Cape Coral has very good, quick offensive players. Baker is getting a lot better and North always plays tough.”
During the early part of the season, each team hopes to bring along some of their underclassmen to help the experienced players.
Mariner is led by senior goalkeeper Renato Proia and senior defensive sweeper John DiRoma. Sophomore goalkeeper Matt Brust adds depth. He saw the majority of playing time during preseason scrimmages because Proia is still playing football.
Sophomore John Teeter and junior Matt Isherwood both started every game on defense last season. Another key player is senior captain Travis Edward, a stalwart last season in the defensive zone, but has moved to midfield.
The Seahawks also featured a balanced squad a year ago, but were hit hardest by graduation on defense. They lost their goalkeeping tandem of Carlos Duque and Justin Dzwoncyzk, who combined for 13 shutouts.
“Priority No. 1 is to rebuild the defense,” Seahawks coach Aldo Nardiello said. “Solidifying and hardening a new defense takes time.”
Returning seniors Nick Gillogly and Zach Sheffield are being counted on to provide leadership in the back row.
Offensively, the Seahawks are led by senior Kenny Segura, a playmaker at midfield, and senior forward Andrew Torres.
Baker (3-10-7) expects to be more competitive this season under first-year coach Mick Whitewood.
Seniors Joe Johnson (forward), Anthony Frederick (defense) and Daniel Arango (midfield) are supported by a promising group of underclassmen.
North Fort Myers (8-8-6) is a young team as well, coach Doug Palow explained.
“Game experience will be critical,” he said.
The Red Knights return three seniors in Trey Yeatter, Jonathan Arellana and Beau Reed, though Reed will be sidelined until mid-December with a broken foot.
Cape’s newest high school, the Island Coast Gators, are competing at the junior varsity level this season under coach John Ball.