Seasoned Warriors seek soccer playoff berth
A year ago, Rob Miele took over the Elizabeth Forward boys soccer program and was simply hoping to turn things around.
After all, the team had only won a single game in 2013 and six in 2014.
Last year, the team went 7-9-2, including 5-6-1 playing in the same section with tough teams like South Park, Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon.
But when asked about expectations for this year, Miele said he has set the bar much higher in Section 1-AA where South Park will once again be the favorite.
“We have expectations of making the playoffs and competing for a section title,” he said. “We have to win the games that we are supposed to win and with us having so many players back, I think they have a clear goal in front of them.
“They’ve been focused on these goals since we started winter training and we talk about it every day.”
The Warriors return nine starters including a pair of seniors entering their third season as a starter in All-Section goal keeper Ryan Lee and midfielder Colin Pastor, who is the leading returning scorer with five goals.
The seven players entering their second season as a starter include seniors Jake DeMaio (left back), Tyler Trunzo (right back), Ian Watson (center back), forward Dylan DeRoss and midfielders Nate Forsythe and Jeff Ragan as well as junior center back Hunter Sinay.
The other two starters will be a pair of juniors in forward Zach Lewis and midfielder Dave Saunders.
Miele also mentioned several other contributors off of the bench in junior midfielders Jake Maringo and Payton Ziemke, junior defender John Schubert and freshman Zack Snyder.
“Obviously, we are a very veteran team and will be starting nine seniors this fall,” Miele said. “Hopefully that leads to us getting off to a fast start this season.
“We will have to get contributions from everyone and I like the makeup of our group moving forward.”
The Warriors open up against Southmoreland at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. when they hosts the Scotties in a rematch of a double overtime, 1-0 win last season.