BY FRANK PAPEO
Sports Photo Editor
The boys soccer team has entered a rebuilding phase after losing powerhouse players to graduation and injury, but new leaders have stepped up to help the team play their best in the biggest games.
Captains Antonino Reitano and Zach Deluca have filled the void left by Donovan Battle, Deandre Lewis, and Vincent Tribianni, who graduated. “Being chosen as captain is a great feeling,” expressed Deluca, who has been a threat on the offensive and defensive ends of the field, scoring one goal and one assist. It shows me that [head coach Christopher McGrath] sees me as a leader and someone who can be counted on if needed.”
Reitano has served as a vocal leader for the team since his junior year. “Last year, I felt like a leader, but, this year, getting the arm band just solidified the feeling,” said Reitano, who has earned two assists on the team’s eight goals.
Juniors Gabe Aguiar, and Adrian Torres pose serious threats to their opponents on the field. Gabe Aguiar leads the team in assists (2) while Torres leads the team in goals (2) and points (5). Torres explained, “My goal along with other more experienced players, is to set a standard and be a role model for the rest.”
Senior goalie, Christopher Liberal has come through for the Knights. After losing star goalie Stephen Deak to injury, coach McGrath called on Liberal to leave his club team to play for the high school. “I knew from the start that I had some big shoes to fill, but I didn’t worry,” said Liberal, who recorded his 100th save Tuesday in a shut-out victory over St. Josephs. “I know what must be done, and I’m going to do everything I can for the team this season.”
After tying St. Josephs 0-0 in the previous contest, the boys sought a win in the final home match of the regular season, and they earned the 1-0 victory on the first varsity goal scored by junior Alexander Rodriquez. “To beat anyone in our division is a great feeling,” said Reitano. “A-Rod had that goal coming since the first game; it was well deserved.”
“I feel that we have gotten more comfortable and have been getting better,” said junior Gabe Aguiar. After opening the season with losses against North Brunswick and Monroe, the team earned a win over North Brunswick and tie against Monroe in the second meetings.
The match against division-leader Monroe, who sports a 9-2-1 division record, shows that the Knights can play with anyone. “Although we didn’t come out with a win, the tie still helped us out,” said Liberal, who made 12 thrilling saves in the match. “The feeling after the game was amazing, especially holding a shutout in 80 min of free play plus a double overtime.”
The boys currently sit in fourth place in their division but expect to leave their mark in the postseason. “We are planning for a strong GMC run like last year,” said Reitano, referring to the team’s march to the GMC Finals last fall.
The team will finish the regular season with a road match against South Brunswick tomorrow before facing off against South River at home in the first round of the GMC Tournament at home at 1pm Saturday.
Posted on 10/11/23
Photos by Katelyn Buchalter
Knight Life 