High school sports continue to change year after year, but there\u2019s an argument that high school boys soccer is enduring one of the most seismic shifts in recent memory.<\/p>\n
Players representing clubs in the MLS Next Homegrown Division, the highest division in United States club soccer, will no longer be allowed to compete in high school soccer, which creates a significant ripple in the local high school boys soccer scene. The merging of two of the largest clubs in the state, Lehigh Valley United and HEX FC, into Penn Rising XI allowed the newly formed club to receive MLS Next status and expand the number of players forced to make a decision between club soccer and high school.<\/p>\n
Although the All-EPC first team primarily consisted of seniors, even the two juniors \u2013 Emmaus\u2019 Ben Grossi and Pleasant Valley\u2019s Royce Thompson \u2013 who earned the top honor decided to forego their remaining eligibility and play for their clubs. Four more players selected to the All-EPC second team were also lost to the MLS Next development program.<\/p>\n
Needless to say, there will be a lot of new faces on the field this fall in what could be a defining year for the future of high school soccer in District 11. Year one should show which programs have the depth necessary to mitigate the loss of top talent, which ones relied on star power and which ones have invested enough in their local youth programs to survive these dramatic changes.<\/p>\n
Before the play on the pitch answers those questions, here is what we know about the area\u2019s top teams heading into one of the most intriguing seasons in high school soccer history:<\/p>\n
Milestone watch<\/p>\n
Some of the top players might be gone, but a pair of longtime coaches are closing in on significant milestones in Emmaus coach John Cari and Northwestern Lehigh coach Nathan Hunsicker.<\/p>\n
Hunsicker, who took on a role as an academy coach at Pennsylvania Prime, is entering his 16th season leading the Tigers and has an inevitable milestone right around the corner. The next win for Northwestern Lehigh will mark the 300th of his career to go along with a pair of state championships in 2022 and 2024.<\/p>\n
He still has a long way to go, and might need Cari to retire well before him, to reach the mark that the leader of the Green Hornets is on the cusp of attaining ahead of his 22nd season. With a total record of 359-96-31, Cari is six wins away from surpassing legendary Salisbury coach Mark Allinson as District 11\u2019s all-time leader in wins. Allinson went 364-256-32 in his 30 seasons leading the Falcons, and Cari will most likely reach that mark before reaching 100 losses.<\/p>\n
He could break the record as soon as Sept. 17 against Dieruff with the wait likely not having to last more than a week if the Green Hornets don\u2019t get off to a perfect 6-0 start. As one of the teams to beat, it wouldn\u2019t be a surprise if the night game at home against the Huskies places Cari on top of a prestigious list.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at the teams to watch over the next two months:<\/p>\n
Best of the best<\/p>\n
Parkland Trojans (23-2-1, 17-0-0 EPC, District 11 4A champion)<\/p>\n
With a run to the state semifinal to back up a state championship appearance the season prior, Parkland continues to set the standard in local boys soccer. It\u2019s difficult to see that changing despite the loss of eight seniors, including three All-EPC first team selections in Christopher Park, Anthony Bautista and Lincoln Fritz.<\/p>\n
Even with the changing landscape in high school soccer, the Trojans are as well-equipped as anyone to maintain their success with tremendous depth and a selfless culture.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Alex Hurwitz, Sr. Edward Curelar, Sr. Ethan Frey, Sr. Jason Ryu, Sr. Matt Feiller, Sr. Austin Alvarez-Yong, Sr. Daichi Yamashita<\/p>\n
Emmaus Green Hornets (20-3-3, 13-1-3 EPC, EPC champion)<\/p>\n
In the last seven seasons, the Green Hornets have walked away with at least one championship all but once, which continued with a second consecutive EPC championship last fall. A team built upon its defensive structure, Emmaus will once again demand creativity and\/or individual brilliance from opponents who want to score, but the big question remains: can they find that decisive goal themselves?<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Anthony Suida, Sr. Lorenzo LoPiccolo, Sr. Maseyn Muthard, Sr. Gabriel Reyes, Jr. Brennan Stack, Jr. Noah Delgado, Jr. Anthony Suida<\/p>\n
Northwestern Lehigh (24-2, 14-0 Colonial, Colonial and District 11 2A champion)<\/p>\n
A stunning loss to Southern Lehigh in the 2022 Colonial League Tournament championship, seven games before winning a PIAA 2A championship, is the only blemish on Northwestern Lehigh\u2019s Colonial League Tournament record in the last five years. The pride of the league are the heavy favorites to bring home a fourth consecutive gold medal, although it will be with one of the youngest and most inexperienced teams in a long time according to longtime coach Nate Hunsicker.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Cole Mertz, Sr. Dean Carl, Jr. Weston Killar, Jr. Logan Shurr, So. Jack Bissell, Fr. Zach Masenheimer, Fr. Turner Milks, Fr. William Snyder<\/p>\n
Championship contenders<\/p>\n
Freedom Patriots (16-4-3, 12-2-3 EPC)<\/p>\n
The loss of midfielder Gavin Lynch to the MLS Next program could end up being the most impactful in the area, but the Patriots have the depth and experience to make it back to a championship game like they did in the EPC Tournament last year. More than a handful of returning starters will attempt to pick up the slack and return the program to the winner\u2019s circle for the first time since 2021.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Ben Rodriguez, Sr. Caden Grimmer, Sr. Evan Plasco, Sr. Luke Twiggar, Sr. Mason Duzant, Sr. Logan Espinal, Sr. Liam Curtin, Sr. Nate Stannard<\/p>\n
Northampton Konkrete Kids (15-4-2, 13-2-2 EPC)<\/p>\n
A few years ago, the losses that Northampton experienced this offseason would have tempered expectations and taken the Konkrete Kids out of preseason contention. The departure of EPC MVP Luca Mannino, and a plethora of important contributors, will be felt, but coach Chris Bastidas still expects his team to maintain their high standards this fall. A shift in team strength from the final third to the defensive third will be interesting to monitor, but the expectations remain the same for the K-Kids.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Ryan Nahf, Sr. Blake Turner, Sr. Jason Brabec, Jr. Jacob Fallenstein, So. Camden Armour<\/p>\n
Liberty Hurricanes (13-6-2, 12-3-2 EPC)<\/p>\n
Brody Hunsberger is another detrimental loss for a Bethlehem soccer program after he nearly helped lead a dramatic upset over Emmaus in last year\u2019s district tournament. The Hurricanes also lost a pair of goalkeepers to MLS Next as well as a trio of senior starters from last season. Strength and work rate will be the key to putting the Canes in position to pull off a few upsets in the postseason, which are two things coach Jason Horvath always seems to get out of his teams.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Diego Almanzar, Sr. Andreas Delgado, Sr. Matias Palma, Sr. Cash Paulus, Sr. Joao Pedro Alves,\u00a0 Jr. Murilo Santano<\/p>\n
Southern Lehigh Spartans (15-8, 11-3 Colonial)<\/p>\n
Peter Valimont takes over for the Spartans after 15 years as the head coach at Pennridge and a short stint as the junior varsity coach with Southern Lehigh. There\u2019s an opportunity to challenge Northwestern Lehigh in the Colonial League with many top teams in the league experiencing significant losses, so he\u2019ll be looking to his captains \u2013 Everett Arellano, Ben Challer, Vasilis Tantaros and Kai Sarko \u2013 to lead a charge toward Colonial League and District 11 3A titles following last year\u2019s losses in those respective championships.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Everett Arellano, Sr. Ben Schaller, Sr. Vasilis Tantaros, Sr. Kai Sarko<\/p>\n
Moravian Academy Lions (14-6-1, 11-2-1 Colonial)<\/p>\n
Although the team\u2019s top two goal scorers are gone, Moravian Academy returns enough players to warrant confidence to compete for both the Colonial League and District 11 championships this fall. A return to the 1A classification should help that belief, but the Lions will be lacking a premier goal scorer for the first time in a few years, which could also be a benefit creating more balance and unpredictability in front of goal.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Roman Perrucci, Sr. Isaac Garcia, Sr. Leo Woodworth, Jr. Apollo Fernandez<\/p>\n
Can they make the leap?<\/p>\n
Nazareth Blue Eagles (10-7-3, 10-4-3 EPC)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a bit of a disappointing stretch of years for the Nazareth boys soccer program, but there\u2019s plenty to build upon from last year and a strong core of returning players who can help the Blue Eagles emerge as a postseason pest this year.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Evan Crescenzo, Sr. Owen Moyer, Sr. Chris Samson, Sr. Elliot Flicker, Sr. Drew Zindel<\/p>\n
Pleasant Valley Bears (12-7-1, 11-5-1 EPC)<\/p>\n
All-EPC first-team selection, Royce Thompson, is another fantastic individual player lost to the MLS Next program, leaving a significant void in Pleasant Valley\u2019s attack. The Bears also lost seven seniors, including its leading goalscorer from last season in Adam Sopanski. The first season under coach Jon Mickens could go either direction, but the newly appointed coach is confident that his team can compete for a semifinal or championship berth in the postseason.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Cole Clark, Sr. Gavin Lewis, Sr. Matthew Slobodzian, Sr. Christian Pinherio, Sr. Lennox Granda, Sr. Adrian Szyszko, Jr. Michael Powell<\/p>\n
Wilson Area Warriors (11-8-2, 8-4-2 Colonial)<\/p>\n
The leap from good to great is one of the hardest to make in any sport, but that isn\u2019t deterring coach Paul Stewart\u2019s confidence this year. Dillard Jones, Braden Benevides and Connor Millen headline a Warriors team set on breaking through in a wide-open Colonial League behind Northwestern Lehigh.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Dillard Jones, Sr. Braden Benevides, Sr. Connor Millen<\/p>\n
William Allen Canaries (5-13, 4-13 EPC)<\/p>\n
An uncharacteristic 5-13 season, caused by graduation and injuries, allowed for plenty of young players to gain valuable experience last season, which could allow the Canaries to get back into the playoff mix this season. Four key seniors return to a starting lineup that should have plenty more skill and confidence than a season ago as William Allen seeks to flip last season\u2019s struggles.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Jaddiel Reyes, Sr. Danny Niola, Sr. Dylan Avial Castro, Sr. Asiel Santiago<\/p>\n
Playoff potential<\/p>\n
Easton Red Rovers (8-6-6, 7-4-6 EPC)<\/p>\n
Easton was rarely out of a game last season with a stout defense and an uncanny ability to hang tough with the best teams in the area. It led to six ties and a near victory over Emmaus in the district playoffs, but the Red Rovers are looking for more this fall and have what it takes to not only qualify but also pull off a stunner in October.<\/p>\n
Notre Dame-Green Pond Crusaders (11-7-1, 9-4-1 Colonial)<\/p>\n
A strong senior class and a group of exciting freshmen will lead the way for the Crusaders this year after a disappointing, winless postseason last year in nail-biting fashion. Flipping those close results early in the season could provide the jolt that this team needs to make noise in the league and district tournaments.<\/p>\n
Whitehall Zephyrs (6-9-3, 5-9-3 EPC)<\/p>\n
Much like William Allen, the Zephyrs gained a lot of experience last season with a young team and appear hungry to coach Chris Malone after an outstanding preseason. After half of his team\u2019s results last year came in the form of a one-goal loss or a tie, Malone is hoping the experience will flip some of those close results and get his team into the postseason.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. William Quiros Figueroa, Sr. Jacob Valencia Barona, Sr. Brayden Cruz, Jr. Aiden Schrampf, So. Elliott Kromer<\/p>\n
Northern Lehigh Bulldogs (7-11, 3-11 Colonial)<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs return much more than they lost, and after narrowly missing out on a playoff spot at 7-11, that could be the spark they need to jump a few spots in the standings and get a taste for playoff soccer.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Kellen Bauer, Sr. Onsard Charles, Sr. Landon King, Sr. Kyle O\u2019Connell, So. Michael Bauer, So. Keelin Moore, So. Chase Moyer<\/p>\n
Making strides<\/p>\n
Salisbury Falcons (4-13-1, 3-11-1 Colonial)<\/p>\n
Jonathan Ruiz takes over this fall as he hopes to return the Falcons to the peaks of their long, proud history. A massive sophomore class of 12 players should help, but a couple breakouts across the entire roster could get this team a lot closer to a playoff spot than they were a year ago.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Julian Makhoul, Sr. Brian Soita, Sr. Jeandy Lantigua Batista, Sr. Thomas Pojanowski, Sr. Edward Ballek, Jr. Daziel Galindo<\/p>\n
East Stroudsburg South Cavaliers (6-10-2, 5-10-2 EPC)<\/p>\n
The Cavaliers barely found themselves on the outside looking in during last season\u2019s postseason and are hoping that the energy from this offseason will translate into early success. A difficult opening to the season could provide a challenge, but there are opportunities to build momentum throughout the year and push for a playoff berth.<\/p>\n
Pen Argyl Green Knights (8-10-1, 5-8-1 Colonial)<\/p>\n
The Green Knights are another program that made a coaching change this offseason, welcoming Tyler Horton as the new head coach of the program after a long run of leadership by Nevin Smith. He\u2019ll be depending on six seniors to lead that transition and get the Green Knights back to the postseason.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Trexler Moore, Sr. Reid Kotulka, Sr. Wesson Breidinger, Sr. Kevin Levan, Sr. Tucker Schneck<\/p>\n
Palmerton Blue Bombers (6-10-1, 4-8-1 Colonial)<\/p>\n
The Blue Bombers ended the year strong, losing just once in their final six games, and will be hoping to build on that late success despite the loss of Carter Huber to MLS Next. Coach Caleb Loew considers last year\u2019s record as the floor with plenty of potential to make a run at a championship.<\/p>\n
Key players: Sr. Wyatt Spalding, Jr. Justin Spurdik, Jr. Zachary Borger, So. Brett Smith<\/p>\n
Preseason Power Rankings and Predictions<\/p>\n
1. Parkland (EPC & District 11 4A champion)<\/p>\n
2. Emmaus<\/p>\n
3. Northwestern Lehigh (Colonial & District 11 2A champion)<\/p>\n
4. Freedom<\/p>\n
5. Northampton<\/p>\n
6. Liberty<\/p>\n
7. Southern Lehigh<\/p>\n
8. Pleasant Valley<\/p>\n
9. William Allen<\/p>\n
10. Moravian Academy<\/p>\n
Derek Bast is a freelance reporter who can be found on Twitter\/X at @derek_bast or reached by email at derekbast11@gmail.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"High school sports continue to change year after year, but there\u2019s an argument that high school boys soccer…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":277049,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[119,121,120,305,726,432],"class_list":["post-277048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-allentown","tag-allentown","tag-allentown-headlines","tag-allentown-news","tag-high-school-sports","tag-sports","tag-top-stories-tmc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/277048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=277048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/277048\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/277049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=277048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=277048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=277048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}