By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Preview capsules for the 2022 high school boys soccer season.

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Ryan Conner, 21st year, 208-118-56 career record.

2021 Recap: 9-6-3 overall; 4-2-1 Suburban League.

Returning Lettermen (10): Will Guzy, sr.; Bennett Winkler, sr.; Christian Viant, sr.; Felipe Machado, sr.; Alex Savukas, jr.; Jonah Shanholzter, jr.; Ben Gallman, jr.; Parker Seitz, soph.; Coby Conner, soph.; Colin Dockman, soph.

General Outlook: The 2021 Greemen were young and inexperienced, with only five seniors and 11 first-year varsity players. This year, things are a bit different for the team.

“We have a good group of players with varsity experience returning,” head coach Ryan Conner said of his 10 returning lettermen. “The players have been working very hard during the off-season.”

Conner, though, pointed to his team’s challenging schedule, which includes matchups with Revere, Copley, Rocky River, Chagrin Falls, Buckeye, Hawken and Twinsburg as reasons his team will be put to the test this year.

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Head Coach: Eric Sway, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Jose Perez, assistant.

2021 Recap: 7-11 overall.

Returning Lettermen (12): Jayden Julian, sr.; Kenny Stoots, sr.; Luke Wilcox, sr.; Thomas Fusci, jr.; Gavin Dunfee, jr.; Hans Seibold, jr.; Andrew Pfost, soph.; Elijah Jurisch, soph.; Sam Wright, soph.; AJ Brock, fresh.

Lettermen Lost (4): Drew Ferrari, Jackson Wilcox, Travis Horner, J. Jakubowski.

General Outlook: Everything is new for Crestwood, according to first-year head coach Eric Sway.

“New coaches, new style of play, new everything,” he said.

“The team will be small in numbers, but they will be fit and competitive. If they can grasp the new concept and buy in, a .500 season would be a great goal. We have a great goal-scorer in Jayden (Julian). He will need to lead on the field, and I am confident he will do just that.”

Forwards: Julian returns for his senior season after netting 21 goals and passing off eight assists last season.

Midfield: Elijah Jurisch leads the way here, finishing with five goals and two assists a year ago.

Defense: The top defenders for the Red Devils, according to Sway, will be Kenny Stoots and Luke Wilcox.

Goalkeepers: Charlie Schweickert returns after a 50-plus save season in 2021.

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Juan Barreto, 9th year overall; 96-46-18 career record.

Coaching Staff: Dru Pifel, assistant; Kevin Brastine, assistant.

2021 Recap: 9-3-5 overall record; 4-3-0 Metro Athletic Conference; 2nd in MAC.

Returning Lettermen (13): Gavin Greene, Garit Greene, Kyle Schoenbeck, Blake Montgomery, Ein Pierce, Tyler Ebie, Caleb Brastine, Alec Grimm, Logan ZLonzrick, Tucker Paull, Brayden Ronowski, Ben Stayer, Liam Waffen.

Lettermen Lost (5): Gaby Barreto, Gino Manno, Trent Hogan, Ryan Zreny, Skylar Thomas.

General Outlook: Despite 13 returning lettermen, head coach Juan Barreto still considers his team young overall

Forwards: Alec Grimm, Brayden Ronowski and Kyle Schoenbeck will lead the way up top.

“We also have three solid freshman,” Barreto said.

Midfield: Liam Waffen will lead the way in the midfield for the Falcons.

Defense: “We have an all new back line,” said Barreto, but we do have Garit and Gavin Greene, as well, who will hopefully return at full strength before the season begins.”

Both players currently are working through minor injuries.

Gavin Greene could break the school’s career assists record by season’s end — a notable accomplishment for a defender.

Goalkeepers: Caleb Brastine is scheduled to start in goal for the Falcons.

“We also have an outstanding freshman who is coming along nicely.”

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Michael Coney, 13th year, 120-75-40 career record.

Coaching Staff: Luke Wagner, assistant; Nolan Teece, assistant.

2021 Recap: 8-4-4 overall record; 3rd in Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (11): Andrew Wem, sr.; Cameron Edwards, sr.; Ethan Bittence, jr.; Aaron Gissinger, jr.; Matt Robinson, sr.; Kyle Schaefer, sr.; Onid Rinaldi, jr.; Andrew Borucki, jr.; Aaron Rodhe, jr.; Brody Justice, soph.; Tommy  Wem, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Colin Lysiak, Cole Reedy, Cody Justice, Matt Khairallah, Andy Crawford, Nate Gibson.

General Outlook: “Intrigued,” head coach Mike Coney said. “We have an interesting team that lost several good players, but is also returning several good players.

“We are low in numbers and are not very deep, but we have a couple special players and a really hard working and resilient group.”

Forwards: Ethan Bittence scored three goals and had nine assists last year.

“He is incredibly quick and relentless and is great on the counter.”

Andrew Wem scored five goals and had six assists a season ago.

“He is a strong, technical player that makes good decisions on the ball.”

Midfield: Aaron Gissinger (1 goal, 3 assists) will play a defensive midfielder for the G-Men.

“Aaron is great in coverage and challenges. He is the engine of the team.”

Defense: “Cameron Edwards is a tall, intelligent center back, who is very solid on defense. Aaron Rodhe is a very quick defender, who excels in one-on-one situations.”

Goalkeeper: Brody Justice will start in goal for Garfield.

“He is a very good shot-blocker, who has great potential.”

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Garyn Daniels, 4th year; 12-12-7 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jason Marmash, assistant; Nathan Harris, assistant; Ryan Casazza, assistant.

2021 Recap: 10-5-4 overall; 4-2-1 Suburban League; 2nd-place tie in Suburban; Sectional champions.

Returning Lettermen (11): Daniel Hido, sr.; Alex Horak, sr.; Charlie Martin, sr.; Hunter Morris, sr.; Tyler Poluga, sr.; Ben Young, sr.; John McKinney, jr.; Amir Spratt, jr.; Cole Christy, soph.; Ian Horak, soph.; Finn Obraza, soph.

Lettermen Lost (19): Reese Campana, Mathias Broyles, Noah Locke, Ryan Noble, Ethan Jenkins, Will Stresing, Jayden Reynolds, Tristan Bryce, Patrick Kirby, Owen Richardson, Phillip Vorhauer, Griffin Pahls, Diego Morelos, Ben Pazderak, Justin Dunfee, Ryan Barkley, Cooper Liedtke, Ikram Naqash, Chaka Abe.

General Outlook: “Our team is young this season after losing, probably, the biggest class in our school’s history,” head coach Garyn Daniels said. “We have a lot of new varsity players that are eager to step in to fill the void. The silver lining in such a big senior class last year was having the ability to develop these young players in order for them to be ready for the challenge of playing varsity soccer and they have been very impressive in the early stages of this season.”

Something Interesting: In addition to the team’s impressive 3.76 team GPA last year, many of the Rough Riders’ players serve in the community as youth referred and help work at the program’s youth soccer clinics and camps.

Forwards: Alex Horak and Amir Spratt return to lead the front line.

Horak was second on the team in goals last year with 10 and was tied for the team lead in assists with four.

“His combination of speed and a dangerous left foot make him a threat to score from anywhere.”

Spratt netted seven goals and spent the off-season working to improve.

“He has gotten stronger and improved in the air. Paired with his dribbling and finishing ability, he has had a very good preseason so far.”

Midfield: Charlie Martin, Hunter Morris and Finn Obraza all return to the midfield for the Riders.

“Martin is a strong force in the air and improved his tackling ability last year. Morris provides a lot of speed and crossing ability on the outside and Obraza is a very gifted player from a technical standpoint.”

Defense: Hido and Horak both spent time playing midfield in 2021 and were responsible for a lot of defesive assignments.

“Both are very tough in tackles and are very good one-on-one defenders. Also, McKinney had a great off-season and came back very strong and has great composure on the ball to play out of the back.”

Goalkeepers: Roosevelt graduated its top-three keepers and juniors Adam Khan and Sam Lanier are currently vying for the starting spot.

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Matthew Wunderle, 12th year, 77-92-24 overall record.

Coaching Staff: John Morgan, assistant; Brady Starkey, assistant; Ian Johnston, assistant.

2021 Recap: 10-7-1 overall record; 3-3-1 Metro Athletic Conference; 5th in MAC.

Returning Lettermen (11): Macen Beichler, soph.; Ben Hatcher, sr.; Nick Iurato, sr.; Diego Jasso, jr.; Mikey Myers, jr.; Dylan Phelps, sr.; Ben Rainone, sr.; Julian Rios, jr.; Derick Skilton, soph.; Chauncy Walton, soph.; Mason Ward, sr.

Lettermen Lost (5): Roberto Carrion, Ayden Falkenberg, Blake Fitzgerald, Zack Myers, Will Rambler.

General Outlook: “In my 12 seasons as a varsity coach, this is the most skilled team I’ve had the opportunity to lead,” Ravenna head coach Matthew Wunderle said. “We’ll be able to play a very creative, fun and exciting style of soccer this year, and I anticipate a lot of success for this team.”

Something Interesting: Last year’s Ravens tied the boys soccer school record for consecutive wins with five. Along the way, the team also broke several school records related to goals scored, assists in a game and assists in a season.

“We nearly broke the school record for goals in a season.”

Forwards: Julian Rios, who scored four goals and had three assists last year, appears ready for a breakout season after battling through injuries during his first two years of high school.

“He is the most tenacious player on the team and is going to draw attention this season.”

Mason Ward was Ravenna’s leading scorer with 18 goals and also had nine assists.

“He is likely the most feared goal-scorer in the county and conference, and he has improved in the off-season. He is stronger, faster and more focused.”

Midfield: “We have a lot of depth here.”

Mikey Myers is an all-around player and enters the year after scoring four goals and having five assists last year.

“I cannot see any flaws in his game. He sometimes gets overlooked, because he plays so quickly and simply that he does not draw a lot of attention to himself. That is the beauty of his game. If you blink, you will miss his influence, but if you watch closely, it is clear that he is the engine of our team.

Nick Iurato (11 goals, 12 assists) is arguably the most creative player on the Ravens’ roster, with top-level footskills and a quality shot.

Additionally, Ben Hatcher has “incredible vision and a high soccer IQ.”

Derick Skilton is ready for the next step, while Preston Hatcher and Aiden Hills are newcomers that could earn significant minutes.

Defense: The back line features the Ravens’ most improved player in Chauncy Walton.

“He had a solid freshman season, and he has turned into a first-class defender and team leader.”

Cam  Smith is among the most physical defenders in the MAC and has great instincts, according to Wunderle.

“Ben Rainone is a dream to coach. He works hard, encourages others, learns about the game and always smiles.”

Another player, Macen Beichler, could prove to be an important influence on the Ravens’ defensive abilities after producing well as a freshman.

Goalkeepers: Ravenna returns the MAC Tournament Golden Gloves award-winner in Diego Jasso.

The addition of former All-Ohio goalkeeper and Ravenna alum Brady Starkey to the coaching staff has helped push Jasso to new heights.

Newcomer Jayden Moore is solid technically and gives the team nice depth.

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Charlie Voth, 22nd year.

Coaching Staff: Aaron Miracle, assistant.

2021 Recap: 10-4-4 overall record; 5-2-1 Portage Trail Conference; 3rd in PTC; Sectional champions.

Returning Lettermen (12): Jeremiah Dick, sr.; Austin Greenwald, sr.; Simon Halaszi, sr.; Ben Kreitzburg, sr.; Brady Fillmore, jr.; Trent Gauer, jr.; Nathan Pastor, jr.; Derek Schindler, jr.; Owen Burrell, soph.; Gianni Damicone, soph.; Zach Hays, soph.; Blake Postlethwait, soph.

Lettermen Lost (4): Austin Burke, John Drago, John Fitzpatrick, Nick  Roberts.

General Outlook: “We hope to be very competitive and be in the running for the PTC title,” Rootstown head coach Charlie Voth said. “We have an above average amount of team speed and a good nucleus of returning lettermen.”

Forwards: Austin Greenwald and Brady Fillmore will start up top for the Rovers.

“These two kids have played varsity soccer since they were freshman. They bring team speed and solid fundamentals, which can cause problems for opposing defenders.”

Midfield: Nathan Pastor leads the group as the reigning PTC Player of the Year, while Jeremiah Dick and Owen Burrell will also start.

“Our offensive attack runs through Nathan. He is like the quarterback of our team.”

Defense: Blake Postlethwait and Ben Kreitzburg as the team leaders on the back line, but Voth said he anticipates Zach Hayes and Gianni Damicone to step into big roles this season.

Goalkeepers: The starter is junior Trent Gauer.

“Trent improved tremendously a year ago, and we are looking forward to watching him take another step this year.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Curtis Ahrens, 9th year; 56-69-10 career record.

Coaching Staff: Justin Hovis, assistant.

2021 Recap: 2-13-2 overall record; 0-7-1 PTC.

Returning Lettermen (4): Gavin Bertka, Trevor Gump, Owen Bowers, Blake Dillner.

Lettermen Lost (12): Mackenzie Campbell, Richie Haas, Michael Hetrick, Kaden  Wood, Pierce Zorica, Michael Carroll, Brandon Levite, Logan Yost, Alessandro DeBella, Preston Muccino, Pau Blancafort, Kage Klatka.

General Outlook: The team’s roster size is a concern for head coach Curtis Ahrens.

“We are a very young and inexperienced team this season with only 12 boys in the program. We will endure our growing pains, but in the end, we will prevail with a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge gained.”

Something Interesting: The Pirates have partnered with the Ravenna boys soccer program the last two years to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Portage County for a service project.

Forward: Sophomores Matt Fields and Owen Bowers will lead the attack up front, with Bowers also spending some time at midfield.

Midfield: “We are going to be leaning heavily on our two returning lettermen.”

Those two players are juniors Blake Dillner and Gavin Bertka.

Defense: Junior Trevor Gump is the leader of the back line for the Pirates.

Goalkeeper: Sophomore Kendrick Campbell is in position to take the lead role, according to Ahrens. Freshman Andy Clifford is the backup.

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Paul Krzeminski, 14th year.

Coaching Staff: Jason Gasbarre, assistant.

2021 Recap: 3rd in Metro Athletic Conference; Sectional champions.

Returning Lettermen (11): Dom Incorvati, Taeven  Genovese, Tristan Sadowski, Jack Pincoe, Billy Koroly, Vince Incorvati, Payton Krzeminski, Aidan Mrakovich, Joe Maragos, Justin Brugman, Max McLaury.

General Outlook: “Always excited, and we have a very experienced team,” Streetsboro coach Paul Krzeminski said. “Multiple boys on the team are playing club ball all year round, which is a far cry from where we once were.”

In addition to the large number of returning lettermen, the Rockets also have plenty of depth with Tyler Kamlowsky, Preston Layea, Ethan Layea, Kevin Murphy, Josh Schneider, Easton Christine and Gage Morris.

Forwards: Senior Taeven Genovese and sophomore Payton Krzeminski are arguably two of the most technical players on the team, according to Krzeminski.

“They pair nicely together.”

Midfield: The Rockets feature pace, technical skills and creativity in moving the ball at the midfield position, with Tristan Sadowski, Joe Maragos, Billy Koroly and Jack Pincoe leading the way.

Defense: Dom Incorvati was named Second Team All-Ohio last season and is joined by starters Aidan Mrakovich, Max McLaury and Vince Incorvati.

“All are physically strong and fast. There is a lot of experience in this group.”

Goalkeepers: Sophomore Justin Brugman will step into the starter’s position for the first time for the Rockets.