Cranbury School boys soccer team rebuilding

By: Rich Fisher
   The Cranbury School boys soccer team is starting from scratch this year after losing 12 eighth-graders from its 2000 Tri-County Conference championship team.
   "We lost a lot of guys," coach Jay Gilligan said. "This year we have a young team with some decent players. They’re not jelling as quickly as last year, but they’re getting out there and working hard.
   "I brought a lot of guys up from the JV program. I don’t have a lot of veterans on the varsity level though. Last year was one of those years that takes time to get to. You build up to a year like that, so I guess we’ll have to rebuild again."
   Some of the players Gilligan will count on include 8th-grade midfielders John Petrucelli and Alex Johnston, along with transfer Kyle Koehler. Several 7th-graders are also expected to contribute, including midfielder Rohit Gawande, Peter Teifer and Ross McDonald.
   Gilligan is also high on 6th-graders Tom Hellstern at sweeper and Kyle DeBlois at striker.
   Other varsity members include 8th-graders Adam Keele, Jon Hong, Kris Bleach, Jon Merrill and Mario Fiorentini, 7th-grader Jeff Adiletta and 6th-grader Clint O’Brien.
   The goal is the same as always for the Vikings — to improve each game and gain at lest a .500 record. They got off to a rough start last Friday when Montgomery posted a 5-2 victory. Koehler and Teifer had the goals.
   "The five or six shots we had went right to the goalie, so we have to work on that," Gilligan said. "Our strength is at midfield. The defense and forwards need sork, but we’re solid in the middle of the field."
   CORNER KICKS: We were unable to reach expectant father/girls coach Frank Silva for a girls preview, but hope to have a report on the girls next week.