JACKSON — Jackson Memorial High School boys soccer coach Steve Bado isn’t quite ready to press the panic button. True, the Jaguars are off to a rough 3-5 start, but Bado feels it’s only a matter of time before Jackson straightens itself out.
“There is no question that we are struggling at this point in the season,” Bado said. “Our problem isn’t talent. We have plenty of that.We’re just a really young and inexperienced club. We only have two starters returning [from] last year’s squad. Give us some time to work out a few kinks, and these guys will be fine.”
Bado is confident his club will improve its overall performance as the Jaguars prepare to meet A South opponents for the second time. While Bado is assured that the team’s offensive and defensive play will perk up, he’s also hopeful that Jackson can put a few more notches in the win column.
“We’re playing very hard, and we have been in most of the games,” Bado said. “There is no lack of effort here. If we can play consistent soccer and cut down on mistakes, we’re going to get a few more victories against the better teams.”
Bado cited Jackson’s triumph over Toms River North, a 3-2 win, as an example of how his team can perform against an elite squad. In that particular game, Jackson’s defense was outstanding and a couple of timely goals gave the underdog Jags a hardfought victory.
Sophomore Kyle Shankle scored the game-winner with the clock winding down to set off a wild celebration.
“That was a huge win for us and for these guys,” Bado said. “It showed them that indeed they can play with the better teams in the division. For us to go out and beat the likes of a Toms River North, must say that we have some talent here.”
Despite being under .500, Jackson finds itself just two games behind the divisional leader. Bado believes his team is still within striking distance.
“Hey, we’ve still got a shot at it,” Bado said. “The division we play in is full of good teams. There is a lot of parity out there. Anybody can beat anybody at any given time. We need to stay positive and focused.”
Seniors Mike Carletta and Matt Riley have done a good job of leading the underclassmen, Bado said. Carletta is the team’s top scorer, with eight goals and two assists. Riley, a sweeper, has contributed three goals and three assists.
“They’ve been terrific,” Bado said. “We’ve got a lot of players on this team who are new to the system we run. Carletta and Riley have been instrumental in making sure the younger guys stay on track and keep a positive attitude.”
Bado is impressed with the play of freshman Joe Ogren, a fullback, and goaltender Mike Folk. Both have seen extended minutes and should be mainstays on the club for the next couple of years.
“It’s never easy for a freshman to come in and step up to the varsity level,” Bado said. “But these two guys have been great. They are handling the pressure well.”