After getting blanked 2-0 in the first half of its season opener, the Colonia High School boys soccer team cut the deficit to a goal, but Sayreville War Memorial High School proved too tough and added two more goals in a 4-1 victory.
“The final score doesn’t reflect how well we played,” Colonia head coach Mike Kizoulis said. “We made it a 2-1 game early in the second half, but Sayreville added two more later in the half.”
Sayreville got all four of its goals from senior Kene Eze. A legitimate college prospect, Eze appears to have picked up right where he left off last year.
Colonia is looking to improve upon last year’s 6-8-2 record with senior forward Mauricio Val Delomar leading the way. Val Delomar finished the 2008 season with five goals and five assists and was named to the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division first team.
“Mauricio has a great first step, and we plan to use him at forward and midfield this season,” Kizoulis said. “He’s one of the most dynamic players in the county with great technical skills. We rely on him to jump-start our offense.”
Joining Val Delomar up front is fellow captain Josh Marques. A three-year starter, Marques should provide the young Colonia team with some much-needed leadership.
“Josh is a leader on and off the field,” Kizoulis said. “He knows the game and he works really hard. His experience and leadership will be needed, because we have a lot of newcomers who are learning on the fly.”
One of this year’s newcomers netted the team’s first goal of the season. Junior midfielder Josh Martin scored the Patriots’ first goal off a free kick.
Another notable newcomer is sophomore goalkeeper Mike Klevan.
“He looks solid and he performed really well throughout the preseason,” Kizoulis said. “He saw a lot of game time at the club level and he’s off to a nice start following in his brother Chris’ footsteps.”
Anchoring the defense in front of Klevan is three-year varsity player and captain Matt Dougherty.
“Matt possesses tremendous tackling abilities,” Kizoulis said. “He’s great in the air and he reads the game well.”
Right-side midfielder Steven Fonseca is also expected to have a big season for Colonia. Fonseca gives the team great speed and sound technical skills.
“He’s an excellent one-on-one player, and we’ll need him to step up this year,” Kizoulis said. “His speed can make our attack explosive.”
After opening this week against Perth Amboy High School on Monday, Colonia will play host to defending county championsMonroe High School today at 3:45 p.m.
“Monroe returns a lot of players from last year’s team, and they should be very strong again this year,” Kizoulis said. “Our goal is to be competitive and qualify for the state tournament later in the season.”