Whether the Monroe Township High School boys soccer team (8-1-1) mounts a serious challenge for the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV titles depends on the players’ versatility.
So says Steve MacKenzie, who enters his 16th season as head coach. The Falcons finished with a 13-9-1 record a year ago, and their coach hopes this year’s team can marshal the same effort as the 2012 edition that forged its way to the state championship finals before bowing out in the title game to Millburn High School.
“How we capitalize on our ability to put players in different positions will determine our success,” MacKenzie said. “We’re also going to need a few to step up and become go-to guys.”
One who has filled that role admirably is senior forward Alex Infosino, who has netted 14 goals to lead the team in scoring. Infosino brings a special kind of excitement each time he touches the ball. He is flexible with his shot making and passing, as evidenced by his six assists.
The rest of the scoring is bunched around other players, including junior midfielder Zach Hronch, who has five goals and four assists; senior midfielder Dave Durski (four goals, three assists); and Kenny Flauzino (three goals, two assists). Senior Justin Thompson has been effective on the defensive backline, but he can provide an offensive spark. He has two goals to go with his six assists.
The rest of the starting lineup includes senior backs Kyle Knotts and Andrew Wang, junior back Andrew Stern, senior middles Jeremy Maamen and Hunter Merrick and sophomore Matt Mischler.
The goaltending is the responsibility of senior Bryce Horn, who has made 45 saves. His backup, senior Anmol Madaan, has made seven saves. Other newcomers are junior middles Greg Ludwig and Chris Katerba and freshman Matt Hoyt.
Before a Sept. 30 contest against Red Division opponent J.P. Stevens High School (4-4-1), Monroe was a half-game behind front-running East Brunswick High School. The Bears are 6-0-1 in division play, while the Falcons are 7-1 with the lone defeat coming against East Brunswick. The teams meet again on Oct. 9 at Monroe.
Another key contest is scheduled for Oct. 2, when the Falcons visit St. Joseph High School of Metuchen, which is in third place with a 4-2-1 record.
“We’re in the thick of the division race, and I expected that,” MacKenzie said. “Our other goals are to challenge for the conference and state tournament titles. Our success so far has been built around playing organized defense and attempting to be dynamic when we attack. Much of the leadership will be shouldered by our captains and seniors, and our mindset is to compete each day and work toward achieving our goals.”
MacKenzie’s career record at Monroe is 215-104-15. He is assisted by John Jenson, Chris Sidler (also handles the junior varsity team) and Joe Yannone at the freshman level.
Among the former Falcons who have gone on to play in college are Corey Klaskin (Moravian College), Tyler Utheim (Marist College), Matt Anderson and Kevin Brix (Centenary College), Luigi Buffolino (Rowan University) and Dom Polidoro (The College of New Jersey).