By Wayne Witkowski
Christian Brothers Academy has ample firepower, led by returning 40-goal scorers Michael Carroll, a sophomore, and junior Nick Gasner. However, the team will need new starting goalie Ryan McGuiness, a junior who played in three games last year, and its rebuilt defense to evolve quickly and get the Colts back into championship contention after a subpar season last year.
“We had a down year — our most losses in 15 years,” coach Dave Santos said, referring to an 11-6 season that included a Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals loss to Freehold Township High School, 5-4, in overtime. “Our attack was relatively new last year, and now they have a year under their belt. Our five top scorers return.”
Carroll scored 44 goals and had eight assists for last year’s team. Gasner, who had 40 goals (70 for his career) and 40 assists, is 5 feet 5 inches tall, but Santos said Gasner’s quickness and change of direction makes him tough to defend.
Also contributing is senior captain Shay Walczak, who fired in 31 goals and had 15 assists last season. Cologial Muscara, a senior, had nine goals and 12 assists last season.
“We should have a solid attack where all three starters return but a very inexperienced defense and goalie,” Santos said.
The firepower was evident and the defense was tested in the team’s season-opening loss, 12-7, March 30, to Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen.
On the other end of the field, McGuiness is fronted defensively by returning starter Jack Koury, a junior, and senior returnees Gordon Paul and Trevor Einwechter. Juniors Jack Croken and Rich Bartlewitz add depth and experience to the defense.
Graduates off last year’s team were led by defender Joey Ventura and midfielder Nick Gazzillo, who is off to a college career at Manhattan College.
Returning midfielders include seniors Gordon Paul and Andrew Rooney — both captains — Shane McGuiness and Justin Shea-Katz and juniors Ryan Madalone and Finn Straine.
“It was the part of the roster we were concerned with and now it looks good in preseason,” Santos said prior to the season.
The Colts defeated Kinnelon High School, 9-8, in their home opener April 2.
Santos said Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and Freehold Township are among the leading contenders in the Shore along with Red Bank Catholic High School and Manasquan High School.
The Colts enter a big stretch of the schedule. They host Manasquan April 7, travel to Freehold Township April 9 and then take on Rumson-Fair Haven and the Peddie School on April 12 and 13, respectively.