RallyNorth.net

North Reading Boys Soccer Preview

2006 record: 13-2-3, lost in Division 3 North first round

Returning starters (4): Kevin O'Leary, Sr., goalie; Brian O'Neil, Sr., midfield; Josh Rocco, Sr., forward; Jeff Leonard, Sr., defense

Returning lettermen: Dan Connors, Sr., defense; Jay Friberg, Sr., midfield; Chris Spano, Sr., midfield

Newcomers: Brian MacDonald, Sr., midfield; Zach Hastings, Sr., midfield; Alex Hardy, Sr., defense; Brandon Carrette, Sr., defense; Tim McAuliffe, Sr., midfield; Paul Burdett, Jr., midfield; Alex Fusco, Jr., forward; C.J. Venuto, Jr., midfield; Jordon Hall, Jr., defense; Kevin Brosnan, Soph., defense; Dan Duchak, Soph., forward; Nick Hentschell, Soph., midfield; Derek Marenholz, Soph., goalie/midfield; Dave Vollor, Soph., forward

Candidates in all grades: 57

Captains: Jeff Leonard, Brian O'Neil, Josh Rocco

Returning leaders: Brian O'Neil 9-8|17, Josh Rocco 9-9|18

Returning honorees: Brian O'Neil, All-CAL; Jeff Leonard, All-CAL; Josh Rocco, CAL All-Star

Assistants: Rick Doucette, varsity assistant; Joe Davis, JV

Opener: Sept. 8 vs. Salem (Mass.), 3 p.m.

Odds and ends: Brian O'Neil and Josh Rocco, who both scored nine goals, are the only two returnees who scored last fall. ... Kevin O'Leary recorded 13 shutouts in 18 games last year, a school record according to coach Mark Bisognano. ... Former golf captain Tim McAuliffe has joined the team for his senior year, and scored a goal in the preseason.

Coach Mark Bisognano (6th year, 34-43-12): "We had a good team last year, and 12 seniors who all played. This year we have very few guys back. We have four unbelievably strong, all-star level players coming back, so who will step up? I think we've got a few kids who are ready to do that. Depth is going to be a huge question mark for us. No one can plan for injuries, but they'll especially hurt us if they do happen."