Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

September 4, 2012

Boys' Soccer Preview: 25 Players to Watch

Grant Burfeind, Falmouth, senior, forward: With his outstanding speed and ability to put the ball in the net, Burfeind led the Yachtsmen with 13 goals last season. 

John Burns, Kennebunk, senior, goalie: Burns was named to the all-SMAA second team last fall in his second varsity season. 

Gitch Cleary, Scarborough, senior, back: A third-year starter, Cleary is an excellent one-on-one defender who anchors the defense for the Red Storm. 

Matt Crowley, Greely, junior, midfield: A third-year varsity player, Crowley controls the middle third of the field for the Rangers. 

Will D'Agostino, Falmouth, junior, goalie: His size and athleticism make it difficult for opposing players to get the ball past D'Agostino, who recorded seven shutouts and compiled a .944 goals-against average last season.

Austin Downing, Scarborough, senior, striker: A fourth-year varsity player, Downing has been a focal point for the Red Storm attack throughout his career. 

Owen Gillis, Westbrook, junior, midfield: A third-year varsity player, the speedy, highly-skilled Gillis will make the offense go for the Blazes. 

Ted Hart, Greely, junior, striker: A physical player who can strike the ball with either foot, Hart led the Rangers in scoring last fall. 

Will Hirnak, Mt. Ararat, senior, midfielder: A three-year starter, Hirnak has the size and savvy to dominate the midfield. 

Peabo Knoth, Waynflete, senior, striker: The Western Maine Conference Class C player of the year last fall, Knoth scored 15 goals to lead the Flyers to their first Class C state title. 

Jack Martell, Gray-New Gloucester, senior, forward: Martell has the skill and talent to play wherever he's needed on the field. 

Parker Matheson, Freeport, senior, midfielder: An all-Western Maine Conference pick last season, Matheson is a steadying influence for the Falcons. 

Alex McLean, Marshwood, senior, forward: An extremely physical offensive player, McLean collected eight goals last season and has the ability to score from long range. 

Fran Mendoza, York, senior, forward: While playing primarily out of the midfield, Mendoza had seven goals and three assists to help the Wildcats reach the Western Class B final. 

Charlie Mull, Cheverus, junior, goalie: A second-year starter, Mull allowed fewer than one goal per game last season to earn honorable mention SMAA honors. 

David Murphy, Yarmouth, junior, midfield: A third-year varsity player, Murphy uses his fabulous first touch and terrific vision to make the Clippers' transition game go. 

DJ Nicholas, North Yarmouth Academy, sophomore, forward: An extremely dangerous player, Nicholas put in 17 goals to lead the Panthers in scoring during his rookie season. 

Stephen Ochan, Deering, sophomore, midfield: Extremely quick on the counter-attack, Ochan has the ability to control the game, offensively and defensively. 

Wyatt Omsberg, Scarborough, junior, midfield: A transfer from Messalonskee, Omsburg is an unselfish player with the ability to control the tempo of the game. 

Conor Reagan, Gorham, senior, forward: A first-team all-SMAA pick last fall, Reagan has led the Rams in scoring the past three seasons. 

Tim Rovnak, Portland, senior, forward: An All-SMAA selection last fall, Rovnak had 14 goals and nine assists in his second varsity season to lead the Bulldogs in scoring. 

Konnor Scarponi, Brunswick, senior, forward: A skilled, speedy player who can shoot with either foot, Scarponi returns to the top of the Dragons' formation after scoring 16 goals last season. 

Aaron Sinclair, Thornton Academy, senior, back: While operating primarily out of the center back position, Sinclair has 15 goals and 10 assists since moving into the starting lineup in 2010. 

Peter Vannorsdall, Camden Hills, junior, back: The lone returning starter from last year's Eastern Class B championship team, Vannorsdall is expected to anchor the defense. 

J.P. White, Falmouth, senior, midfield: One of the top players in the state, White had eight goals and six assists to help the Yachtsmen capture the Class B state championship.

-- Paul Betit, Staff Writer

 

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