After one of the most successful seasons in school history, the expectations for the Manchester boys soccer program are potentially the highest they’ve ever been. 

On October 5, 2023, the Hawks defeated Donovan Catholic 4-1 to clinch their first B-South title in 21 years. Although this season has not quite gone how they may have envisioned, there is still all to play for. Currently sitting at a record of 5-6 (3-1), the Hawks have maybe had a bit of a slower start to the season then they anticipated, as they dropped some very winnable games early on to Point Pleasant Beach and Brick Memorial. Despite the slow start, the Hawks have gotten the majority of their tougher games out of the way and have a more favorable schedule in this upcoming stretch.

In spite of the modest start to the season, Coach Salvemini and the Hawks still have several goals in place. To begin with, the team is looking to defend their B-South title. Although the Hawks had lost 2-0 to division opponent Toms River South, they are still mathematically alive in the race for the division. Regardless of the inconsistency, there are still plenty of positives to take from this opening portion of the season. Senior Erik Balkius, who has had the majority of his high school career riddled by injuries, has had a captivating start to his season with 3 goals and an assist. Another positive for the Hawks early on was their 1-0 win against a tough division opponent Lacey. A dominant defensive effort as well as an early goal from junior Brayden Kurak led the Hawks to an impressive win. This Hawks team is also unlike past ones in the amount of returning varsity players they have. There are a total of 12 returning varsity players along with nine of those being returning starters. Although this team is not headlined by any standout player, Coach Salvemini believes this could be a positive thing. “This team has the ability to become the most successful team in school history and the 2025 class can realistically go down as the best class in school history. Do they have what it takes? We’ll find out.”

Returning Varsity Players:

Muiz Aderogba- Midfielder/Defender

Erik Balkius- Forward/Midfielder

Aiden Clauburg- Defender (Captain)

Noah Cundiff- Goalkeeper 

Brayden Kurak- Forward/Defender

Cody McLeod- Defender/Forward (Captain)

Sullivan Nolan- Defender 

Gabriel Occhipinti- Midfielder

Anderson Ordonez-Meija- Forward/Midfielder

Josh Rosado- Forward

Yoel Santos- Zarco- Midfielder/Defender 

Bechweb Sevilla-Meija- Midfielder/Forward

Coaches: 

Varsity- Nicholas Salvemini

Assistant Varsity- John Holzer

JV- Shawn Wood

Managers: Isabel Mogrevejo, Diana Estrada (Seniors)