The Eastern Boys Soccer team had a successful season, finishing with a 14-5-3 record, and advanced to the second round of the Coaches’ Cup tournament and the third round of the NJSIAA State Tournament.  Coach Kosyla looked back on the season in a positive light, commenting that “The Team was led by a group of 19 seniors that represented Eastern High in a way that would make Eastern proud.”   

   Right from the start, the team had to deal with adversity.  “[There were] two injuries prior to the season to Anthony Cutrera (‘19) and Ethan Shacket (‘19) who were lost for the season,” said Coach Kosyla.  However, this didn’t stop the team from going on a run early in their season, as they went 5-1-1 through their first 7 games.

   The season was not all smooth sailing; during the year, the team faced challenges that they had to overcome.  “We switched things up tactically during the season,” said Praneel Trivedi (‘19) “The changes made better use of certain key players and was suited to the way they play.”

   The team received contributions from many different spots on the team.  Phil Varner (‘19) led the team in goals, with 12.  Tanner Koch (‘19) was a defensive anchor, and was one of the most consistent players on the squad.  In addition, Michael Padula (‘19) won the Conference Player of the Week Award for September 10-15, and was a constant offensive threat throughout the season.

   As the successful regular season was winding down, the team turned their attention to the Coaches’ Cup Tournament, where they defeated Bordentown in Round 1, with goals from seniors Gabe Francesconi and Phil Varner.  Unfortunately, the team would suffer a 1-0 overtime loss to Seneca in the second round.

   The team would face a similar fate in the Group IV Tournament, in which they would win their first two games.  However, they suffered a heartbreaking loss in penalty kicks to Jackson Memorial High School in the third round, which would bring an untimely end to the campaign.

   It was a bittersweet end for a talented team, in which many players have played their last game.  “I’m disappointed because I know we were better than our record said,” commented Padula, “We had some great players, and just got unlucky in the last game of the season.”  Antonio Dicolandrea (‘19) echoed some of Padula’s sentiments: “Although the season didn’t end exactly how we wanted it to, we had a good run, and I’m pleased with my Eastern Soccer career.”

   Despite the loss, the players know that what they got out of this season is more important than a trophy or medal.  Trivedi said, “Losing isn’t easy, but all the guys made the season memorable.”  Michael Padula says that the thing he will remember most about this season is the camaraderie.  “I will remember playing with some of my best friends.  The memories of playing alongside them will never be forgotten.”