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Warriors' boys soccer seeks vast improvement
When a team loses 13 of 14 games during a regular season, it has virtually nowhere to go but up the following year. Cheektowaga Central boys head varsity soccer coach Matt Haberl hopes his Warriors can take the much-needed steps forward to compete this fall after a down 2005 season.
Haberl returns for his 11th season at Central, after the locals graduated 10 seniors from last year's roster.
However, junior Alex Visbisky, who led Central in scoring last season, including scoring five goals, returns to the forward position. Sophomore and second-leading scorer Jared Messina, who tallied three goals, is also back in the mix at halfback.
Junior Jonah Messina is another key returnee, playing as a sweeper. Visbisky, Jonah Messina and senior goaltender Chris Hannel are tri-captains.
Despite a youthful team that is comprised of just three seniors, Haberl believes the 2006 Warriors could produce the first winning season in school history within Erie Country Interscholastic ConferenceIII.
"We've got a young team that is an explosive bunch of kids," the 11th year coach told the Times. "The guys bring enthusiasm and want to win. They want it this year. We feel good about the start of the season."
Haberl listed new league opponent Amherst, as well as local rivals Maryvale and Depew, as teams that should provide Central's toughest competition this year. He added that high-scoring Flyers junior forward Josh Hall is likely the league's best player this fall.
Girls Soccer
Cheektowaga Central
Central, which won just a couple games last season before losing to powerhouse Williamsville East in the Section VI playoffs, returns nine players to its roster in 2006.
Senior forwards Becky Gworek and Jessica Smith, as well as Lauren Jarczewski, Rachel Kandefer, Kaitlyn Lipinoga, Kristen Mazurkiewicz, Shannon Scheffler and Ashley Zimmerman, and sophomore Kelly Pieczonka all played extensively for the Lady Warriors in 2005.
The locals are coached by Nick Bordonaro and open their season Tuesday at home against West Seneca East at 4:30 p.m.
Maryvale
The Lady Flyers, which are coached by Gerilynn Hartmeyer, return seniors Ashley Serwon, Nicole Odrobina, Erica Eberth, Nicole Kurtz, Chelsea Rath, Ashley Camm, Stephanie Solberg and Lynsey Cycon to this fall's roster.
John F. Kennedy
The Lady Bears, which won just three games last season, return five players who saw playing time last season, including seniors Julie Czaplinski (defense), Angellica Pollina (D/midfielder) and midfielder Candace Ping, as well as sophomore midfielder Jen Jankowski and sophomore forward Nicole Powell.
JFK, which is coached by Bryan Flynn, opens its season next Thursday at home against Eden, with start time scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Next week: Boys soccer roundup, cross country previews
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