High Hopes For Berlin Boy's Soccer

Berlin boys soccer coach Dave Francalangia knows a few things about his team this fall.

He knows that the team will play together and has good chemistry and he also knows the key to the season may be the consistency of the teams scoring goals.

"I like our team unity," he said. "We have a team filled with potential varsity experience (23 guys). We have a lot of competition amongst the group, which is hopefully a good thing.

"We need to put the ball in the back of the net and gain actual varsity experience as quickly as possible."

After going 10-5-2 last season, the Redcoats lost four starters, so seven return. Two years ago, Berlin advanced to the state tournament semifinals and last year to the quarterfinals.

Leading the returnees is junior Alex Bednarek, who was All-CCC and All–State and will be a captain this year. "He is a player to watch as an emerging star," Francalangia said. "He controlled the middle of the field on last years team and scored 13 goals and had 8 assists."

Also back for Berlin are junior defender Matthew Heimlich, senior forward Brajan Cano, junior midfielder Steve Burns, senior defender Kevin Langevin, senior defender Pat Veley, junior forward Brian Kennure, sophomore defender Evan Hale, junior goalie Brian Bostrom and junior forward Nate Ruscito.

"Heimlich will need to be vocal leader on the field. He changed to sweeper after five games last year and needs to command his troops in the back," Francalangia said. "Cano needs to score goals, he needs to score 10 to 15 goals in order for us to be successful. He was All-CCC is a captain this year and scored 11 goals and had 6 assists last season. Burns has a great touch and will need to take a leadership role and be the guy in the middle for us, great touch, great knowledge of game. Langevin is stronger, bigger and has a better touch than last year.

"Tencza is solid in the mid but will need to step up his game in order for us to be successful. Veley added some strength, height, and weight, which is much needed in the competitive CCC South. We're looking for him to be a force in the back. Kennure is a potential scorer but needs to work hard in order for us to be better. He learns and reads game very well. Hale is an impressive youngster with a bright future. He will be solid fixture in the midfield this year. He has great soccer knowledge and understands the game. Bostrom is an experienced keeper with loads of potential who needs to put in the work to enhance skills. Ruscito looked promising in early scrimmages. I'm hopeful he can score 10 goals this upcoming year."

Francalangia said the CCC South is wide-open this season.

"Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern are the top teams and Maloney might be a surprise this year," he said. "It's a pretty tight conference. Each game is winnable and all games will be close. The conference up for grabs this year."

Berlin opened with a solid victory over East Hartford Tuesday night.