WOODBURY – The Nonnewaug High School boys varsity soccer team was off to a rough start this season after playing without 12 of their players from last year. These struggles may be attributed to the lost roles that those players used to play for the team, but like everything in line, there’s a silver lining.
In the Chief’s first few games of the season, the group took losses to out-of-conference teams like Pomperaug and Immaculate in a local jamboree tournament.
Head Coach Toby Denman notes that the team’s early season struggles might be attributed to missing seniors as well as growing pains for the new young players.
“The roles that last year’s seniors played for our team were big,” Denman said. “We lost basically 100% of our goalkeeping squad from last year as well as our center mid, forward, center back, and more.”
Beyond just replacing its goalkeeping squad, NHS soccer had plenty to replenish this fall.
Lakeview September 5th. The team faces a challenging October slate which will include rematches against key rivals like Shepaug and Lakeview.
“We lost around 8 or 9 starters from last year,” Denman said. “So the team is looking a little different this year.”
While this may be seen as a negative by most people, Coach Denman is using this challenge to push the younger players to adapt and fill the roles of the missing seniors.
This is seen through the eyes of returning sophomores and juniors who have played in the past as well.
Veteran Jake Cenatiempo is a senior player for the Chiefs who voiced his opinions on the upcoming squad alongside Coach Denman.
“The newer players have definitely filled the roles of the missing seniors by simply performing on the field and giving others something to strive towards.”
Cenatiempo trusts that with hard work, dedication, and respect, the Chiefs can regain what was lost from the veteran seniors last year.
“The new players have been able to make plays in practice and games, which gains the respect of the team, which is needed to be able to succeed together.”
As new players step up to fill open roles, the Chiefs are looking as good as ever as they strive to compete yet again in their league.
With many wins since the “Jamboree” tournament where they had shown early season struggles, the Chiefs team and coaching staff look to make this season a memorable one; with matchups like Lakeview and Shepaug coming up, the Chiefs aim to take control of their season record and make it one that is feared by all in their league. Along with rising stars filling the roles of the lost senior class, the Chiefs are showing signs of true potential to take over the game and the Berkshire League, evidenced by last Saturday’s 2-1 OT victory on the road at Shepaug.
Moments like these, beating an undefeated Shepaug team, give hope to Coach Denman and the Chiefs that early season woes are a thing of the past. And with new players stepping up to fill these open roles, the Chiefs strive towards total domination of the Berkshire League despite last night’s difficult loss against former Berkshire League rival Lewis Mills.
“I think what’s very positive about this year’s group is that people are embracing opportunity when they get it,” Coach Denman said. “Certain players are moving into more significant roles than they might have had in the past, which is crucial in the development of this team.”
