2025 Shore Conference Boys Soccer Preview: Class A South

Was the Class A South division the best division in Shore Conference boys soccer in 2024? That is a matter of opinion, but when the fourth-place team in the division standings goes on to win the overall NJSIAA Group IV championship and beats two of the teams ahead of them in the standings in the last two rounds of the sectional playoffs, it makes for a good case.

Southern is that defending Group IV champion and will again share a division with five-time defending A South champion Toms River North, a Toms River East side that lost just four games last year, a Central team that is getting closer and closer to a division title and a Point Boro squad that finished .500 and made the Shore Conference Tournament knockout round despite finishing last in the division.

The best team in the division, however, could be the newest A South team – one that also went on to do big things in the postseason after a forgettable regular-season performance.

In predicted order of finish

1. Lacey

Following a disappointing third-place finish in Class B South, Lacey found its next gear in the Shore Conference Tournament and now heads into 2025 with a wealth of experience and established talent. Lacey’s early struggles could be attributed to the absence of midfielder Aiden Schmitt, who returned midseason to help boost the Lions’ attack in time for the SCT. The Lions reached the conference semifinals for the third time in program history and first since 2011.

Before returning to the SCT final four, Lacey would like to conquer Class A South in its return to the division. The Lions have the firepower to do it, led by Schmitt and five of his fellow senior returning starters. Tanner Grozinski was a First-Team All-Shore selection by Shore Sports Insider in 2024 and returns to the top of the Lacey formation in 2025 after finishing tied for second in scoring in the Shore Conference as a junior. Anthony Introna stepped up his scoring in Schmitt’s absence and gives Lacey a well-rounded scoring machine that also includes sophomore Paul Guerriero.

Senior Josh Heckel is also back in the midfield with Schmitt, and the senior duo of Noah Riley and Christian Gilani returns to lead the defense in front of an All-Shore junior goalkeeper in Dylan Graham. Altogether, Lacey’s collection of talent rivals any in the conference when it comes to scoring, all-division and All-Shore accolades, but can the Lions survive the move up to Class A South combined with a challenging SCT group?

Lacey at a Glance

Head Coach: Steve Torre, ninth season
2024 Record: 16-6 (3-2, third in Class B South)
SCT Group: 1 (Howell, Middletown South, Red Bank, Neptune)
Key Losses: Aiden Fitzgerald (Forward), Jack Considine (Midfield), Colin Hayes (Midfield), Brendan Schuler (Defense), Charles DeMey (Defense)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Tanner Grozinski, Sr., Forward (23 goals, 18 assists)

Anthony Introna, Sr., Forward (9 goals, 6 assists)

Paul Guerriero, So., Forward (5 goals, 2 assists)

Aiden Schmitt, Sr., Midfield (5 goals, 6 assists)

Josh Heckel, Sr., Midfield

Logan Hope, So., Midfield

Noah Riley, Sr., Defense (4 goals, 3 assists)

Christian Gilani, Sr., Defense

Aiden Tallman, So., Defense

Braedyn Gialanella, Sr., Defense

Dylan Graham, Jr., Goalkeeper (5 shutouts)

Other Players

Dan Nicol, Sr., Midfield

Devlyn McEwing, Sr., Midfield

Aiden Shaw, Sr., Forward

Jacob Gilani, Sr., Defense

Kenshin McHugh, Jr., Forward

Will Reid, Jr., Forward

Mark D’Angelo, So., Midfield

Tristan DeRosa, Fr., Defense

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2. Toms River North

Doubt Toms River North at your own risk. The Mariners entered last season with Southern to deal with as a challenger to their Class A South reign, and even though Southern proved to be worthy of the hype by the time the NJSIAA Tournament rolled around, the Rams could not beat out Toms River North for the top spot in A South.

With a division championship streak that sits at four seasons, the Mariners will have to replace their top three scorers from 2024, plus three starting defenders. Senior Brady Gillman takes over as the leader in the midfield, while junior Chris Ruggiero moves back up the field after moving to one of the center fullback positions in the middle of 2024. Junior midfielder Nico Paniscu also played big minutes as a sophomore, while fellow junior Gavin Stryker split time in goal and takes over full-time after a strong showing playing half the time.

Senior Dylan Flores returns to the defense, while senior Nick Gallipoli leads an unproven crop of forwards that will have to replace Christian Caso and Josh Brazier. With multiple players capable of starting, depth figures to be a strength for coach Joe Mahon’s team again in 2024. With a tough schedule that will get the Mariners ready for the postseason, a sixth trip to the NJSIAA sectional final round in seven years is within reach.

Toms River North at a Glance

Head Coach: Joe Mahon, 16th season
2024 Record: 16-7-1 (5-0, first in Class A South)
SCT Group: 7 (Marlboro, St. John Vianney, Toms River South, Asbury Park)
Key Losses: Christian Caso (Midfield), Christian Assante (Midfield), Josh Brazier (Forward), James Homyak (Defense), Frank Toledo (Defense), Alex Roman (Goalkeeper), Mike Venegas (Defense), Ryan Guzman (Forward)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Nick Gallipoli, Sr., Forward (2 goals)

Jayden Vanhorne, Sr., Forward

Brady Gillman, Sr., Midfield (3 goals, 6 assists)

Chris Ruggiero, Jr., Midfield (3 goals, 1 assist)

Nico Paniscu, Jr., Midfield

Josh Girtain, Sr., Forward; Manuele Lubrano, Jr., Midfield; Luca Symons, Midfield

Dylan Flores, Sr., Defense

Canio Symons, Sr., Defense

Matt Schwenker, Sr., Defense

Christian Wagner, Sr., Defense

Gavin Stryker, Jr., Goalkeeper

Other Players

Vinny Fraticelli, Sr., Defense

Alex Marin, Sr., Defense

Marc Jerry Delia, Sr., Defense

Floral Yvensley, So., Defense

Jordi Perez, Jr., Defense (1 goal)

Ivan Diaz, Sr., Defense

Matt Mena, Sr., Midfield

Lucas Mendoza, Sr., Midfield

Luis Rodriguez Lopez, Sr., Midfield

Jackson Homyak, Jr.

J.C. McLain, Jr.

Tim Wingender, Jr.

Matt Rodemann, Jr.

Joey Nagle, Jr.

Reiley Woodman, Jr.

Michael Greene, Fr.

 

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3. Central

If the Class A South title is won in the midfield, Central should be installed as the unofficial favorite to capture the crown. The Golden Eagles played like the best team in Ocean County in spurts last season, and that success was born out of a strong midfield group. Ilyas Ciltepe is likely to return to the central midfield after moving to striker last year. If he stays in the midfield, the Golden Eagles will boast him, Landon Kavanagh and Madden Leszczynski in the middle for the third straight season.

The scoring up top pops off the page as well, led by senior Danny Palheta. Ricky Pasqualini scored four goals while coming off the bench last season, and sophomore Mike Bianco is ready to step in as a scoring contributor.

The defense will be the question heading into the season for Central, which relied on First-Team All-Shore fullback Devont King-Reilly to run the three-man operation. Joe Centanni and Connor Azzarone return to a four-man back line in front of returning senior goalkeeper Kaden Stout – a solid trio of veterans to complete a championship-contending lineup.

Central at a Glance

Head Coach: Troy Van Hise, eighth season
2024 Record: 12-8 (3-2, tied second in Class A South)
SCT Group: 4 (Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown North, St. Rose, Donovan Catholic)
Key Losses: Jordan Benzon (Forward), Devont King-Reilly (Defense), Blake Crutchley (Midfield), Dillon Konfederak (Midfield)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Danny Palheta, Sr., Forward (5 goals, 4 assists)

Ricky Pasqualini, Sr., Forward (4 goals, 2 assists)

Mike Bianco, So., Forward

Ilyas Ciltepe, Sr., Midfield (15 goals, 5 assists)

Landon Kavanagh, Sr., Midfield (5 goals, 3 assists)

Madden Leszczynski, Sr., Midfield (2 goals, 2 assists)

Joe Centanni, Sr., Defense

Connor Azzarone, Jr., Defense (1 assist)

Michael Boyer, Sr., Defense

Cole Crutchley, Jr., Defense

Kaden Stout, Sr., Goalkeeper

Other Players

Greg Moody, Sr.

Sam Rezia, Sr.

Julian Lenovich, Jr.

Grady Nowak, So.

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4. Southern

The No. 1 team in the Shore Conference to end 2024 has been on quite the ride over the last 10 months. The Rams entered late October of 2024 unranked and hurling toward a disappointing finish. Then, the team changed head coaches right before the NJSIAA Tournament, and Guy Lockwood led Southern to its first Group IV championship.

Fast-forward to this summer and the Rams again look much different. Only four starters – and 10 goals – return to the starting XI and there is a new coach in charge. John Nacarlo has won four NJSIAA Group championships as a head coach of both the boys and girls teams at Holmdel and will bring that résumé to southern Ocean County.

Brody Nacarlo is the top returning offensive player for the Rams and will be joined in the midfield by classmate Nick Leiriao after Leiriao played on the back line last season. The defense will remain strong with returning senior Cade Schweigart shifting from outside back to center back, while Jon Mandell returns on the outside.

Jaxson Simon, Colton Davis and Tyler Houghton will be tasked with picking up some of the lost scoring. If the Rams can get that boost, the defense will lead the way in their title defense.

Southern at a Glance

Head Coach: John Nacarlo, first season (16th overall)
2024 Record: 19-5-1 (2-2-1, fourth in Class A South)
SCT Group: 8 (Wall, Long Branch, Brick Memorial, Red Bank Catholic)
Key Losses: Aidan Donnelly (Forward), Nick Prosperi (Midfield), Kaan Zenger (Forward), Brody Reynolds (Midfield), Ryan Schweigart (Goalkeeper), Jefferson Rubi Cruz (Forward), Shane Holden (Defense), Christian Alvarado (Midfield/Forward)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Jaxson Simon, Jr., Forward

Colton Davis, Sr., Forward

Brody Nacarlo, Sr., Midfield (5 goals, 7 assists)

Nick Leiriao, Sr., Midfield (3 assists)

Tyler Houghton, Sr., Midfield (2 assists)

Michael King, Fr., Midfield

Caden Schweigart, Sr., Defense (2 goals, 3 assists)

Nick Staiger, Sr., Defense

Jon Mandell, Sr., Defense

Juan Victoria, So., Defense

Kyle Sininsky, Jr., Goalkeeper

Other Players

Kyle Schoepfer, Sr., Defense

David Reyes, Jr., Defense

Brayden Vile, So., Midfield

George Katsianis, So., Midfield – Transfer from CBA

Aiden Johnson, So., Forward

Gavin Berezansky, So., Defense

Nick Sanchez, Fr. Midfield

Brodie Hradek, Sr., Goalkeeper

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5. Toms River East

From start to finish, no season in the last decade of Toms River East boys soccer has been better than the 2024 campaign, which saw the Raiders finish tied for second place in a loaded Class A South division, reach the South Jersey Group III semifinals and finish No. 8 in the final SSI Top 10.

The group that achieved that résumé last year is mostly gone but will remain as strong as any team at the Shore in goal despite the graduation of three-time All-Shore keeper Bobby Calvo. Mike Moore split time with Calvo last year and will have the job all to himself as he combines with a defense led by experienced seniors Aiden Corapi and J.J. Reed to create an even more defensive-minded form than the one that helped the Raiders allow the fewest goals of any team in the conference.

Replacing two All-Shore players in Tommy Renkin and Luke Bodziak will be Toms River East’s greatest challenge, and the Raiders will look to returning starters Aiden Reis, Samuel Los and Evan Capetta to pick up their play on the attack. Brady Gillen – the son of former head coach and standout on the field, Ted Gillen – is looking to make an impact after a dose of playing time as a freshman. Gillen leads a trio of sophomores likely to start and their play will be an x-factor for a team that should continue to make scoring difficult on the opposition.

Toms River East at a Glance

Head Coach: Mike Konopka, 10th season
2024 Record: 16-4-1 (3-2, tied second in Class A South)
SCT Group: 3 (CBA, Manchester, Matawan, Barnegat)
Key Losses: Bobby Calvo (Goalkeeper), Tommy Renkin (Midfield), Luke Bodziak (Midfield), Rowen Joice (Forward), Ethan Kelly (Midfield), Billy Laudien (Midfield), Brandon Dacunha (Defense), Tyler Godlesky (Defense), Nate Cummings (Defense)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Aiden Reis, Sr., Forward (1 goal, 2 assists)

Samuel Los, Jr., Forward (4 assists)

Evan Capetta, Jr., Midfield (3 goals, 1 assist)

Brady Gillen, So., Midfield

Noah Ackerman, Sr., Midfield

Andrew Heid, Sr., Midfield

Aiden Corapi, Sr., Defense (3 goals, 4 assists)

J.J. Reed, Sr., Defense

Jake Schimenek, So., Defense

Vincenzo Nasuta, So., Defense

Mike Moore, Sr., Goalkeeper (1 shutout)

Other Players

River Cervino, Sr., Midfield

Jacob Villegas-Bedoya, Sr., Midfield

Malcolm Smith, Jr., Midfield

Drew Pereira, Jr., Midfield

Miguel Gonzalez, Jr., Defense

Nick DiMeola, Jr., Midfield

Ayden Salazar, Jr., Forward

Mike Peck, So., Goalkeeper

Brennen Hutton, So., Midfield

Riley Weber, Sr.

Joe Laing, Sr.

Adam Amer, Sr.

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6. Point Boro

Although Point Boro finished at the bottom of Class A South last year, the Panthers remained in the A South field following the latest Shore Conference realignment. Despite some key losses, the Panthers return a deep collection of quality players. Should they make the pieces fit, they could step up and surprise the rest of the A South field.

Jake Greene and Sean Hankins are Point Boro’s standout duo, with Green returning as the 2024 leading scorer and Hankins set to graduate early after he started as a freshman in 2023. The back of the formation for Point Boro currently remains up in the air, and Hankins is a candidate to play center back, along with fellow seniors Braeden Moramarco and Joe Doles, as well as several of Point Boro’s collection of forwards.

The Panthers are a senior-heavy team that will challenge the sophomore trio of Colin Leschinski, Owen Moramarco and Ben Scott to step up and deliver for a team that is trying to take advantage of the opportunity to play against high-level division competition and a Shore Conference Tournament group that includes the No. 1 team in the Shore heading into the season in Manalapan.

Point Boro at a Glance

Head Coach: Pete Casalino, 21st season
2024 Record: 9-9-3 (0-4-1, sixth in Class A South)
SCT Group: 6 (Manalapan, Manasquan, Lakewood, Freehold Boro)
Key Losses: Drew Cardia (Midfield), Noah McGinn (Defense), Garrett Gurzo (Defense), Liam Shand (Midfield), Ty Friedman (Defense), Adam Baker (Goalkeeper)

Potential Starters (2024 Stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Luca Grammatico, Sr., Forward (2 goals, 1 assist)

Doug Walsh, Sr., Forward (3 goals)

Alberto Cegio, Sr., Forward (2 goals)

Dean Cardia, Sr., Forward (3 goals)

Owen Moramarco, So., Forward (1 goal, 1 assist); Ben Scott, So., Midfield

Jake Greene, Sr., Midfield (5 goals, 4 assists)

Sean Hankins, Sr., Midfield (2 goals, 2 assists)

Braeden Moramarco, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 4 assists)

Joe Doles, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 3 assists)

Colin Leschinski, So., Midfield (1 goal, 2 assists)

Logan Forte, Sr., Goalkeeper

Other Players

Jason LaBue, Sr., Defense

Chase Connelly, Sr., Defense

Jack Monahan, Jr., Midfield

Cole Danko, Jr., Defense

C.J. Hagberg, Jr., Defense

Nico Veni, Jr., Midfield

Connor Michigan, Jr., Midfield

Jameson Mahon, So., Forward (1 assist)

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Class A South Starting XI

Tanner Grozinski, Lacey

Anthony Introna, Lacey

Ilyas Ciltepe, Central

Brody Nacarlo, Southern

Brady Gillman, Toms River North

Aiden Schmitt, Lacey

Chris Ruggiero, Toms River North

Caden Schweigart, Southern

Aiden Corapi, Toms River East

Christian Gilani, Lacey

Mike Moore, Toms River East (Goalkeeper)