2025 Shore Conference Boys Soccer Preview: Class B Central
The new Shore Conference realignment standards have created a situation in which the Class B Central division is likely to have rotating champions on a yearly basis. Larger programs that have fallen on hard times drop into B Central and immediately become a division contender and with a strong enough performance, those teams play their way back up to Class B North.
There have been some constants in the division, namely Ranney maintaining its status as a yearly contender and Asbury Park remaining a solid program that can play at the top of the division in a good year. Monmouth Regional is back in B Central this season and is likely one strong showing away from jumping up a division, while Neptune hopes to do the same in its first year as a Class B Central team.
In predicted order of finish
1. Neptune
A rough season in 2023 made it seem as though Neptune was a long way from getting back near the .500 mark, but the Scarlet Fliers did not stay down for long. Neptune took on a blue-collar mentality and worked its back to within a game of .500 last year and did not need to drop down a division to do it. The drop comes this season, with the Scarlet Fliers sliding to Class B Central, but the progress made in 2024 has them set up to win something substantial in 2025.
Although top scorer and all-division forward Julian Lemus graduated along with four other significant field contributors and a starting goalkeeper, the Fliers bring back a deep, versatile roster that expects to improve upon last year’s showing. Harin Gutierrez Moreno and Irving Rojas Quiroz will look to fill the shoes of Lemus as a duo up top, with each contributing the same amount of scoring last season (four goals, six assists). The midfield will be asked to handle more responsibility this season, with seniors Dylan Cruz, Joey Taylor and junior Mason Imbracio teaming up to lead the effort in the middle of the formation.
Christian Loff and Hunter Reynolds stepped in as sophomore starters and are ready to lead the defense in front of a goalkeeper duo that will have to replace a capable keeper in Eddier Altamarino. Joe Cooper is a senior who has earned a chance to make his mark on the defense, while sophomore Bryson Reeves is an underclassman to watch in the midfield.
Neptune at a Glance
Head Coach: Bobby Feeney, third season
2024 Record: 8-9-3 (2-3-1, fifth in Class B North)
SCT Group: 1 (Howell, Middletown South, Lacey, Red Bank)
Key Losses: Julian Lemus (Forward), Ivan Quiroz (Defense), Lenskey Raoul (Midfield), Kenny Northrup (Defense), Eddier Altamarino (Goalkeeper), Giovanni Bedward (Midfield)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Harin Gutierrez Moreno, Sr., Forward (4 goals, 6 assists)
Irving Rojas Quiroz, Sr., Forward (4 goals, 6 assists)
Dylan Cruz, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 2 assists)
Joey Taylor, Sr., Midfield (5 assists)
Mason Imbracio, Jr., Midfield (3 goals, 6 assists)
Bryson Reeves, So., Midfield
Christian Loff, Jr., Defense
Hunter Reynolds, Jr., Defense
Joe Cooper, Sr., Defense
C.J. Hankins, Jr., Defense
Andrew Wardell, Sr., Goalkeeper; Javier Gordon, So., Goalkeeper
Other Players
Jesse Sandiford, Sr., Defense
Dominic O’Neill, Jr., Forward (2 goals, 1 assist)
JeanCarlos Castillo Herrera, Jr., Midfield
Sebastian Rosen, So., Midfield
Jayvion Calloway, So., Defense/Forward
Denilson Mata-Fabian, Jr., Defense
Tevenerri Verdeui, Fr., Forward
Brandon Fierro, Sr., Defense
2. Ranney
The teams at the top of Class B Central continue to change with year-to-year realignment, but Ranney has remained a constant as a contender in the division. This year should be no exception and while Neptune is headed in the right direction with its program, trading Red Bank for the Scarlet Fliers likely helps Ranney’s chances to win a division title – or, at the very least, improves its chances relative to last year.
Like Neptune, Ranney will have to replace its top scorer after Saeed Torres went off for 27 goals to finish third in the conference while finishing fourth at the Shore in total scoring (eight assists; 62 points). His scoring sidekick from a year ago is back, with Eddie Margherini now Ranney’s top option at the front of the formation. Sophomore forward Braden Morin made his mark as a freshman, while midfielder Jonathan Laub was a breakout contributor in matching Margherini with a team-high nine assists. Senior Tyler Yang will remain a steady presence in the middle as well, with juniors Juan Torres and Trevor Davis looking to step up their contributions as well.
Sophomore Luke O’Hagan was one of the Shore’s top freshman in 2024 and will lead the defense along with returning seniors Alex Lennon and Jack Fallon. Freshman Alex Giovanis steps into the open spot in the back, while a senior duo battles for time in goal. If last year’s head-to-head result – a 4-2 Neptune win – is any indication, Ranney has some distance to close between itself and Neptune, but it’s a new year and with it, a great opportunity for the Panthers.
Ranney at a Glance
Head Coach: Donny Gray, ninth season
2024 Record: 11-8-2 (4-1-1, tied second in Class B Central)
SCT Group: 5 (Holmdel, Ocean, Jackson, Raritan)
Key Losses: Saeed Torres (Midfield/Forward), Dev Nayer (Midfield), Andre Granik (Goalkeeper), Matt Portnoy (Midfield/Forward), Ben Peters (Midfield)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Eddie Margherini, Sr., Forward (13 goals, 9 assists)
Braden Morin, So., Forward (2 goals, 1 assist)
Jonathan Laub, Sr., Midfield (2 goals, 9 assists)
Tyler Yang, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 2 assists)
Juan Torres, Jr., Midfield (1 goal, 1 assist)
Trevor Davis, Jr., Midfield
Luke O’Hagan, So., Defense
Alex Lennon, Sr., Defense
Alex Giovanis, Fr., Defense
Jack Fallon, Sr., Defense
Jake Nagy, Sr., Goalkeeper; Jeremy Li, Sr., Goalkeeper
3. Monmouth
A move from Class A Central to Class B Central last year opened the door for Monmouth to challenge for a division championship and the Falcons came up one goal short against division champion Red Bank in a result that ultimately decided the division championship. Most of the Falcons’ starting XI from last year’s team has moved on via graduation, so Monmouth’s hopes of redemption sit with a group of newcomers that will surround four returning starters.
Devin Ryan, Luca Tvrdik and Dario Dwomoh all started in Monmouth’s midfield in 2025 and will be the returning leaders of this year’s team – albeit with slightly different roles. Ryan is the top returning scorer and attacking center midfielder, with Dwomoh remaining on the outside as a scoring threat. Tvrdik, meanwhile, will push up into one of the forward spots occupied by Monmouth’s high-scoring duo of Robert Sherman (15 goals) and Lua Mendoca-Braga (10).
Junior Roosevelt Azard is the lone returning defender, which means sophomore first-year starting goalkeeper Jovanny Cervantes will be relying on a new-look defense while getting settled as a varsity goalkeeper. The defense and Cervantes can grow up quickly and Tvrdik can be opportunistic, Monmouth will remain within striking distance of the top of the division.
Monmouth at a Glance
Head Coach: Charles Seelinger, fourth season
2024 Record: 8-8-2 (4-1-1, tied second in Class B Central)
SCT Group: 2 (Colts Neck, Shore, Freehold Twp., Brick)
Key Losses: Robert Sherman (Forward), Lua Mendoca-Braga (Forward), Tanner Simpson (Midfield), Will Theobald (Defense), Jayden Gomez (Defense), Evan Kelly (Defense), Alan Vinarsky (Defense), Collin Denton (Goalkeeper)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Luca Tvrdik, Sr., Forward (2 goals, 2 assists)
Jack Puelo, Jr., Forward
Dario Dwomoh, Jr., Midfield (2 goals)
Devin Ryan, Sr., Midfield (3 goals, 4 assists)
Alex Bylander, Sr., Midfield
Dimitrios Papantoniou, Sr., Midfield
Dean Fredericks, Fr., Defense
Alex Tanta-Nanta, Sr., Defense
Roosevelt Azard, Jr., Defense
Logan Bauer, Jr., Defense
Jovanny Cervantes, So., Goalkeeper
Other Players
Jason Emerson, So., Midfield
Casey Simon, Fr., Midfield
Lucas Alves, Fr., Midfield
Eddy Olivera, Jr., Defense
Gio Pellicier, Midfield/Defense
4. Asbury Park
The coaching turnover at Asbury Park continues with a fifth change at head coach in the last six seasons, with Jeff Bertoncin taking over for the 2025 season. Even amid the volatility leading the program, Asbury Park has trotted out competitive teams and will hope to do so again in 2025 with seven starters back from last season.
Dain Salazar has been a go-to finisher for the Blue Bishops since his freshman year and he now heads into his senior year looking to help Asbury Park break through to the top of the standings. Junior Brandon Joseph joins Salazar up top as a returning influence, while Matelson Louisius adds a senior threat to the attack.
The midfield will be inexperienced, with only junior Adrian Sanchez returning to the group, but the defense brings back a trio of returning starters in senior Kerry St. Vilus and juniors Jessie Cifuentes and Isais Villa. Experienced goalkeeper Eli Flores rounds out the lineup, giving Asbury Park strong play up top and in the back of the formation.
Asbury Park at a Glance
Head Coach: Jeff Bertoncin, first season
2024 Record: 6-14 (2-4, tied fourth in Class B Central)
SCT Group: 7 (Toms River North, Marlboro, St. John Vianney, Toms River South)
Key Losses: Hermsley Louisius (Defense/Midfield)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Dain Salazar, Sr., Forward
Brandon Joseph, Jr., Forward
Matelson Louisius, Sr., Forward
Adrian Sanchez, Jr., Midfield
Hiram Flores, Jr. Midfield
Steven Brenes, Sr., Midfield
Carlos Valdibia, So., Midfield; Ulises Merino, So., Defense
Jessie Cifuentes, Jr., Defense
Isais Villa, Jr., Defense
Kerry St. Vilus, Sr., Defense
Eli Flores, Sr., Goalkeeper (4 shutouts)
Other Players
Chris Torres, So., Forward
Likerson Garius, Jr., Forward
5. Red Bank Catholic
It has been a decade-and-a-half journey for Red Bank Catholic to get back to a winning record and the Caseys hope that the makings of a winning team are in the program right now – perhaps with a chance for everything to take shape this season. Top 2024 scorer Andrew Torregrossa leaves a big hole after his graduation, but RBC has a group of rising juniors and sophomores ready to carry the attack over the next two-to-three years.
Jack Denver and sophomore Cathel McStravick will be the targets up top, with sophomore James Main leading the midfield after a strong showing as a freshman. Classmates Brian O’Hare and Holden Szuwalski will be part of the midfield mix and junior Nick Salanias also returns as a starter.
Senior Teagan McCarthy returns to the defense with classmate Miles Nessan and junior Gavin Biasi, with Landon Laido back in goal after going through his first year as a starter in 2024. With more young talent coming into the program, RBC is gearing up to take a run at the top of Class B Central and this year will be an important next step.
Red Bank Catholic at a Glance
Head Coach: John Killick, third season
2024 Record: 3-12-1 (1-4-1, sixth in Class B Central)
SCT Group: 8 (Southern, Wall, Long Branch, Brick Memorial, Pinelands)
Key Losses: Andrew Torregrossa (Forward), Luke Meyers (Defense), Jack Keefe (Defense), Christian Sherman (Defense)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Jack Denver, Jr., Forward (3 goals, 1 assist)
Cathel McStravick, So., Forward (2 assists)
Nick Salanias, Jr., Midfield
Brian O’Hare, So., Midfield
James Main, So., Midfield (3 goals, 2 assists)
Holden Szuwalski, So., Midfield
Scott Baldwin, Sr., Midfield
Teagan McCarthy, Sr., Defense (1 goal, 2 assists)
Gavin Biasi, Jr., Defense
Miles Nessan, Sr., Defense
Landon Laido, Sr., Goalkeeper
6. Keyport
Another team that must replacing a top scorer (Brayan Rodriguez), but returns most of its starters, Keyport will boast one of its most experienced teams in the relatively short history of the program. Nine starters return to the roster and six of them are seniors, led by senior forward Justin Visaggio – the team’s goals leader from 2024.
Ryan Triosi and John Covert are the senior returnees to the midfield, with junior Allen Evans and sophomore Brayden Burkhardt also returning to give Keyport a varsity-tested midfield. The defense is also senior-dominated, with Danny Metrick, Jacob Pinto and Diego Rocha leading the unit in front of returning junior goalkeeper Gavin Healy.
Freshman Brayden Vissagio is the newcomer to watch on Keyport’s experienced team, which will need a wider range of scoring to take the next step up the Class B Central ladder.
Keyport at a Glance
Head Coach: Brendan Hilliard, 12th season
2024 Record: 2-11 (2-4, tied fourth in Class B Central)
Key Losses: Brayan Rodriguez (Forward), Christian Morris (Midfield)
Potential Starters (2024 Stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Justin Visaggio, Sr., Forward (3 goals)
Brayden Visaggio, Fr., Forward
Ryan Triosi, Sr., Midfield
John Covert, Sr., Midfield
Allen Evans, Jr., Midfield
Brayden Burkhardt, So., Midfield
Eliel Tiapa, Jr., Midfield
Danny Metrick, Sr., Defense/Midfield
Diego Rocha, Sr., Defense
Jacob Pinto, Sr., Defense
Gavin Healy, Jr., Goalkeeper (1 shutout)
Other Players
Colin Woodruff, Sr., Midfield/Defense
Liam Woodruff, So., Defense
Liam O’Rowe, So., Forward
Nick Rowald, So., Midfield
7. Henry Hudson
Head Coach: Miranda Saryian, first season
2024 Record: 1-13-1 (0-5-1, seventh in Class B Central)
*Check Back for Complete Preview*
Class B Central Starting XI
Eddie Margherini, Ranney
Harin Guttierez Moreno, Neptune
Ivan Rojas-Quiroz, Neptune
Dain Salazar, Asbury Park
Devin Ryan, Monmouth
Jonathan Laub, Ranney
James Main, Red Bank Catholic
Luke O’Hagan, Ranney
Alex Lennon, Ranney
Hunter Reynolds, Neptune
Eli Flores, Asbury Park (Goalkeeper)
