2026 Shore Conference Boys Soccer Preview: Class A South

The 2025 soccer campaign marked the 20th straight season without a Shore Conference Tournament championship for Ocean County, which covers 19 tournaments (there was no SCT in 2020). With each season, ending that drought becomes a greater crusade for the teams of Ocean County, particularly those in Class A South, where the best teams of recent seasons are slotted.

Even without the conference title hardware, there are a long list of accomplishments residing in A South this season. Three of its teams (Toms River South, Toms River North and Southern Regional) have won two NJSIAA sectional championship apiece in the last 10 seasons and Southern brought home the Group IV championship in 2024. There are also two reigning division champions in the division and none of those three recent sectional champions are one of them.

As for the division race, Toms River East is coming off its first outright title in 14 years, which required ending Toms River North’s run of five straight A North regular-season titles. The two crosstown rivals figure to clash for the division again, but as usual, there will be four other quality teams in on the race.

In predicted order of finish

 

1. Toms River East

With a combined 33 wins over the past two seasons, Toms River East has returned to the conversation as one of the Shore’s top public-school programs with a case to be made as the top team in Ocean County. The Raiders claimed the outright Class A South division championship in 2025 for the first time in 14 years and bring back most of last year’s roster, albeit without leading scorer Aiden Reis and two-way midfielder Aiden Corapi. Current seniors Evan Cappetta and Sam Los return as all-division players from a year ago and will be integral pieces to the Toms River East attack.

Senior Ayden Salazar and junior Brennan Hutton were key secondary scoring options last season behind Reis and Los and will join Los this season to form the three heads at the top of the formation. Senior Malcolm Smith is also back in the midfield and junior Vincenzo Nasuta also returns with experience in the midfield. The defense is also stocked with returning experience, led by junior Brady Gillen – a marksman on long throw-ins, as displayed during a 10-assist sophomore season. Senior Nick DiMeola moves into the starting backline along with returnees Drew Periera and junior Jack Schimenek.

The most profound loss for Toms River East from 2025 is in goal, where the Raiders not only thrived with First-Team All-Shore goalkeeper Mike Moore a year ago, but also enjoyed four years of another All-Shore goalkeeper in Bobby Calvo prior to that. Junior Mike Peck will be tasked with filling Moore’s shoes and a talented team in front of him should ease the burden of replacing two of the Shore’s best keepers of the past half-decade. From 2013 to 2018, Toms River South enjoyed its perch as Toms River’s top team and Toms River North grabbed the mantle from 2019 to 2024. Now, Toms River East has a chance to own this next stretch of seasons within the Toms River rivalry.

Toms River East at a Glance

Head Coach: Mike Konopka, 11th season
2025 Record: 17-7 (4-1, first in Class A South)
SCT Group: 3 (Ocean, Lacey, Barnegat, Raritan)
Key Losses: Aiden Reis (Forward), Aiden Corapi (Midfield/Defense), Andrew Heid (Midfield), J.J. Reed (Defense), Jacob Villegas-Bedoya (Midfield)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Mike Peck, Jr., Goalkeeper

Brady Gillen, Jr., Defense (1 goal, 10 assists)

Drew Periera, Sr., Defense

Jack Schimenek, Jr., Defense

Nick DiMeola, Sr., Defense (1 goal, 1 assist)

Evan Cappetta, Sr., Midfield (2 goal, 5 assists)

Vincenzo Nasuta, Jr., Midfield

Malcolm Smith, Sr., Midfield/Forward (3 goals, 1 assist)

Brennan Hutton, Jr., Midfield/Forward (6 goals, 3 assists)

Ayden Salazar, Sr., Forward/Midfield (4 goals, 6 assists)

Sam Los, Sr., Forward (11 goals, 4 assists)

 

Other Key Players

Miguel Gonzalez, Sr., Forward

Matt Herrera, Sr., Defense

Chase Smith, Sr., Midfield

James Cartnick, Jr., Midfield

Chase Corapi, Jr., Midfield/Defense

Jose Sanchez, Jr., Defense

Oliver Beckett, So., Defense

Jack Gillen, So., Forward

Connor Minelli, So., Goalkeeper

Niko Pedalino, So., Midfield

Brandon Kassar, Fr., Midfield

Noah Koeppen, Fr., Forward

 

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2. Toms River North

While the arrow is pointing up for Toms River East, the Raiders’ neighbors to the north are not ready to give up their seat at the head of the Class A South table. From 2020 to 2024, Toms River North won five straight division championships and the Mariners are intent on starting a new streak this season after Toms River East got the better of them last season. An 8-8-5 record against a loaded schedule was a solid showing for Toms River North and although the Mariners missed qualifying for the Shore Conference Tournament, they rebounded by winning the Shore Conference Coaches Cup.

The primary struggle for Toms River North in 2025 was scoring goals. The 19 goals allowed in 21 games tied for the third-best mark in the Shore Conference last year, but with only 24 goals scored, the Mariners struggled to take advantage of a strong defense in front of returning senior goalkeeper Gavinn Stryker. This season, Toms River North will attempt to tilt the formation toward scoring with senior Chris Ruggiero moving to striker after playing midfield and center back to start his varsity career. Lakewood transfer Abraham Torres and senior newcomer Edwin Hernandez with join Ruggiero on the attack to give Toms River North some finishing power that was lacking a season ago.

The midfield figures to remain steady with the return of Manuele Lubrano and Reiley Woodman, plus the emergence of sophomore Michael Greene. The defense will be put to the test with Ruggiero moving to the front of the formation, but the presence of senior Nico Paniscu will bring some stability to the back line. Seniors Luca Symons and Joey Nagle will taking on starting roles after earning minutes last year and junior Vinny Orlando will be the non-senior of the bunch. There are some new jobs to learn, but with a versatile standout in Ruggiero and a steady senior returnee at each level of the formation, Toms River North has the foundation to contend for every championship on the board in 2026.

Toms River North at a Glance

Head Coach: Joe Mahon, 17th season
2025 Record: 8-8-5 (2-1-2, second in Class A South)
SCT Group: 5 (Colts Neck, Brick, Ranney, Asbury Park)
Key Losses: Brady Gillman (Midfield), Canio Symons (Defense), Dylan Flores (Defense), Christian Wagner (Forward/Defense), Matt Schwenker (Defense), Josh Girtain (Forward), Alex Marin (Defense), Nick Galipoli (Forward)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Gavin Stryker, Sr., Goalkeeper (10 shutouts)

Luca Symons, Sr., Defense (1 goal)

Joey Nagle, Sr., Defense (1 goal)

Nico Paniscu, Sr., Defense (3 assists)

Vinny Orlando, Jr., Defense

Manuele Lubrano, Sr., Midfield (1 goal, 4 assists)

Reiley Woodman, Sr., Midfield

Michael Greene, So., Midfield (2 assists)

Abraham Torres, Sr., Forward/Midfield (5 goals, 2 assists) – Transfer from Lakewood

Edwin Hernandez, Sr., Forward

Chris Ruggiero, Sr., Forward (6 goals, 3 assists)

 

Other Key Players

Jordi Perez, Sr., Midfield

Matt Rodeman, Sr., Defense

Abdel Amer, Sr.

Timmy Wingender, Sr.

Kevin Rodriguez, Jr.

Tyler Bartoloneu, Sr.

Eduardo Parra, Sr.

Jeremy Diaz, So.

Jackson Homyak, Sr.

Flo Yvensley, Jr.

Evan St. John, Sr.

 

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3. Southern

Toms River North and Toms River East have been competing at the top of Class A South over the past several years, but Southern has been Ocean County’s most decorated team of the past two seasons. The Rams enter this fall the two-time defending NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV champions, which includes an overall Group IV title in 2024. This year, the pipeline will be put to the test: there will be no remaining contributors from the state championship team when Southern takes the field for its season-opener vs. Toms River East on Sept. 5 and only three starters back from last year’s sectional title team.

Sophomore Michael King is the top returning scorer for the Rams after scoring three goals as a freshman midfielder. King has a chance to be the featured scorer for Southern over the next three years and for this season, senior Jaxson Simon will be a finisher alongside him on the attack. Simon played in the midfield as a junior and will look to be a finisher up top along with junior Aiden Johnson. Junior Juan Victoria moves into the starting lineup with King and junior George Katsianis, sophomore Gavin Beck and freshman Landon Nacarlo – son of coach John Nacarlo and younger brother of Southern 2025 All-Shore First Teamer Brody Nacarlo – will all be part of the midfield mix.

Senior David Reyes is the lone returning starter on the back line and will also be the only senior starting in the defensive third of the field. Juniors Gevin Berezansky and Brayden Vile are set up to take over as starters while sophomores Cameron Staiger and Carter Stefanacci battle for time as well. Goalkeeper will be an x-factor for Southern as well, with Liam Brown, Richie Southwick and sophomore Riley Hunt engaged in a competition for the keeper spot. As has been the case in each of the past two seasons, Southern looks like a team with some things to figure out during the first month, but if the last two years are any indication, the Rams will be a team few opponents will be excited to play come October.

Southern at a Glance

Head Coach: John Nacarlo, second season (27th overall)
2025 Record: 16-7-2 (2-2-1, third in Class A South)
SCT Group: 2 (Holmdel, Freehold Township, Jackson, Matawan)
Key Losses: Brody Nacarlo (Midfield), Nick Leiriao (Forward), Caden Schweigart (Defense/Forward), Nick Staiger (Defense), Jon Mandell (Defense), Colton Davis (Midfield), Tyler Houghton (Midfield), Kyle Sininsky (Sr., Goalkeeper); Niko Sanchez (Fr., Midfield; transferred to St. Augustine)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Liam Brown, Jr.; Richie Southwick, Jr.; Riley Hunt, So., Goalkeeper

David Reyes, Sr., Defense (5 assists)

Gavin Berezansky, Jr., Defense

Brayden Vile, Jr., Defense

Cameron Staiger, So.; Carter Stefanacci, So., Defense

Juan Victoria, Jr., Midfield (2 goals, 1 assist)

Michael King, So., Midfield (3 goals, 1 assist)

George Katsianis, Jr., Midfield

Gavin Beck, So., Midfield; Landon Nacarlo, Fr., Midfield

Aiden Johnson, Jr., Forward/Midfield

Jaxson Simon, Sr., Forward/Midfield (4 assists)

 

Other Key Players

Brandon Moreno, Jr., Defense

Coulter Russo, Jr., Defense

Aiden Pluta, Fr., Midfield

Danny Kingston, Sr., Forward

 

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4. Point Pleasant Boro

Two seasons ago, Point Boro played its first season in the Class A South division and the Panthers’ first two seasons have been a struggle in divisional play. After going 0-4-1 vs. the division in 2024, Point Boro went 0-3-1 in its first four divisional games last year as part of a seven-game stretch in which the Panthers went 0-6-1 to drop to 1-6-1 through eight games. Then, Point Boro turned the season on its head by winning eight straight and going 12-1-1 before losing to Wall in a wild, 3-2, NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II quarterfinal. The only other loss by Point Boro following the 1-6-1 start came at Christian Brothers Academy in the Shore Conference Tournament.

A win over Lacey in October marked Point Boro’s first Class A South division win in two seasons and this year’s team will ride that momentum into 2026, albeit with a reconfigured starting group. The defense and midfield is where Point Boro will run out its most experienced players, starting with three senior defenders coming back with starting experience: Jack Monahan, Cole Danko and C.J. Hagberg. Fellow senior Nico Veni rounds out the back line in front of first-year starting goalkeeper Mat Thompson, who will replace lockdown 2025 goalkeeper Logan Forte.

Juniors Ben Scott and Colin Leschinski are back in the midfield after making significant contributions as sophomores and will welcome classmate Caleb Losa into the starting mix in the middle. Fellow junior Jameson Mahon leads the army of forwards, with seniors Ryan Helm and Connor Michigan in line for playing time up top. A talented group of sophomores and freshmen will provide depth for coach Pete Casalino, whose team figures to be primed for its best in-division showing heading into its third year in Class A South.

Point Boro at a Glance

Head Coach: Pete Casalino, 22nd season
2025 Record: 13-8-2 (1-3-1, sixth in Class A South)
SCT Group: 7 (Middletown South, Wall, Neptune, Lakewood)
Key Losses: Logan Forte (Goalkeeper), Jake Greene (Midfield), Dean Cardia (Forward), Joe Doles (Midfield), Alberto Boscolo-Cegion (Forward), Braeden Moramarco (Midfield), Doug Walsh (Defense), Luca Grammatico (Defense), Owen Moramarco (Jr., Defense/Midfield)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Mat Thompson, Jr., Goalkeeper

Jack Monahan, Sr., Defense (1 goal, 1 assist)

Cole Danko, Sr., Defense

C.J. Hagberg, Sr., Defense

Nico Veni, Sr., Defense

Ben Scott, Jr., Midfield (4 goals, 1 assist)

Colin Leschinski, Jr., Midfield (3 goals, 1 assist)

Caleb Losa, Jr., Midfield

Connor Michigan, Sr., Forward

Ryan Helm, Sr., Forward

Jameson Mahon, Jr., Forward (1 goal, 1 assist)

 

Other Key Players

Greyson Russomano, Jr., Midfield

Landon Gripp, Jr., Midfield

Cameron Moore, Jr., Defense

Colton Griffin, So., Midfield

Louis Campise, So., Midfield

Owen Modrzecki, So., Defense

Dimitri King, So., Goalkeeper

Parker Albrink, Fr., Forward

Bryan Martinez, Fr., Forward

Brennan Fall, Fr., Forward

Ethan Wolowitz, Fr., Defense

 

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5. Brick Memorial

Coming off a 2024 division championship in Class C South, Brick Memorial moved up to Class B South and proved the small-division title was no fluke by capturing a second straight division championship in 2025 and posting a perfect 5-0 division mark in the process. Graduation hit the Mustangs much harder this offseason than it did a year ago, but they still return a core of standouts from last year’s team that will enable them to contend for a spot in the top-half of the standings and, if things break right, a third straight division title.

Twins Nate and Nick Stryker lead the way for Brick Memorial, with Nate coming off a 27-goal, All-Shore season as a junior striker. Nick has played both center fullback and defensive center midfield in his three prior varsity seasons and will man the latter position, with senior Sebastian Millan and junior Matt Heptig also returning to the midfield as a proven scorers on the attack. With the Nate Stryker, Millan and Heptig, Brick Memorial returns its top three scorers from last year.

Outside of those four very good returning starters, Brick Memorial’s 2026 lineup will be new. Juniors Noah Dias, Jake Emmons and Abisay Aparicia-Garcia will join the Mustangs’ packed midfield and Aries Santiago will join Nate Stryker up top as one of two freshman starters. The other rookie on the pitch is goalkeeper Landon Hahn, who will guard the goal behind Nick Stryker and two new defenders: sophomore Liam Wickline and senior Ben Dadato. The supporting cast is young and inexperienced, but the seven newcomers have talent and four proven returning starters to lead the way.

Brick Memorial at a Glance

Head Coach: Tom Lecorchick, fourth season
2025 Record: 16-8 (5-0, first in Class B South)
SCT Group: 6 (Marlboro, Rumson-Fair Haven, Freehold Boro, Pinelands, St. Rose)
Key Losses: Ryan Wheeler (Goalkeeper), Landon Amalfa (Midfield), Elin Torres (Defense), Mike Alaimo (Defense), Paul DiRosa (Midfield), Alex Torres (Forward), Brody Marotta (Defense), Angel Cabrera (Forward), Jon Acevedo (Midfield), Aaron Trujiliano (Jr., Midfield)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Landon Hahn, Fr., Goalkeeper

Liam Wickline, So., Defense

Ben Dadato, Sr., Defense

Nick Stryker, Sr., Defense (3 goals, 1 assist)

Noah Dias, Jr., Midfield

Matt Heptig, Jr., Midfield (6 goals, 6 assists)

Jake Emmons, Jr., Midfield

Sebastian Millan, Sr., Midfield (9 goals, 7 assists)

Abisay Aparicio-Garcia, Jr., Midfield

Aries Santiago, Fr., Forward

Nate Stryker, Sr., Forward (27 goals, 6 assists)

 

Other Key Players

Colin Predergast, Sr., Midfield/Defense

Extlander Gonzalez, Sr., Midfield

Giovanni Ramirez Campos, Sr., Defense

Rotsen Moya Ethan Calderon, Jr., Midfield

Theo Moya Ethan Calderon, So., Midfield

 

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6. Toms River South

After a two-year stay in Class B South, Toms River South returns to its traditional home in Class A South and will bring with it a much different lineup than the one that won 15 games and led the Shore Conference in goals-allowed (14) and goals-allowed-per-game (0.64) in 2025. For starters, Toms River South graduated its top six scorers from last year, so the Indians could be even more inclined to lean into their defensive persona from a year ago. Returning senior central defender and 2025 All-County selection Christian Oberti will help toward that end and junior Charlie Cox also brings experience back to the defense.

Freshman goalkeeper Connor Starr was a huge part of Toms River South’s success in preventing goals, but an injury will likely sideline him for the entirety of the season. Fortunately for the Indians, senior Chase Post is a capable goalkeeper who is ready for a full-time shot after backing up a freshman phenom as a junior. With sophomore Liam Browne moving from outside back as a freshman to the midfield in year two, the Indians will turn to senior Knoble Mujica Melendez and junior Tristan Arroyo to fill two open spots in the back.

Browne and junior Giuseppe Raso will lead the midfield, with Bain Howe and Colbert Torres moving into the starting lineup as juniors. Replacing Shane Gambarony and Jacob Myers up top will be Toms River South’s toughest lineup challenge and that task will fall on junior Lucas Cotrell and senior Nate Johnson. Scoring goals may not come as easily, but if the Indians can figure out the finishing end, they have proven their system keeps the ball out of their own net. That might be enough to contend in a deep Class A South.

Toms River South at a Glance

Head Coach: Mike Conover, fourth season
2025 Record: 15-5-2 (4-1, second in Class B South)
SCT Group: 4 (Manalapan, Long Branch, Middletown North, Monmouth)
Key Losses: Shane Gambarony (Forward), Jacob Myers (Midfield), Nigel Graham (Defense), Owen Beneciuk (Midfield), Karsin Migliori (Forward), Brody Robillard (Defense), Jimmy Aguilar Ochoa (Forward)

Projected Starting XI (With 2025 Stats)

Returning starters in bold

Chase Post, Sr., Goalkeeper

Knoble Mujica Melendez, Sr., Defense

Christian Oberti, Sr., Defense (1 goal, 1 assist)

Charles Cox, Jr., Defense

Tristan Arroyo, Jr., Defense

Bain Howe, Jr., Midfield

Colbert Torres, Jr., Midfield

Giuseppe Raso, Jr., Midfield (1 goal, 1 assist)

Liam Browne, So., Midfield (2 assists)

Lucas Cottrell, Jr., Forward

Nate Johnson, Sr., Forward

 

Other Key Players

Owen Olexa, So., Forward

Ryder Salzer, Fr., Forward

Yoan Santos Salvador, Jr.., Defense

Joahinder Tapias Hernandez, So., Forward/Midfield

Kevin Rondon Hernandez, Sr., Forward

Jayden Catusco, Sr., Goalkeeper

Anthony Fusco, Jr., Forward

Logan Naibert, So., Forward

Jasper Martini, So., Defense

Harper Kartikis, So., Midfield

Peter Ellis, So., Midfield

Connor Starr, So., Goalkeeper (12 shutouts) – Injured

Dylan Bustamante, So., Midfield – Injured; out for season

 

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Class A South Starting XI

Nate Stryker, Forward, Brick Memorial

Sam Los, Forward, Toms River East

Chris Ruggiero, Forward, Toms River North

Evan Cappetta, Midfield, Toms River East

Colin Leschinski, Midfield, Point Boro

Sebastian Millan, Midfield, Brick Memorial

Nick Stryker, Defense, Brick Memorial

Christian Oberti, Defense, Toms River South

Brady Gillen, Defense, Toms River East

Nico Paniscu, Defense, Toms River North

Gavin Stryker, Goalkeeper, Toms River North