Week 1 Boys Soccer Top 10

There are still a handful of teams yet to start their 2024 season, but there was enough boys soccer at the Jersey Shore last week to re-assess the preseason rankings. There is not a whole lot of change, but some key head-to-head matchups inform the first in-season installment of the Shore Sports Insider Boys Soccer Top 10.

1. Howell (0-0, 0-0) Last Week: 1

The Rebels are still awaiting the start of their season, which is due to arrive Tuesday at home against a strong Ocean side. There will be a number of teams coming for Howell’s spot over the next couple of months, but one idle week does not bump the No. 1 team off its perch.

2. Christian Brothers Academy (2-1, 0-0) Last Week: 2

After a rough start to the season in the form of a 4-0 loss to LaSalle Academy of Pennsylvania, CBA quickly regrouped to beat LaSalle of Rhode Island, 1-0, then travelled up to Bergen Catholic for a convincing 5-2 win. With nine new starters, there figure to be some growing pains, but the Colts have shown the Shore still goes through them.

3. Colts Neck (2-0, 0-0) Last Week: 3

With an 8-0 aggregate score through two games, Colts Neck is again putting up big scoring numbers against quality competition (Toms River South, Rumson-Fair Haven). The more encouraging part of that start, however, is the zero goals allowed. The Cougars gave up 35 goals in 15 games last year, so the performance of the defense and goalkeepers Dan Ravelo and Justin Appel might be even more exciting than the dominant start by Kyle and Sean Moore.

4. Southern (2-0, 0-0) Last Week: 4

Senior striker Aidan Donnelly played a dominant, two-goal half at Freehold Township in a 2-0 Southern win, then scored again in a 4-0 win over West Windsor-Plainsboro North. He is part of a loaded Rams attack that, so far, looks ready to challenge for the Shore Conference and South Jersey Group IV championships.

5. Toms River North (0-2, 0-0) Last Week: 5

The Mariners hold the No. 5 spot despite a 0-2 start because of the quality of competition. Not only did Toms River North play two of the final 16 teams left standing in last year’s Group IV Tournament; they played both on the road. A 2-0 loss at Kearny and a 3-2, overtime heartbreaker at Lenape should make the Mariners better in the long run.

6. Marlboro (1-0, 0-0) Last Week: 6

It took more than the standard 80 minutes for Marlboro to crack an always-stingy Wall defense, but the Mustangs solved the puzzle in overtime when senior captain Trevor Barrett found the back of the net. A showdown with CBA on Thursday will be a great test and the Mustangs will have the home-field advantage.

7. Manasquan (1-0, 0-0) Last Week: 7

Like Marlboro, Manasquan opened its season with a win at Wall, only it did not take the Warriors overtime to secure their 2-0 win. Wall was again tough on the defensive end, but Manasquan owned the game with a 13-3 shot advantage and a performance that showcased its talent on the attack and its aptitude on defense.

8. Manalapan (1-0, 1-0) Last Week: Not ranked

Despite graduating huge senior numbers from the 2023 team, this year’s Manalapan team looks poised for a big year. The Braves scored 90 seconds into their opening at Middletown North – ranked No. 8 in the preseason poll – and held on for a 1-0 win over a Lions team with one of the best forward duos in the Shore Conference.

9. Shore (1-0, 0-0) Last Week: 10

After Allentown posted an impressive, 3-0 win over Middletown South to open its season, the Redbirds went to Shore and could not keep up with the Blue Devils. Shore immediately felt the presence of senior Jadyn DeRosa, who returned after two years of academy soccer to score two goals in his first game back.

10. Toms River East (1-0, 0-0) Last Week: Not ranked

Even with some nicks and bruises among its starting ranks coming out of the preseason, Toms River East played a spirited match vs. Holmdel and picked up a 1-0 win in an overtime thriller thanks to senior Brandan Dacunha’s golden goal. The Raiders now own the inside track for the No. 1 ranking in the Shore Conference Tournament Group A after beating the Hornets in their group-stage opener.

Dropped Out

Middletown North (0-1, 0-1) Last Week: 8 – The Lions are still working in some new starters and there is no shame in dropping a competitive game to a quality Manalapan team.

Holmdel (0-1, 0-0) Last Week: 9 – Injuries to center back Tyler Gravier and goalkeeper Matt Campillay did not help Holmdel’s cause in its SCT Group A loss at Toms River East last week.

Top 10 Watch List

Ocean (1-0, 0-0) – After handling their business in a season-opener vs. Asbury Park, Ocean gets a great test Tuesday at No. 1 Howell.

Central (0-0, 0-0) – The Golden Eagles will get their shot at a ranking when they host Toms River East Wednesday in their home opener.

St. John Vianney (1-0, 0-0) – SJV also gets a chance to make its case for a ranking on Monday, when the Lancers travel to Manalapan.

Jackson Memorial (2-0, 0-0) – So far, Jackson Memorial’s new-look lineup has clicked. The Jaguars outscored Hamilton West and West Windsor-Plainsboro South by a combined 6-0.

Raritan (2-0, 0-0) – With 10 goals in two games, Raritan and its experienced returning lineup have flashed some real potential.