The Brooklyn Boys Soccer team enters the 2026 season facing one of the biggest challenges any program can encounter: replacing nearly all of their offensive production. But third-year head coach Johnny Grigson believes the pieces are in place for his team to remain competitive, thanks to a strong senior class, a commitment to developing the program’s culture, and a willingness to embrace new roles.
Brooklyn finished 5-9-2 overall and 2-3 in conference play in 2025 before dropping a hard-fought 2-0 decision to Northwestern in the opening round of the Division V tournament. Although the Hurricanes were eliminated early, the game remained scoreless until the second half, providing a glimpse of the defensive grit they’ll look to build upon this fall.
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With five returning starters and three additional letterwinners back, Brooklyn hopes experience and chemistry can help offset the graduation losses.
Senior leadership will drive the Hurricanes
For Grigson, the foundation of this year’s team isn’t built around one player—it’s built around leadership.
“We lost some talented athletes via graduation, but our team has a strong set of seniors this year that are capable of leading and want to help mold the next generation into something better than before,” Grigson said. “Many games will be challenging, but I think we have the potential to mold a solid squad together and play some creative soccer.”
That veteran leadership starts with senior captain Jayden Torres, who earned CVC Honorable Mention and CVC All-Star honors a year ago. After spending last season at center back, Torres will move into central midfield, where Grigson believes his athleticism and leadership can influence every phase of the game.
“Jayden will be one of our captains this year,” Grigson said. “He is a tremendously hard worker, and all the boys look up to his leadership. He played center back last year, but will pivot to a central midfield role this year in hopes to facilitate the game for our boys. His pace and raw athleticism are some of the best I’ve ever seen.”
The position change is part of Brooklyn’s plan to create better ball movement and connect each third of the field.
Replacing the offense by committee
Finding goals is the Hurricanes’ biggest offseason challenge.
Graduation claimed nearly all of Brooklyn’s scoring production from 2025, leaving Grigson searching for new attacking options.
“Our graduating seniors contributed to all but three of our goals last year,” he said. “You hear that statistic, and it gives you nightmares.”
Rather than relying on one player to replace that production, Brooklyn will spread the responsibility across several new contributors.
Senior Jack Schultz slides into the striker position after scoring three goals last season while earning the team’s Most Improved Player Award. His understanding of the game gives the Hurricanes confidence that he can become a consistent attacking presence.
“Jack has continued to grow in his understanding of the game and found himself in some opportune situations last year to score his three goals,” Grigson said. “He will be moving up to the striker position, where his IQ of the game will be pivotal for success.”
Brooklyn is also expecting freshman Kevin Nguyen to make an immediate impact on the wing. Although new to the varsity level, Nguyen’s speed and technical ability have already impressed his coach during the offseason.
“I’ve taught Kevin in the classroom the last two years,” Grigson said. “I’ve been excited to get him up to the high school to be on our team. He is adaptable and has molded quickly into our team and expectations of the squad. His speed will cause some headaches for opposing teams. Looking forward to helping him build his confidence on the wing.”
Grigson also pointed to Nguyen and fellow winger John Nguyen as players capable of stretching opposing defenses with their pace and ball control.
Experience anchors the defense
While the Hurricanes search for more offense, they return an experienced defensive core that should keep them competitive.
Junior Amin Elouardighi takes over as the leader of the back line after developing alongside two older brothers who helped shape his understanding of the game.
“Amin will be our rock and foundation in our back line,” Grigson said. “He has two older brothers that he’s been fortunate to learn the game well from, and he now helps coach up our younger guys and give them any pointers he can to better our program. His knowledge of the back line will save us in many scenarios this year.”
Behind him is senior goalkeeper Ben Denovchek, one of Brooklyn’s most reliable returning players. Denovchek recorded 66 saves in just 11 matches last season while earning CVC Honorable Mention recognition, and his experience gives the Hurricanes confidence every time they take the field.
“It’s a bummer that this is our last year with Ben between the sticks,” Grigson said. “His shot-stopping abilities have got us out of many pinches. Ben is looking to continue his successful season from last year by being vocal from the back and motivating the team.”
Building a stronger identity
Brooklyn’s coaching staff has emphasized more than tactics throughout the offseason. The Hurricanes have spent the summer working to develop better chemistry, communication and composure while preparing several returning starters for new positions.
“Some of the returning starters will be shifting to new positions in order to help with creativity and connecting each third of the field,” Grigson said. “This will help with the lack of experience some of our new starters may face.”
Grigson believes success will ultimately come down to executing the fundamentals.
“Keep their composure, match opponents’ physicality, and communicate,” he said. “Simple as that. If we can hit on those three things and try to have control of the game, we will stay in games.”
He also appreciates the attitude his players have brought throughout the offseason.
“They are spirited and know the challenges ahead this year,” Grigson said. “They’re working tremendously hard to build their culture and get in the right mindset to find success.”
Outlook
Brooklyn enters the 2026 season with plenty of questions, particularly in the attacking third, but the Hurricanes also possess an experienced senior class, a proven goalkeeper, and versatile players capable of taking on larger roles. If the offense develops as new pieces settle into place, Brooklyn has the leadership and defensive foundation to challenge opponents throughout the season and continue building momentum under Grigson’s direction.
