Defending Chagrin Valley Conference champion Chagrin Falls opens the 2019 season without a senior in its projected starting lineup.
But, don’t believe for a moment the Tigers aren’t up for the challenge of defending their crown with a young roster.
“After graduating 14 seniors, we will have a young squad heading into the 50th season of boys soccer at Chagrin Falls,” third-year head coach Brian McKenna said. “Although there will not be a senior in the starting lineup, the players are adjusting well to stepping up in starting roles.”
Chagrin Falls finished the 2018 season with a 15-3-1 record, which included a 5-0-1 mark in CVC Chagrin Division play.
The Tigers have nine juniors, one sophomore and one freshman projected to start this season. Only two of those players—junior midfielder Ellis Clark and junior defender J.T. Marting–are returning starters.
Fortunately, Marting, who earned honorable mention All-Greater Cleveland honors last season, is back and will anchor a defense that should keep the Tigers in contention this fall.
“We feel the defense has already started to look to be the strength of the team,” McKenna said. “We have a schedule that should provide us with several challenges along the way. We are seeking another CVC title and hoping for a deep run in the playoffs.”
In addition to his defensive work, Marting scored two goals and added a pair of assists last season. Ellis is the only other returning player to record a point last season. He finished with three assists.
Junior Ben Tinsley will start in the net for the Tigers. The defense in front of him will include Marting, freshman Andrew Nachtwey and juniors John Ranieri and Alex Fisher.
Chagrin Falls’ midfield includes juniors Zach Lechman, Ian Zitney and Brenden Levey and the starting forwards are projected to be junior Jack Stauffer and sophomore Lance Buescher.
Senior forward Daniel Zapata, junior midfielder Clayton Pilotti, sophomore midfielders J.C. Deruytter, Brett Vaccaro and Alex Cantor, sophomore defender Calvin Struk-Marn, sophomore forward Michael Mashke and freshman midfielder Kenny Clark provide the depth for the Tigers.
