Warriors have big goals for '09 soccer campaign

The New Egypt High School boys soccer team opened the 2009 season with a pair of 7-0 victories over Trenton Catholic and Burlington City, as coach Sam Palumbo says the campaign has the makings of an "interesting year."

"We have a little size and strength for once," said the Warriors' fifth year coach. "We are a very physical, very strong defensive team."

Rob Brown, who scored 28 goals in 2008, was back at it again with five goals in the opener and two against Burlington City. But he is not alone. Adam Lipay, a junior who is sharing time at the other forward spot with senior Chris Luciano opposite Brown, fired in a hat trick on Sept. 19 vs. Burlington City.

"We have a lot of seniors, kids playing three or four years, and we expect to put together something good," said Palumbo, whose 2008 team went 12-8-1 and finished third in the Burlington Patriot Division. The season ended in a 2-1 loss to David Brearley High School, Kenilworth, in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I state sectionals.

One senior is Chris Schwear, an outside midfielder who scored a goal against Burlington City, and two other seniors are twins and co-captains Mike Bette and Chris Bette.

Chris scored six goals and had 13 assists in 2008 and could be taking on a greater leadership role this season. Mike was looking to start for a third season last fall but broke his ankle on the second day of practice. He returned to the team for the last two games.

Another senior, sweeper Ron Valdner, was an all-division selection a year ago. Senior Rick Mileta is the stopper.

Another senior captain, Dave Wenskowski, is starting for a third season in goal and had six shutouts in 2008.

"He controls the game and is very good at telling people where they should be," said Palumbo. "He is athletic and accurate with his punts and goal kicks."

Senior John Parin is the Warriors' backup goalie and also plays forward.

There also are juniors having an impact, including outside backs Pat Seiler, who goes up strong for balls in the air, and speedy Kyle Turner. Kyle Lammerding is a skilled outside midfielder and Jesse Rabbitt is a strong defender.

Dan Chiaverini is vying for playing time at midfield and fullback and Palumbo said he is "athletic and learning the game and might fight for time by the end of the year."

New Egypt is pointing toward key games Oct. 1 at Holy Cross and Oct. 7 at Palmyra. The Warriors hosted Bordentown Regional on Sept. 21 and played at Maple Shade on Sept. 23. New Egypt will host Riverside on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m.

— Wayne Witkowski