Lenape Valley boys' soccer

After a championship season in 2018 and with a veteran head coach at the helm leading the way, Lenape Valley High School boys soccer program is working hard to be at their best on the pitch once again this fall. The Patriots have three consecutive upcoming road games, at Hopatcong, North Warren and Kittatinny on Sept. 20, Sept. 23 and Sept. 25, respectively.

On Sept. 27, Lenape Valley is scheduled to host Jefferson. Lenape Valley is slated to begin October with home challenges versus Hackettstown and Sussex Tech on the first and third of the month, respectively. Alex Dominguez (senior, midfield and goal keeper), Gabe Hernandez (junior, forward), Connor Duffy (junior, defense), Darrius Coye (junior, midfield), Dakota Krug (junior, defense), David Castillo (junior, defense) and Jude Ashley (sophomore, midfield) return to the varsity roster for the Patriots. Carlos Perez (sophomore), Evan Williams (freshman, midfield and defense), Ryan Mondragon (freshman, midfield and defense) and Nate Sarnella (freshman, midfield and defense) are among the newcomers to the varsity level.

The Patriots tallied a mark of 9-0-1 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Colonial Division to win the league title last year. Overall, they were 13-4-1 and advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament quarterfinal round last season. Glen Rock, who defeated Lenape Valley in the North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament last season, went on to win the Sectional title and were the 2018 Group 2 State runners-up. The Patriots also advanced to the quarterfinal round of the very tough Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament last year.

“Captains Connor Duffy and Alex Dominguez have already made their mark as leaders, through their commitment to the team, setting a positive tone during preseason and organizing summer training,’’ Lenape Valley head coach Eric Schuman said. “Both arrived fit to camp and set an example for the other players to follow in running qualifying times for the mile and a half. Alex Dominguez is the lone senior on the team-his positive workman attitude will be a key force on the team this year.’’

The Patriots play in the NJAC Colonial Division along with Morris Tech, Kittatinny, North Warren, Hopatcong and Sussex Tech. Coach Schuman sees North Warren and Kittatinny as being among the top teams to beat in the Colonial Division this year.

“Looking forward to working with a coachable group of young student athletes that play with passion and pride,’’ Schuman said.