MONROE, CT — Coming off a solid season in which the team reached the Class L State Tournament semifinals, Masuk High’s boys soccer squad is on a quest to accomplish more in 2024.
“We have a good core of new and returning players on the team. We have 16 returning players — nine seniors and six starters — from last year’s team,” Coach Brendan Cavanaugh said.
The Masuk soccer program continues to grow year after year. “We had a record numbers at tryouts this year. We had over 65 players want to be part of this program. We have the potential to have another strong season,” the coach added.
The Panthers were the No. 4 seed in the South-West Conference Tournament and fell in the quarterfinals to No. 5 Joel Barlow of Redding, which made a run to the title game last fall. No. 2 Bethel won the tourney.
Masuk has a wealth of a talent back in the fold as the Panthers look to go deeper in this year’s SWC bracket before making a run at the state title.
Senior captains are goalkeeper Connor Kehlenback (SWC Honorable Mention 2023), center defender Thomas Warner (All-Patriot 2023) and forward/ center attacking midfielder Cole Rigby.
“Cole Rigby has an opportunity to be one of the top players in the conference,” Cavanaugh said.
Other key players include three juniors, all of whom started as sophomores. Cash Dewey (attacking center midfielder), Matteo Iacono (center defensive midfielder), and Cristiano Rivera (center defensive midfielder) all have the capability of making valuable contributions to the team.
The Panthers return some talent and experience but will have some shoes to fill, particularly on the offensive end of the field.
“After losing over 40 goals on offense due to graduation, I am looking for players to take the next step forward and help lead this team to victories,” Cavanaugh said.
The first game of the season is Tuesday, Sept. 3, when Notre Dame-Fairfield visits Masuk at 7 p.m., the first of four straight home contests to begin things.
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