Garfield HS

The Record – Boys soccer

No. 21 Garfield

Last year’s record: 12-6-2

Final ranking: No. 24

Marquee game: Sept. 5 vs. Hawthorne, 4 p.m.

Best assets: The Boilermakers’ attack is led by senior midfielder Nikolce Ilioski, a second team All-Bergen pick last year. Ilioski, who had eight goals and nine assists in 2013, is a solid distributor and a dangerous shooter inside the box. Other weapons in the midfield for 17th-year coach Mark Pieklo’s team include senior Kevji Hajdarhji (seven goals, five assists), junior Chris Pedraza and freshman Oscar Sanchez. Featured at forward are junior Dave Herrera (five goals, 14 assists), sophomore Jorge Salas (11 goals, three assists) and senior Andre Sajnoski (seven goals, six assists).

Biggest concern: To take advantage of its offensive firepower Garfield must get increased production in the net. The Boilermakers can’t give up cheap goals, especially when they play division rivals Lodi, Hawthorne and Pompton Lakes. Looking to see time at goaltender are last year’s regular starter, Egyi Zyfi, and Jose Juarez, both juniors. The starter will benefit from a defense anchored by juniors Wojciech Piwowarczyk, David Hlawacz and Matej Vida.

— Ed Mills

– See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/boys-soccer/h-s-boys-soccer-countdown-no-21-garfield-1.1068375#sthash.EoyLhM6I.dpuf