Coach: Jonathan Noschese
Last year’s record: 19-5-2
2018 final ranking: No. 4
Story by: Sean Farrell – Record Sports Department
Rear-view mirror
Waldwick was the beacon for small school soccer last year when it reached the Bergen County semifinal and won its fourth sectional title of the decade. The Warriors had an experienced bunch with 14 seniors carrying on the program’s tradition.
While some teams could be devastated by those losses, the Warriors have some hope after being the freshman county champions in 2018.
Best assets
It all starts at the top.
Coach Jonathan Noschese has developed a “next man up” mentality and sees an injury or graduation loss as an opportunity for another player. That faith is one reason why he goes into his 22nd year at Waldwick as one of the longest-tenured boys soccer coaches in Bergen County. The only one with more is Evan Baumgarten of Ramapo.
“It’s who’s turn is it now to do what we can do,” Noschese said. “Everyone from me to the players are excited to see how we handle the challenge of losing a lot of players and yet putting a good team out on the field.”
With eight starters gone, some of the responsibility will fall on captain John McHugh and Jagger da Silva on defense. Both were starters last year who seem ready to take their game to another level.
On offense, junior Lucas Ruehlemann looks like a breakout scorer with two years of varsity experience under his belt. Senior Zack Rosen has also started at times and brings energy and playmaking ability on offense.
Expectations
The Warriors are young and need time to develop. They must break in a new goalie in senior Harry Durant, who replaces a strong three-year starter. The good news is that the program went through a similar roster overhaul in 2016 and still won 12 games. Noschese also feels like the current roster is receptive to Waldwick’s style of play.
“We try to get everyone involved,” Noschese said. “It’s one of those things that takes time. I feel like this team has jumped into it very quickly. They just genuinely like each other and get along very well.”
There will be a tough fight in the NJIC Patriot. Park Ridge is still the defending champion and Cresskill is a legitimate threat this year. If the Warriors can get good minutes out of their talented sophomore class, they can stay in that race and challenge Wallington for a state sectional title.
