Classical boys soccer preps for season

The Classical High boys soccer team has quite a few players returning on defense and in the midfield, but coach Rob Upton will have to find some scoring after losing some serious firepower to graduation.Yabesi Musema, the Northeastern Conference Most Valuable Player last year, had 23 goals and 11 assists as a senior. He?s looking to play for Salem State this fall.?Last year we had the league MVP. That was pretty helpful,” Upton said.The Rams finished the season 10-8-2. They defeated Chelsea, 1-0, in the first game of the state tournament but lost in the second round.The good news for Upton is that in addition to having some experienced players on defense and in the midfield, he has a veteran goalie as well. Strati Saranteas took over the goaltending duties midway through the season and it worked out well.?We put him in net and it calmed everything down. It?s good. He?s experienced,” Upton said.Upton has four captains who will be key in the team?s success — Saranteas, Andreas Dominovic, Jesus Viveros and Karegeya Nasibu.Dominovic was injured part of last year, but when he returned he really shored up the middle of the defense, Upton said.Viveros spent time on defense and in the midfield.?He?s pretty flexible. We can put him in either place depending on where we need him. He?s a guy who can definitely contribute. He can play striker as well,” Upton said.Upton is looking for Nasibu to help pick up some of the scoring now that Musema is gone. Nasibu was a Northeastern Conference All-Star who did an excellent job controlling the middle of the field. He was also a big part of the attack last year with 13 goals and four assists.?He was really strong in the center midfield position,” Upton said. “He also plays some striker. He can put the ball in the net and set other people up. He should help fill the void of losing Yabesi.”Upton is also expecting big things from Abitalib Gireira, a second-team NEC All-Star. Gireira plays center midfield and is a setup man. William Ugorji played a variety of positions including midfield and striker.?We?re hoping he can make the leap, help put the ball in the net a little bit,” Upton said.On the defensive side of things, senior Daniel Sozi saw a lot of time last season and should be a big contributor this year.Upton, who is in his fourth year as head coach, had more than 50 players show up for tryouts. That number is higher than usual and he expects a few more will show up once school is in session. The Rams open their season Wednesday against St. Mary?s in the Lynn City Tournament.