Boys’ Soccer: Peabody set to start fresh

The Peabody boys’ soccer team has been a contender every season since 2008. Now the Tanners will have to rely on young talent if the success is to continue.
? Last year:The Tanners finished 16-2-2 and won their second Northeastern Conference title in a row and sixth in seven years They made it to the MIAA tournament, but fell to Brookline, 1-0, in the North Division 1 quarterfinals.
? Coach:Stan McKeen is back for his 21st year as the Tanners head coach. Last year, he notched career win No. 200 against Swampscott on Oct. 7.
? Key players gone:The varsity squad had 15 seniors last season, including captains Ben Manoogian (forward), Christian Morales (defender), Connor Wolff (midfielder), and Joao Correia (forward).
? Key players this year:The Tanners return a pair of midfielders: junior Lucas Amaral and senior Evangelos Andreas. On the attack, junior forward Mark Couto is back and McKeen said fans should pay close attention to senior forward Marty Michelmen. Starting in net for Essex Tech last season, Michelmen will be part of the Tanners’ attack while serving as the team’s backup goalkeeper. McKeen also said he is confident in junior starting goalkeeper Jake Zeuli after watching him play JV last year.
? Strengths:This is a team heavy in sophomores and juniors so there is room to grow. Experience in the midfield is a plus as is depth at goalkeeper.
? Question marks:Anytime a team graduates 15 seniors, lack of experience can be of concern.
? Opening game:Against Acton-Boxborough at home Sept. 13.
? Big games on the schedule:McKeen said that the NEC is always a tough division, but games against Beverly (Sept. 17 and Oct. 26), Danvers (Sept. 19 and Oct. 21), and Revere (Sept. 22 and Oct. 25) will be worth the cost of the ticket.
?Coach’s outlook:”As long as we can gel together and play well together, I think we’ll be OK.”Tom Joyce can be reached at [email protected].