LYNN — Classical boys soccer coach Eric Moreno feels fairly optimistic about his Rams as the 2019 season nears. And with good reasons.
Moreno, in his first year coaching Classical, guided the program to a 10-2-6 regular season and a trip to the Division 2 North quarterfinal. The season ended with a 4-0 loss on a rainy night in Arlington.
“To be honest, with the boys seeing me there in my first season, they only had four wins the year before and they came together for an amazing season,” Moreno said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better year. They really made a 360 change and they just gave it their all.”
Classical graduated six starters from last year’s roster. Among that group were goalie Daniel Cortes, center-midfielders Kevin Molina and Ivan Melara and center-back Josue Pena.
As Patriots coach Bill Belichick says, “Next guy up,” said Moreno.
“The good thing is the other half of last year’s core is coming back this season. We’ll have a pretty strong base. We have some new guys that weren’t on the team last year. We’re going to see some new faces step up. I’m confident in this group just like I was confident in last year’s group.”
This year’s team will be led by senior captains Fernando Gomez (forward), Alex Ixlaj (center-midfielder) and Theo Kamarinos (defender).
Moreno likes what he’s seen from his captains thus far.
“They’ve been unbelievable,” Moreno said. “They saw what we did last year and they’re ready to continue that tradition of ‘team first.’ They’re all humble kids. They’ve all been there. They know what it takes so they’re perfect examples.”
Also returning to the team are seniors Christopher Zelaya (defender) and Brian Morales (center-midfielder) and junior Jenner Robles (forward). Morales re-joins the Rams after sitting out the 2018 season due to injury. Robles earned a starting role last fall as a sophomore.
“They’re going to be ready to go,” Moreno said of his returners. “They already received experienced really deep in the playoffs. They experienced what it was like to go undefeated in the league. They were part of that and they know what it takes. They’re going to take that experience and take that next step. The only place to go from last season is to try and win the North title. That’s our next goal.”
At goaltender, it’s a competition between senior Zach Beliveau and sophomore Isaiah Diaz.
“We’re confident in both,” Moreno said. “It’s a good thing to have two options, especially after losing Daniel. It’s going to come down to the wire. We’ll probably find out over the weekend, after a couple scrimmages. But we have two good options.”
Things have gone according to plan through the first few days of the preseason.
“We’re looking good,” Moreno said. “We already have the final team ready to go. The core’s ready to go. Everyone’s fairly healthy, knock on wood. We’re just going to keep building on last year. These guys are ready to start. They want to play.”
Classical opens the season Sept. 4 (7 p.m.) against St. Mary’s in the Lynn City Tournament.
“We’re excited, that’s for sure,” Moreno said. “We didn’t get to see them last season so it’ll be fun.”
