Jersey Shore feels that its biggest strength this year will be its defense, and coach Mitch Cornelius is confident in his team’s backline.
“We have, in my opinion, one of the best backlines in the area. Our two centerbacks Pete Bellomo and Isaiah Reibson are big, fast and have been playing soccer for a long time. They will be the backbone of our team. Cornelius said. “Outside backs Owen Farr and Brock Smith are two very good players.”
Jersey Shore finished 5-13 last year, and the Bulldogs are going to look to not only improve on that this year in the win column, but make a playoff push as well.
“I have always had faith in these boys and I feel we should make a strong playoff push and will be one of those teams that nobody wants to play,” Cornelius said. “We would be very disappointed if we did not win more games than (last year).”
The Bulldogs do return their leading scorer from last season in Nick Bellomo, an offensive threat, but the Bulldogs also bring back a handful of others who will help the team succeed.
“We are looking for a big season from him,” Cornelius said. “Attacking midfielder Daniel Marshall will open some eyes this year. He has been working hard and was a force playing indoors this winter.”
The Bulldogs bring back nine seniors and that group’s experience and leadership will be beneficial for the team.
“One of our goals is to get to districts this year because anything can happen once you get to the playoffs,” Cornelius said. “As in any sport, injuries can define your season. Last year we had a very good starting team, but with injuries and COVID, we would be missing 4-5 starters most games.”
Jersey Shore’s schedule last year was brutal as well, as the Bulldogs faced 16 teams who ended up qualifying for districts, six of which qualified for states.
“You just can’t be missing 4-5 starters and beat that caliber of teams,” Cornelius said. “When healthy, we beat Williamsport, Selinsgrove and lost a 1-0 overtime heartbreaker to Danville. We feel this year we will be solid and should surprise teams.”
NOTE: Jersey Shore’s boys soccer preview was accidentally omitted from Wednesday’s HAC-I boys soccer preview story.
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