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RYE BOOK, N.Y. The Blind Brook varsity boys soccer team is facing a familiar situation going into the 2012 season with one major difference.
The Trojans graduated a large group of starters, as they did in 2011. However, unlike last year, the Trojans enter the 2012 season as the defending Section 1 Class B champions.
Last year we were a really young team and not as much was expected of us, senior co-captain and goalie Ben Seguljic said. We had goals, but we never thought we would get that far in the postseason.
Blind Brook outlasted Bronxville, 2-1, in overtime to win the Class B title.
Winning was an amazing feeling, said Seguljic, in his third varsity soccer season.
Seguljic and sweeper Jake Starr highlight a core group of six returning senior starters. Along with Seguljic and Starr are Zach Streichler (stopper), Ross Elmaleh (midfield), Greg Popper (midfield) and Sam Nadell (midfield). Junior Brad DeSanctis returns as a starter on defense.
The forward line is open for competition among the new players to varsity. Starr likes what he sees from the younger players.
The younger kids are working hard and showing they want to put the ball in the net, Starr said.
As a result of the starting jobs to be had, competition during practice has been intense, with everyone pushing one another.
Opponents will find that scoring goals against Blind Brook will be difficult with Starr and DeSanctis back and Seguljic as the final say.
Our defense will be the main part of our game, Seguljic said. It was a strength last year. We want to support our midfield and forwards and have a strong foundation.
Even though Blind Brook is the defending champion, Starr and his teammates understand that was last year. Blind Brook does not want a repeat of 2010, when the Trojans lost in the second round of sectionals.
Its a different season and everyone is going to have different teams with talent, Starr said. This is going to make everyone on our team work that much harder.
Blind Brook will host Rye on Wednesday, Sept. 5, in its season opener and play at Horace Greeley on Friday, Sept. 7.
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