How quickly the Joel Barlow High boys varsity soccer team can get up to speed will depend on a couple of factors as it prepares to start the 2024 season.
The Falcons must recover from pre-season injuries to key players. They also need a few juniors and sophomores to step up and fill vacancies left in certain positions.
“Right now we’re really banged up,” said 21st-year head coach Paul Winstanley. “We’ll see how quickly we can recover.”
With 36 players in the program (varsity and JV), the Falcons have good numbers. While they may not have the depth they had last year, the chemistry on the team is among some of the best he has seen.
“On paper we’re not as strong as we’ve been for quite a while,” he said. “But there’s a vibe that I’m sensing with this team that can make all the difference.”
Barlow graduated eight players, most of them starters, from last season’s team that went 11-7-1 overall. Qualifying as the fifth seed for the South-West Conference playoffs, it managed two upsets to get to the championship for the fourth time in seven seasons before losing to Bethel.
It also qualified for the state Class M tournament but was upset by New Fairfield in the first round to end the season.
The Falcons will miss Grayson Vanderburg, an All-State and All-SWC selection. Former captain Tom Colby is also gone as is leading scorer Jordan Horowitz (All-SWC).
Forward Alec Ochman, who was injured for much of the season, is also gone, as are midfielder Jack Gustavson and defenseman Damian Mirwald. James Schrade and Jon Samon also graduated.
Despite these vacancies, the Falcons will have experience in a number of positions. At forward will be seniors Dylan Crawford and Pablo Morineau, both All-Patriot Division selections.
On defense Barlow has Billy Bardani, another senior and All-Patriot selection who can also serve as back-up goal. Classmate Chad Smith will also be on defense. Also a senior, Coulter Ordway will contribute either as a starter or the first player off-the-bench, according to Winstanley.
Senior and starting goalie Addison Vanderburg is also back. Despite suffering a broken nose during the alumni game, he will still be able to play. Senior and center back Sebastian Zuanelli is recovering from an ankle injury and Winstanley hopes to have him back soon.
From the junior class Barlow has Justin Bente and Zach Mikhael, who could see time in the midfield. Sophomores Sam Walker, Noah Beninati, Sam Cooper, Nick Niles and Gregor Parry could help the midfield as well. Barlow may even start freshman Tom Swabson in the midfield.
“The midfield is where all the younger guys are,” said Winstanley. “That’s where we need the most growth. The way we play, the midfield is the engine room.”
Barlow will face stiff competition from a number of teams in particular. Winstanley expects defending SWC champ Bethel to be solid, as well as Newtown and Brookfield. There may even be a few surprise teams this season.
“You never know who can come out to the woodwork,” he said. “There’s a lot more parity. Everybody has come along.”
Barlow takes on Bunnell in its home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. after playing Masuk to a 5-5 tie on Thursday, Sept. 5 to start the season.
