(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction) caption: MARK OF EXCELLENCE: Hun School boys’ soccer star Mark Nicholas controls the ball in action last season. Junior defender Nicholas figures to play a key role on the Hun back line as the raiders look to improve on the 8-10-2 record they posted in 2008. Hun opens its 2009 campaign by hosting Vernon High on September 21.

Hun Boys’ Soccer Needs Better Finishing; But Good Team Chemistry Already in Place

Bill Alden

There were some bumps in the road last fall as Pat Quirk took the helm of the Hun School boys’ soccer team.

Dealing with heavy graduation losses and a series of injuries, Hun struggled to an 8-10-2 record, a far cry from the 14-6 mark posted in 2007.

But as the season wound down, head coach Quirk saw hope for the future as some of Hun’s younger players got on the field.

“The junior class is huge; it has come together real nicely,” said Quirk, whose team opens its 2009 campaign by hosting Vernon High on September 21.

“It started last year when some of the seniors were out and they got on the field. We have worked them hard in the preseason. They are in good shape; the work ethic is improving.”

In assessing his squad this year, Quirk acknowledges that he needs to find someone to make up for the production of the graduated Ryan Kreger, who had seven goals last fall.

“We are still looking for that guy,” said Quirk. “I had a talk with Frank Villaverde; I told him it is his time to step up. He is a sophomore but he is showing leadership. He’s definitely improved.”

Quirk is confident he will see some improvement in the midfield with Julian Plummer leading the way.

“Julian is a talented player, I am expecting a lot from him,” said Quirk, who will also be using Connor Stevenson, Liam McManimon, Chris Caputo, and Ryan Stokes in the midfield.

“He played on defense last season: I think he can help us more at center midfield this year. He is a two-way player; he can play good defense and help get the offense rolling.”

In Quirk’s view, Hun has a good defense in place with veterans Mark Nicholas, Connor Marino, Brian Patriarca, and Chris Leach patrolling the back line.

“Mark Nicholas is one of the captains, this is his third year in the back,” said Quirk.

“Brian Patriarca and Chris Leach are at outside back. They played it at the end of season last year and they both really liked it. They are hard-nosed kids. We also have Connor Marino back there. They all have experience.”

Junior goalkeeper Jeff Kaminski has benefited from the experience of starting last season.

“Jeff has definitely improved,” maintained Quirk. “He is better with the ball on his feet; he is more of a leader on the field.”

The team’s overall attitude has definitely improved as well. “The chemistry is better; they all want to win,” said Quirk.

“They are all on the same page; they all want to be there. I told them to forget about last year; we are starting a brand new page.”

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