Boys soccer: Sailors looking for continued improvement

Tony Altobelli

NEWPORT BEACH - With more size and more experience in key

positions, the Newport Harbor High boys soccer team is looking to grow

and build from last year’s CIF Southern Section Division II playoff

appearance.

“We’re looking strong,” Newport Coach Matt West said. “We might be

young in some spots, but they all have a lot of heart and I think we’ll

play a tougher and more physical style of game than last year.”

That rough and ready attitude will start from the back of the field

with senior goalkeeper Duke Burchell.

An All-Sea View League first-team choice last year, was the Sailors’

punter on the football team and West sees him as the key that will turn

Newport’s engine.

“He’s the foundation for us back there,” West said.

All-league second-team selections Kevin Campos and Juan Gonzalez also

return for the Sailors, who lost to El Dorado, 2-1, in the first round of

the Division II playoffs.

“I’m expecting Juan to have a breakout year for us at the sweeper

position,” West said. “He reads the play so well and has a great feel for

the game.”

Riley Madigan, an all-league honorable mention choice, along with Adam

Kearns will help patrol Newport’s midfield.

“Adam is a tremendous athlete,” West said. “He’s really worked hard in

the off-season and he’s dedicated himself to being a better soccer

player.”

On defense, Gonzales, along with junior Tyler Curtis will bring some

extra bulk into Newport’s side of the ball.

“It’s a great group of kids,” West said. “There’s a strong sense of

chemistry and they all seem to be on the same page as far as what we want

to accomplish as a team. We are on the young side and we might lose a few

early, but I think we’ll improve as the year moves along.”

West hopes his Sailors will take that team chemistry and shoot all the

way to the top of the Sea View League, but he knows there are some major

obstacles along the way.”

“Woodbridge is always, always, always up there,” West said. “Keep an

eye out for Irvine as well. They’ve done a nice job with that program.”

The season begins today. El Modena is at Newport at 3:15 p.m.

Newport Harbor Boys soccer

Tyler Simmons Sr.

Riley Madigan Sr.

Scott Dean Jr.

Juan Gonzales Sr.

Freddy Martinez Sr.

Duke Burchell Sr.

Jaime Gonzales So.

Antonio Mallue Sr.

Andy Newsome Jr.

Kevin Campos Jr.

Adam Kerns Jr.

Tyler Curtis Jr.

Brandon Gould Jr.

Will Guzman Fr.

Jose Serpas So.

Luis Aguilar So.

Zach Zarnow Jr.

Tyler Schatzlein Jr.

Roman Zaccurri So.

Marcos Cambreros So.

Mitch Gray Sr.

Coach - Matt West