NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Fresh off last year’s state championship run, the North Salem boys soccer team enters the 2025 season with a mix of familiar faces and new contributors eager to step up.
Coach Ron Hendrie knows the challenge of following up last year’s success won’t be easy after graduating several senior playmakers.
“Even the loss of a couple key players changes the alchemy of a team,”says Hendrie. “Everyone is going to need to step up their game in order for this to be a promising season.”
Fortunately a strong core of veterans are returning for the Tigers. Midfielders Sean Randall, Liam Keegan, and Aidan Santis were consistent scoring threats last fall and will be counted on to lead again. Defenders Max Cotrone, Orlando Mulaj, and Jameson Juan also return as anchors in the back line.
Several players are already making an impression in training. Juniors Steven Gamez, Jason Gjushi, and Nico Maya have stood out, while Juben Lazri and Isaac Rouse are also expected to play key roles after strong preseason performances. Seniors Angel Romero and Andrew Varga add further experience to a roster eager to prove itself.
The defending champs know they’ll have a target on their backs every time they step onto the field. But the Tigers are set to take on all comers.
“Every team that plays us this year will be showing up to take on the defending state champions,” Hendrie adds. “Unlike our opponents, one challenge that we will face this year is the difficulty of bringing our ‘A’ game to every single game we play.”
If preseason is any indication, North Salem is hungry for another title.
“The guys showed up fit and eager to play again this year and have been bonding well as a group,” Hendrie notes.
With a balance of tested leaders and hungry new talent, the Tigers are prepared to write the next chapter in their storied program.
North Salem will kick off their season on the road against Dobbs Ferry on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 4:30 p.m.
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