High School Sports |

Baltimore Sun high school boys soccer preview: Storylines, players to watch and top 15 teams heading into 2024 season

Here’s what you need to know for the 2023 high school boys soccer season in the Baltimore area:

Storylines to watch

Can No. 1 Loyola Blakefield add a second straight MIAA A crown under first-year coach Geaton Caltabiano?

Last season, the Dons enjoyed the program’s first unbeaten season under first-year coach Mike Marciano, finishing with a 14-0-4 mark that was capped by a clinical 3-1 win over John Carroll in the title game. In a bid to repeat, Caltabiano, a Mount Saint Joseph and UMBC graduate, has a strong cast to work with led by All-Metro Player of the Year Dan Klink and All-Metro second-team selection Sammie Walker.

Elite coaching ranks in Baltimore County

Wins continue to pile up at Towson and Eastern Tech with two highly successful coaches on the sidelines. Towson coach Randy Dase enters his 35th season with 361 wins, having led the Generals to the Class 3A state title game last season. Eastern Tech’s Peter Glaudemans, now in his 33rd season, reached 300 victories last year as he guided the Mavericks to their seventh county title since 2001. Dase’s Generals had won the previous four county crowns.

Instant rivalry takes hold in MIAA B Conference

When St. Paul’s left the A Conference for the B Conference last season, there was a good chance the Crusaders would present two-time defending champion Severn its biggest challenge. That turned out to be the case. The teams shared first place with 8-0-2 league marks — tying 0-0 in their regular-season meeting — and then fittingly met in the title game with St. Paul’s claiming a hard-fought 2-1 win. Look for much the same this season with both teams returning plenty of talent. The Crusaders return six starters, while the Admirals have seven coming back.

The challenge of staying on top

Going into the season, five area teams are different than all others in that they return as defending champions. In the MIAA, Loyola Blakefield, St. Paul’s and Friends are looking to repeat in the A, B and C Conferences, respectively. Among the public schools, South River is the Class 3A state champion and Harford Tech aims for a second straight 1A crown. As for an approach, many coaches like to bank on the big-game experience gained during the title run while strongly emphasizing that it’s a new season with a clean slate.

Wealth of gifted midfielders

Goals are scored up front and saves are made in back, but the play in between is the vital link. That area is flooded with gifted midfielders, all aiming to win balls in the middle and then do something productive with it to give their team the advantage. In particular, the MIAA A Conference has an exceptional lot. Defending champion Loyola boasts Klink and Walker, McDonogh leans on Blake Lloyd, Archbishop Curley has Casey Price and Calvert Hall presents Colin Kelly. When the playoffs roll around and the games are tight and more pressure-filled, the one midfielder who can provide stability and make the special play will carry the day.

Players to watch

Nicolas Chinchilla, North County, midfielder, senior

The do-everything midfielder and All-Metro second-team pick last season brings consistent impactful play for the Knights, who made their first region title game since 1997 last season. A four-year varsity player and two-year captain, Chinchilla totaled nine goals and three assists in his breakthrough season.

Lucas Gardeniers, South River, defender, senior

A dominant presence at center back, Gardeniers brings high skills, physicality and instincts in shutting down opponents and jump-starting the offense. Last season, he anchored a defense that posted 13 shutouts while contributing five goals and four assists for the Class 3A state champions.

Dan Klink, Loyola Blakefield, forward-midfielder, senior

Highly skilled with a work rate to match, Klink earned All-Metro Player of the Year honors last season after finishing with eight goals and eight assists to lead the Dons to the MIAA A championship. The North Carolina commit shined in the season’s biggest game, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over John Carroll for the league title.

Calvert Hall vs McDonogh in MIAA A conference soccer quatrerfinal playoffs

Blake Lloyd, McDonogh, midfielder, senior

The hard-working Lloyd is a dynamic playmaker who thrives in big moments.  Last season, he finished with six goals and eight assists as a holding center midfielder and will take on the attacking midfielder role to help produce more offense.

Nick McGhin, Century, midfielder, senior

One of the area’s purest finishers at attacking midfielder, McGhin consistently gets himself in good spots to score and is equally effective with his feet or his head. Last season, he scored 13 of his 25 goals in the Knights’ playoff run to the Class 2A title game.

Casey Price, Archbishop Curley, midfielder, senior 

Price is a fierce ball winner who dominates the middle of the field with game-changing ability. In earning All-Metro first-team honors last season, Price, now a two-year captain, finished with nine goals and two assists in leading the Friars to the MIAA A Conference semifinals.

Jonathan Sanchez, Mt. Hebron, goalie, senior

Previously playing in the midfield, Sanchez made a smooth adjustment in the goal last season, leaning on instincts and athleticism to take command of the penalty area. He earned All-Metro second-team honors after boasting eight shutouts and yielding four goals in the Vikings’ 8-3-2 season.

South River vs Towson boys soccer 3A state final

Josh Villano, Towson, defender, senior

A three-year starter at center back, Villano makes a positive impact as the Generals’ field leader. He brings great defensive instincts to consistently shut down opponents, takes free kicks from midfield and scored seven goals last season with most coming on headers from corner kicks.

Aiden Warren, Harford Tech, midfielder, senior

A four-year starter, Warren brings poised play highlighted by tremendous vision and touch to both start and finish off scoring opportunities. Coming off a 10-goal, four-assist junior season, he’s primed to take on more responsibility with the Cobras graduating five key players from their state championship squad.

Allan Ying, River Hill, senior, forward

The three-year starter and two-year captain has been a steadying influence for the Hawks with fine game sense and a tireless work rate. After finishing with two goals and nine assists as a junior, Ying becomes more of the focal point with a greater attacking role this season.

Preseason Top 15 teams

1. Loyola Blakefield

Coach: Geaton Caltabiano

Last season: 14-0-4, No. 1 ranking

Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion

Outlook: With key pieces in place at key spots, the Dons have the goods for a second straight MIAA A crown under first-year coach Caltabiano. Last year’s All-Metro Player of the Year Dan Klink, All-Met pick Sammie Walker and Cal Lackner lead a potent offense with Ryan Andrews the glue on defense.

2. McDonogh

Coach: Brandon Quaranta

Last season: 10-4-5, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: The Eagles have a quality mix of seniors and underclassmen to make a championship push. Senior center midfielder Blake Lloyd is the catalyst with sophomores Javier Brown, Valentino Quaranta and Austin Roberts other key offensive sparks. Goalie Jason Broome anchors an experienced back line.

Loyola vs. Curley soccer match ends in 1-1 tie

3. Archbishop Curley

Coach: Barry Stitz

Last season: 12-5-6, No. 7

Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: With their strength positioned through the middle and complementary pieces on the outside, the Friars are a strong contender in the MIAA. Center midfielder Casey Price is the focal point with fellow midfielder Carter Clark, defender Nick Lentz and forward DB Brunetti also playing lead roles.

4. Severna Park

Coach: Ryan Parisi

Last season: 14-1-1, No. 8

Postseason: Class 3A East Region I semifinalist

Outlook: A rare early playoff exit hasn’t sat well with the Falcons, and they return a deep and experienced roster determined to get back on top. The talent is spread out everywhere with goalkeeper Matt Schisler and defender Liam Kinslow the keys in back, midfielder Jason Blain and Enecko Allen the connectors and Sam Blake and Tully Esponola proven finishers up front.

5. Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Fred Sporrer

Last season: 9-6-4, No. 6

Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist

Outlook: The Cavaliers broke through with a fine 2023 season, and they are eager to build on that with a continued commitment to technical, organized play in each phase. Hayden Marsh anchors the defense at center back, Kyle Crawford and Marco Mazzola play fast in the middle and Eli Knight is the primary threat up front.

6. Calvert Hall

Coach: Rich Zinkand

Last season: 7-9-3, No. 11

Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist

Outlook: The Cardinals have a tight, solid group determined to make a strong playoff push. Center midfielder Colin Kelly, backs Dylan Isaac and Thomas Nock and versatile playmaker Conor Moran are the senior leaders with sophomore midfielder Alex Whitt leading a talented group of underclassmen.

7. John Carroll

Coach: Jim Fendryk

Last season: 11-3-6, No. 2

Postseason: MIAA A Conference finalist

Outlook: After graduating an epic 2024 class, the Patriots have a gifted new cast primed to step up and continue recent success. Connor Clarke and Samko Duracka are keys in the middle with attacking midfielder Jacob Gensel and forward Luca D’Alessandro a promising combination to produce goals.

8. River Hill

Coach: Matt Shagogue

Last season: 13-4, No. 10

Postseason: Class 3A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: With eight starters back led by bookend standouts in forward Allan Ying and goalie Zach Glass, the Hawks are well positioned to build on last year’s state tournament showing. The versatile roster also boasts midfielder-forward Charles Gerber, defender Sam Van Ert and the return of gifted wing Xavier Cazeau.

South River vs Towson boys soccer 3A state final

9. South River

Coach: Marlyn Argueta

Last season: 14-7, No. 3

Postseason: Class 3A state champion

Outlook: With five starters back from last year’s Class 3A state title team, the Seahawks are poised to build on that breakthrough success. Defensive midfielder Jeffrey Serrano and center back Lucas Gardeniers are the starting points with new surrounding talent poised to step up.

10. Mt. Hebron

Coach: Mike Linsenmeyer

Last season: 8-3-2, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A South Region I semifinalist

Outlook: Much like last season, when they allowed a skimpy six goals, the Vikings will bank on a tidy defense led by All-Metro goalie Jonathan Sanchez and savvy backs Will Kettering and Tyler Hagyard. The offense comes from Chris and Logan Belcher, as well as Logan McWright.

11. Towson

Coach: Randy Dase

Last season: 13-3-5, No. 9

Postseason: Class 3A state finalist

Outlook: A strong 2024 class graduated after two straight deep playoff runs, leaving the Generals with plenty of big shoes to fill.  Defender Josh Villano brings do-everything skills as the team glue with midfielder-forward Zach Shrager the catalyst on offense. Midfield depth is a strength.

12. Broadneck

Coach: Sean Tettemer

Last season: 11-3, No. 15

Postseason: Class 4A East Region II finalist

Outlook: With significant graduation hits leaving holes all over the field, Broadneck will be a steady work in progress with a young group that’s highly skilled and athletic. Midfielder TJ Remson and forward Wilson Banwell are quality starting points as the Bruins look to find their way.

Century vs Damascus Boys Class 2A State Championship Soccer Game

13. Century

Coach: Stephen Hurst

Last season: 9-4-1, not ranked

Postseason: Class 2A state finalist

Outlook: The Knights will score plenty with last season’s top three scorers back led by 25-goal scorer Nick McGhin. Jackson Barioto and Ryan Bauer are the other main cogs on offense with goalie Greyson Glenn the anchor in back. Eight players who earned starts last season are primed for another extended playoff run.

14. St. Paul’s

Coach: Paul Fisher

Last season: 14-2-2, No. 13

Postseason: MIAA B Conference champion

Outlook: The Crusaders are eager to defend last year’s title with a balanced roster that will bank on last year’s big-game experience. Six starters return with each area covered — defenders Drew McCormick and Parker Hook are the mainstays in back, midfielder Ezra Riojas is a settling influence in the middle and forward Ale Estrada is always a touch away from changing a game.

15. Harford Tech

Coach: Mike Dempsey

Last season: 13-4-1, not ranked

Postseason: Class 1A state champion

Outlook: With plenty of returning talent bringing championship game experience, the Cobras will have a strong say in Harford County with a great chance to repeat as state champs. Aiden Warren and Chris Jimenez scored a combined 22 goals last season with defenders Jack Priebe and Brayden Chryst the key cogs in back.

Others considered: C. Milton Wright (12-3-1, not ranked), Eastern Tech (12-3-2, No. 12), Gilman (2-9-6, not ranked), Howard (13-2, No. 5), Marriotts Ridge (9-3-1, not ranked), Mount Saint Joseph (3-14-2, not ranked), Severn (10-2-4, No. 14)