The start of the 2014 soccer season is just one week away and as part of our preview, we have compiled a list of boys’ soccer players that will be worth watching in the Hockomock League this season. The players are listed alphabetically by last name. Click here to view our list of girls soccer players to watch.
Brandon Boone, Oliver Ames - Senior Forward
Boone returns at forward for the three-time defending league champions and will provide a focal point for the Tigers attack with his size and strength. He is a constant handful for defenders that struggle to match his physicality, but also has the speed to run the channels and find the space behind the centerbacks. His goals and experience will be important for an OA squad that is trying to incorporate a number of new players.
Joe Kellett, King Philip - Junior Midfielder
There's a reason Kellett was selected as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year in 2013. He has tremendous poise on the pitch and is a strong two-way player. He does well to keep possession and does well to settle down the pace when necessary. Kellett can get forward and even play the striker role and does well to finish (six goals last year). Teams will game plan for Kellett this year but he has to ability to set up his teammates, which he showed with his eight assists last season.
Damian Kozak, Canton - Senior Midfielder
Kozak returns as Canton’s primary scoring option, but also as one of two key playmakers for the Bulldogs along with classmate Bart O’Brien. Kozak matches speed with great control and the ability to pick out passes to spring the Canton attack. If needed, Kozak can also drop into the midfield and help provide an extra layer of defense.As a four-year player for the Bulldogs, he has loads of experience and is versatile to fill a number of roles for Canton coach Danny Erickson depending on the game situation.
Tim LaRowe, Franklin - Senior Midfielder
Larowe will be the sparkplug in the middle of the pitch for Franklin and will be tasked with marking many of the names that appear on this list. He is a defensive-minded player by nature, but with Joe Kalil graduated, Larowe may need to add box-to-box play, which could lead to more scoring opportunities. For a team that prides itself on physicality and high pressure, Larowe is the lynchpin and leads by example with seemingly non-stop energy.
Loubensky Lucas, Stoughton - Sophomore Forward
After a splendid freshman campaign, expect more of the same from Lucas this season. He's a big, strong forward that causes nightmares for defenses. With plenty of talent returning for Stoughton, Lucas should benefit with the familiarity. He showed how important his contributions are as out of the four games Stoughton one (not counting the forfeit win over Attleboro), Lucas scored in three of those games, totaling five goals.
Juan Quintero, Milford - Senior Forward
Quintero really made a name for himself this past year as one of the top goal scorers and set up guys in the entire league. He had over 10 points on the season, split roughly evenly between goals and assists. He's dangerous off the ball and has the ability to get in behind defenses and make them pay. He has a very strong shot that he can uncork from distance or he can set teammates up. His already established connection with Kevin Ribeiro could make the two of them one of the most dangerous duos in the league.
Matt Rodrigues, Attleboro - Senior Midfielder
Rodrigues is a returning Eastern Mass. All-Star and HockomockSports.com Best XI midfielder and will be the focal point of the Attleboro passing game (and of opposing defenses). The tall, lanky playmaker is calm in possession and possesses a keen eye for a defense-splitting pass and the timing to make dangerous, late runs into the box. Although, he may sit back more and not match last year’s goal total, Rodrigues will be the player that the Bombardiers flow through and Attleboro coach Peter Pereira will want him on the ball as often as possible.
Nelson Roias, Taunton - Senior Forward
Taunton’s senior forward generally attacks down the left side of the 18-yard box and is dangerous cutting back on to his right foot and unleashing a powerful shot. He also has great size to be a constant threat on crosses or set pieces. This year, Roias may be needed to drop into the hole between the midfield and the strikers, but he has the skills to take on defenders from that position and work a scoring chance.
Jason Ross, Attleboro - Senior Goalkeeper
The lone keeper on this list, Attleboro’s senior has all the qualities that you would look for in a goalie. Ross is a solid shot stopper, is fearless diving out to the feet of the attackers (as evidenced by an injury to his jaw that he suffered over the summer), and has the size to come out and claim any high ball into the box. After losing two central defenders from last year, Ross’ vocal leadership and direction will be crucial if the Bombardiers are to reach their potential this season.
Devante Teixiera, Foxboro - Junior Midfielder
Teixeira is just one many important pieces returning for the Warriors this season. Teixeira burst onto the Hockomock scene last year during his sophomore season with his speed and skill. He's one of the quickest players in the entire league, which is a huge advantage along the wings. Teixeira is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and can beat players one on one. His service into the area improved as the year went on and with players like Brian Bortolotti and Riley Fleck, he could be among the top players in points this season.