Naugy taking business-like approach

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Naugatuck High seniors, from left, Aren Seeger, Matt Carroll, Yan Silva, Sam Rego are part of a strong senior class that will lead the Greyhounds this season. –KEN MORSE

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck boys soccer team heads into the season in a business-like manner as the Greyhounds prepare to defend their NVL title.

Gone are the unrealistic expectations of a new coach being compared to a legendary figure.

Second-year head coach Ryan Kinne no longer has to look over his shoulder, being compared to the accomplishments of former coach Art Nunes, who accumulated 14 NVL titles and 331 wins in 21 years on the sidelines.

Kinne, the 2016 NVL boys soccer Coach of the Year, started his own legacy last season, leading the Greyhounds to an NVL title and a 17-1-3 record. The coach is more than ready to turn the page and get his team ready for another title run.

“It makes a big difference having a year under my belt and not being under that kind of microscope,” Kinne said. “Now we can move on with the business of soccer and preparing for the season that lies ahead.

“The players understand my coaching style, and there was clear expectations of what I expected from them during the offseason. They have worked hard to get better over the summer, and we have had a full year to prepare for this and we are ready to go.”

Gone is also an experienced group of 12 seniors who graduated. The Greyhounds did lose a lot of talent but return All-NVL defender Yan Silva, All-Iron goalie Aren Seeger and All-Iron forward Tommy Martins.

“We haven’t named captains yet and no one has won any starting positions,” said Kinne last week. “We are just getting started and putting the pieces together. We have some scrimmages scheduled and all of that will be figured out in the next few weeks.”

Last year’s team was built on the strength of a defense. In 18 NVL games, including the league tournament, the defense gave up two goals. Overall, the team gave up a school record four goals in 21 games.

Seniors Sam Rego and Silva will be keys to the defensive unit along with Seeger in the net. Expect the same kind of defensive presence, but what will allow the ‘Hounds to continue their success is consistency on offense.

Senior Matt Carroll scored in all three league tournament games last year and will be one of the main components on the offensive side of the ball. Seniors Vinny Knupp, Ben Arruda and Christian Jacobi along with junior Jake Corbo were all key offensive contributors last year.

“We lost three defenders in the back row from last year,” Kinne said. “Aren didn’t really get to show his shot-stopping ability, as he was rarely tested. We have guys ready to step into those spots and make a difference.

“Our style of play may look a little different. We didn’t score as much as I would have liked last year. We squandered a lot of chances in games, and no one is expecting our defense to allow just four goals again this year.”

Naugatuck seniors Felipe Pereira, Jared McNeil, Andrew Mahler and Carlos Gonzaga will be looking to make that kind of difference that separates the Greyhounds from the rest of the pack.

“Guys are competing and fighting for starting jobs,” Kinne said. “That kind of healthy competition is what will make us a better team down the road. Jacobi really came into his own and became a crucial player for us last year.

“Corbo is another player, who through his hard work, developed into a key player for us at midfield. There are spots open and we have players working hard for those positions and that competitiveness will make us a better team.”

Naugatuck will get the season underway on Sept. 8 at Wilby. The Greyhounds will host Seymour on Sept. 12 and visit Woodland on Sept. 15.