Boys’ Soccer Takes Lessons Learned Into Offseason

Scoring is always a hot topic when talking to coaches, no matter the sport, and that was a major theme for the Moorestown boys’ soccer team this year. , they would have trouble winning games.

The Quakers struggled to find the back of the net early in the season, scoring only three goals in their first four games, being shut out twice. For the season, the Quakers were shut out five times in their six losses. Moorestown finished the year 10-6-2, in the second round of the South, Group 3 Tournament.

“I would say our sweeper Austin Harker, he had a great season, really learned the position and did a good job anchoring the back four," Sutcliffe said. “I would also say Gerald Lamina, our defensive center mid, had a great season without proper due.”

The offense exploded for the Quakers over their final six games of the season before the loss to Timber Creek. The Quakers recorded 22 goals over those six games, with . But that wasn't the best win of the season for Moorestown.

“The 3-2 win against Bishop Eustace was our best win. Our best overall team performance was the last game versus Timber Creek. They were the strongest team we played and we could have won if not for a questionable PK (penalty kick) call,” Sutcliffe said.

As the season wore on, the scoring developed and the defense settled in, with players all over the field improving their game.

“Although we had a number of players make good progress this season, I would say senior Michael Nelson from last season to the end of this year (made the most)," said Sutcliffe. "He worked extremely hard and it showed."

As the offseason begins for the Quakers, the coaching staff hopes all of the hard work put in this fall will carry over with the returning players when next season’s camp opens.

“The hope is that our returning players will take the lessons learned this year and carry them to next season,” Sutcliffe said. “We had many strong young players this season, so I am excited for next year.”