Harrison aims for better season in 2011; excited about Red Bull Arena appearance
By Jim Hague
The Harrison High School boys’ soccer team had an unconventional season in 2010.
Although the Blue Tide did win 15 games and posted a fine 15-4-1 ledger, they did lose in the quarterfinal round of the Hudson County Tournament to North Bergen, a year after winning the title. And they also lost to New Providence in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I semifinals.
“We had the bar set high and last season was a disappointment by our standards,” said veteran Harrison head coach Mike Rusek, who began his 12th season as head coach with a 4-0 win over Becton last Saturday. “Every big game we had last year, we lost.”
But Rusek has already put 2010 in the rear-view mirror and is shooting for better things this season.
“We have a really good group of seniors who learned a lot from last year,” Rusek said. “They all want things to go differently this year. I think we’re in a lot better shape this year than we were a year ago.”
If the season opener is any indication, then the Blue Tide should be in good condition.
The Blue Tide has a tower of strength in goal in senior Matthew Muchowski, who stands an imposing 6-foot-7 in goal.
“He really didn’t start playing soccer until high school,” Rusek said of Muchowski. “He’s come a long way. He’s also a volleyball player, so that helped his agility and balance. He’s turned into a good goalie.”
The sweeper is senior Jose Rodriguez, who became a starter for the Blue Tide at the end of last season. The stopper is returning senior starter Willie Aguilar. Senior Jason Cunha, another returning starter, and junior Luann Oliveira are the other Blue Tide defenders.
Senior Michael Barbosa heads the midfield contingent. Barbosa is a veteran performer for the Blue Tide and has been a leader for the team for the last two years. He had eight goals and 12 assists last season.
“He’s really been a very good leader and inspiration for us,” Rusek said. “He battles every day and leads by example. He’s almost like having another coach out there. I really believe he’s going to become a good coach down the line in the future.”
Senior Jair Torres is another returnee in the midfield, along with senior Terry Gutierrez.
“Terry has come a very long way,” Rusek said.
The fourth midfielder is freshman Leandro Gonzalez, who has shown a ton of promise in the preseason.
“He’s played a lot of club soccer, so he has a lot of experience for a freshman,” Rusek said of Gonzalez. “He has a good presence on the field and he’s going to be a very good player for us.”
Senior Joao Conceicao is the Blue Tide’s top returning scorer, having found the net 16 times last season.
“He’s a proven goal scorer and we need that from him again this year,” Rusek said.
The other forward is sophomore Jose Neto, who Rusek said has improved a lot in the offseason.
“He’s turned out to be a very good player for us,” Rusek said.
Neto had two goals and Conceicao had one in the win over Becton to start the season.
Senior Angel Contreras is the top forward off the bench and senior Lucas Nogueira helps the back line as a reserve.
“I like the depth and the versatility we have this year,” Rusek said. “The depth is going to go a long way.”
Rusek said that the team received a motivational boost last week, when the New York Red Bulls officially announced that the Harrison-Kearny soccer doubleheader, originally scheduled for Red Bull Arena last week, will be played now Oct. 8 at 1 and 3 p.m.
“The kids are very excited about that,” Rusek said. “They were heartbroken when they heard that the game was first cancelled. I tried to not get their hopes up that the game would be rescheduled. So when they heard it was Oct. 8, they were thrilled. It’s something that the kids worked hard for and now they have an extra motivation to get to play at Red Bull Arena. Harrison-Kearny is always a great game. To have it played there is something special. It’s going to be great.”
So as the season kicks off, Rusek likes his team’s chances.
“The prospects of having a good season are there,” Rusek said. “I think a lot of it comes from what the kids are willing to give. I think they’re committed and I believe we can stay consistent and have a successful season.”
