It’s not every day that a high school soccer coach is faced with the dilemma of trying to replace the school’s all-time leading scorer, someone who scored more than 100 career goals and a phenomenal total of 49 during his senior year.
But that’s what McNair Academic veteran head coach Nick Cipriano had to worry about when the 2002 season kicked off. How to replace the scoring provided by super striker Alberico DePierro?
"Honestly, losing Alberico wasn’t my only worry," Cipriano said. "I lost 14 of my 16 varsity players to graduation. I was very concerned."
That’s not a rebuilding project. That’s massive reconstruction. How does a team, winners of 18 of 19 matches and their second straight HCIAA Seglio Division championship a year ago, find the inner strength and fortitude to replace practically everyone?
"We had a lot of spots that needed to be filled," Cipriano said.
At least Cipriano wasn’t totally depleted of talent. Two players returned from last year’s championship season, namely senior Gustavo Farfan and senior Erik Martinez. Both players have been moved around to different positions to accommodate the loss of others – Farfan from midfield to sweeper and Martinez from stopper to midfield.
But the rest of the team is all newcomers, either players promoted from the junior varsity or brand new to the program.
And the Cougars haven’t missed a beat, winning all four of their games thus far.
"Believe me, everyone worked very hard," Cipriano said. "Everyone wanted a starting spot."
Senior John Bishara was a member of the JV a year ago. The forward has made the most of his promotion, scoring four goals thus far, including the hat trick against the Hudson School.
Junior Tom Bauman is a midfielder who has also handled the promotion to the varsity with no problem.
Two freshmen have made immediate contributions. One talented rookie is forward William Bronson, who is a relentless pursuer of the ball and distributes the ball well to the rest of his teammates. Bronson has two goals thus far.
Another freshman defender, Juan Carlos Olivaros, has also provided instant spark for the Cougars.
"We tried to push him up and use him in the midfield," Cipriano explained. "But he didn’t like it. I asked him what position does he normally play and he told me he was a defender. So I gave him a shot there and it’s worked well. He brings the ball up well and has been helping us a lot."
Another player who has provided a lift for the Cougars also has a familiar name, namely sophomore Davide DePierro, the younger brother of the all-time scoring champ.
"You can definitely see a likeness between Davide and Alberico," Cipriano said. "You see pretty much the same thing."
Now, if the younger brother can just find the nets as often as the older sibling did. Davide DePierro has two goals in the Cougars’ first four games.
"The kids are very dedicated," Cipriano said. "They knew that we have established a winning soccer program here and they want to keep it that way."
The Cougars will be severely tested for the first time this weekend, when they face Seglio Division newcomer Hoboken, which has also not lost in the first two weeks of the season.
"I think that will be a good match and a good test for us," Cipriano said.
Sure looks that way. – Jim Hague