The 2015 soccer season is upon us and Columbia High School is looking for redemption after a disappointing 3-13 record last season.
CHS lost in a preliminary match in the Essex County Tournament last year and did not qualify for the state tournament — uncharacteristic for a Columbia team. However, second year head coach Josh Russotto is much more optimistic for the upcoming season.
Van Brantley (#22), a promising rising junior, is one of the reasons CHS soccer is looking forward to an improved record this fall.
“Last season the team was a very inexperienced group, possessing only a handful of players with any varsity appearances from the prior year,” said Russotto.
The Coach expects the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams to be more prepared physically and says his players now have “more confidence individually and as a team.”
Columbia boasts a strong returning varsity team. Key players include Bill Barron, the senior captain, who plays multiple positions. Sophomore goalie Mateo Green, who was a Super Essex Conference honorable mention last year, also hopes for a strong season.
“The Columbia Soccer team has been working hard all summer and we’re excited about the upcoming season,” says Van Brantley, a promising rising junior. They expect to be more competitive in every match with the confidence to win against every opponent.
Coach Russotto is also very excited for the upcoming freshman class and looks forward to seeing what they can do on the field.
Sports writer Luke Hayes is a rising 9th grader who will attend Columbia High School this fall. Luke currently plays in local basketball, football and lacrosse leagues.
Want to share more photos of the CHS soccer team? Or contribute results from games this upcoming season? Email us at villagegreennj@gmail.com.
