Berlin JV Soccer Team Helps Build A Solid Foundation

The Berlin varsity boy’s soccer team has had some great success the last few years and has made deep runs into the state tournament. The varsity Redcoats are 5-3-1 right now and look to be primed for a strong second half and another deep run in the states.

One of the reasons the Redcoats have been so successful is the development at the junior varsity level as evidenced by their 36-game win streak.

The undefeated streak ended at 36 games with a 2-0 loss to Conard on Friday, Oct. 5.  The team composed a record of 31 wins and five ties over the streak that stretched 2 1/2 seasons. The Berlin JV team currently stands at 6-1-1 on the year as they beat Middletown Tuesday.

Several players that started the streak in 2010 and have stepped up to varsity to become integral parts of that squad. They are Brian Bostrom, Brian Kennure, Matt Heimlich, Pat Veley, Ryan Marquis and Steve Burns.

Players that were with the JV squad last year and have moved onto varsity this year are Adnan Hamidovic, Andres Sanchez, Ben Tencza, Kris Langevin, Nate Ruscito, Nate Aroian, Reid Hilbie, Richie Schlichting and Steve Petrario. Each one of these players has become an asset to varsity’s success this season.

The players on JV that were occasional role players last year that have stepped up and taken ownership of the team this season are Mike Vanderspek, Kevin Boninsegna, Nick Vreeland, Brandon Rocco, Matt Rocco and Suleyman Bozal.

"It is a pretty special experience to gain the respect and appreciation of parents, opposing players and coaches,” said Berlin junior varsity coach Sal Parafati, who was named Boy's Soccer Assistant Coach of the Year, two years ago by the CHSCA. "I can’t tell you how many times an opposing coach has approached me prior to a game to ask, 'Is the winning streak still going?' The success of this soccer program is directly attributed to all of these players that began building this 'foundation' at the JV level."

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