By Anthony Williams
The Bordentown Regional High School boys’ soccer team has been a perennial source of pride for the community over the last couple of decades.
So when the 2011 team posted a 7-10 record and failed to make the postseason for the first time in recent memory, many fans were stunned. However, head coach Mike Brennan, entering his eighth year at the helm for the Scotties, has brought a renewed sense of energy to the pitch and expects the 2012 team to return to its historical form and winning ways.
With the return of a talented front line and a solid defensive backfield, the Scotties are poised to make a divisional and post season to rival any other in the school’s storied history.
Senior Andrew “Doozer” Carey and junior Omer Kaya lead a talented group of strikers that are capable of scoring in the blink of an eye. Kaya led the Scotties in 2011 with 14 goals during the regular season and appears even stronger by tallying three goals in Bordentown’s first four games.
“He’s a finisher,” Brennan said. “All he cares about is scoring goals, and that’s what he does.”
Not only do opposing defenses have to pay special attention to Kaya’s ability to finish at the net, but they have to be equally aware of his counterpart, Carey. Carey leads the team with five goals in the first four games and has shown his ability to score with the ball and from set pieces.
“Carey is one of the most technical players on the team,” Brennan said. “I’d say he has the highest soccer IQ on the team and it shows in his ability to dissect a defense and put the ball in the back of the net.”
Junior Robert DiPierro joins senior Brandon Hudik, a 2011 third team all-state selection, on the defensive side of the ball. They are the main anchors for a stout back line. Hudik, a four-year starter, has earned All-Liberty/Patriot Division honors in his first three seasons to go along with last year’s All-South Jersey and All-State selections. DiPierro, who has not earned the accolades just yet, possess a lot of immeasurables and provides a level of comfort for Brennan’s defense.
“There is no real way to document statistically the value of a solid outside back,” Brennan said. “But, if we’re successful, Robert will be a big reason why.”
After jumping out to a 3-1 record to start the season, including a 7-1 drubbing of Willingboro, the Scotties are well on their way to making everybody forget about last year’s travails, and accomplishing Brennan’s goals for this season.
Brennan believes this team is capable of competing for the Patriot Division championship, qualifying for the post season, and making a run at the Central Jersey Group II crown. Teams like Holy Cross and Trenton Catholic stand in Bordentown’s way of a division title, and Delran awaits in the playoffs, but Brennan has his sights set on more formidable opponent.
“I think we can accomplish all of the goals we have set for ourselves,” Brennan said. “But we definitely can stand in our own way. If we can avoid finding ways to beat ourselves, I know good things will come our way.”
