22 surprise standout players for Seacoast high school boys soccer. Who's on the list?

It’s always nice to watch talented players live up to expectations, but sometimes it’s even more gratifying to see others exceed them.

There are plenty of those types of athletes populating Seacoast high school boys soccer teams this season.

Here are 22 players who fit that description in the Seacoast. Dover head coach Ronan O’Doherty and Oyster River High head coach Akan Ekanem chose not to submit any of their players for this piece.

Jack Anderson, Marshwood High School, junior, center back

As an anchor of the defense, Marshwood junior Jack Anderson has been a workhorse for Marshwood this season. The center back and co-captain has played every minute of every game and leads the team in tackles.

Marshwood head coach Ben Deschene said Anderson has “earned his way into becoming a captain.”

Lukas Bouchard, York High School, junior, goalie

After taking a year off from soccer, York’s Lukas Bouchard has been a welcome addition in his first season as a varsity starter.

The junior goalie has two shutouts so far this season including one against Cape Elizabeth in which he made eight saves. According to coach Julie Johnson, Bouchard has also been instrumental in recent wins over Freeport and Traip Academy.

“Looking for him to gain even more confidence and command in the box moving into the second half of the season,” Johnson said.

Nyiko Cuna, Portsmouth High School, junior, goalie

Portsmouth's Nyiko Cuna has been a revelation in goal, where the junior has emerged as an anchor of the defense.

“He has a strong presence giving guidance to the backs in front of him while also making incredible saves when needed,” Portsmouth head coach Eric Martens said. “Nyiko has fought back from injury and should be considered one of the better goalkeepers in the state.”

Noah Crosby, Spaulding High School, senior, back

Spaulding's Noah Crosby has made contributions at both ends of the pitch this year for the Red Raiders.

The senior back has scored four goals despite his primary position being defense. He has also emerged as a leader and mentor for the younger players.

“Noah has shown up this year in a big way,” Spaulding head coach Steve Lynch said. “What challenges opponents about Noah is his speed and high soccer IQ. He plays smart, tough and quick. Noah also has some intangibles that can't be shown in stats.”

Adrian Cunningham, Traip Academy, freshman, forward

Adrian Cunningham is a big reason Traip Academy is 6-2 through eight games. The freshman has seven goals and provides a “nice attacking option” for the Rangers who recently had their six-game win streak snapped.

“He's a very direct player who loves to take on defenders with his speed and dribbling ability,” said coach Mike MacLeay. “As he continues to get up to speed with varsity soccer, he will become more comfortable and confident in his abilities at this level.“

Corey Dawes, Spaulding High School, senior, goalie

Spaulding’s Corey Dawes has been a difference-maker in net this season for the Red Raiders.

The senior keeper has stopped 66% of the penalty kicks he’s faced including a clutch save on a PK with 3 minutes left in the second overtime to preserve a 1-1 result with Memorial.

Dawes has also helped the team reduce its goals-against average from 3.75 to 1.54 when he is in goal.

“Corey has made amazing progress this year and it's showing that he put in the work this offseason,” said Spaulding head coach Steve Lynch.

Soumyan Dillip, Newmarket High School, senior, midfielder

Senior Soumyan Dillip does a lot of the little things for the Mules that sometimes go unnoticed to the casual observer and don’t always show up on the stat sheet.

“Soumyan’s stats do not reflect his contribution to the team,” Newmarket head coach Kenny Najem said. “He is a big-time ball winner in the middle of the field. Has good field vision and can anticipate the play well. He is a key piece to us keeping or regaining possession.”

Angus Forman, St. Thomas Aquinas, sophomore, midfielder

Part of the Saints youth movement, Angus Forman has developed into a consistent offensive threat for the Saints this season. Through eight games the sophomore midfielder had six goals including a hat trick.

“What a key player Angus has been for us this year,” St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Ethan Rech said. “He has been able to step up and contribute to the tally line when needed to. I'm expecting him to continue his successful season whether that be on the ball or off the ball.”

Israel Gonzalez, Traip Academy, freshman, forward

Israel Gonzales, a versatile freshman, has two goals and three assists so far this season for the Rangers.

“He's a very dynamic player that can play multiple positions and impact the game both as a starter and coming off the bench," Traip head coach Matthew MacLeay said. “He has a great understanding of the game and how to utilize space in order to create opportunities.”

Jaden Gargiulo, Exeter High School, sophomore, midfielder

Jaden Gargiulo has proven to be a versatile and clutch player for the Blue Hawks despite a season-long struggle with injuries.

Typically a midfielder, the sophomore has been thrust into the striker’s role and buried a game-winning goal on a free kick against Bedford and scored the opening goal in a recent victory over Dover.

"Jaden continues to impress with his on-the-ball skills, field vision and awareness,” said coach Dan Curran. “Jade's versatility has been a huge plus for the young sophomore who gets better every day.”

Gar Hindle, Portsmouth High School, junior, midfielder

Junior Gar Hindle has utilized his versatility this season for Portsmouth.

“Gar is incredibly athletic with innate skill and a high competitive drive,” said coach Eric Martens. “He moves about on the field acting as a midfielder in some opportunities while also taking a defensive role at outside back to calm us under pressure.”

Owen Janetos, Winnacunnet High School, sophomore, forward

Owen Janetos has emerged as a dangerous scorer up front for Winnacunnet. The sophomore forward had five goals and one assist through seven games.

“Owen has really stepped up as a guy who can be a threat offensively for us at the midway point,” said coach Nick Rowe. “It will be exciting to see what he can do for us down the stretch.”

Jeffrey Luchsinger, St. Thomas Aquinas, sophomore, goalie

Jeffrey Luchsinger has been the answer to one of the biggest questions entering the season for St. Thomas. The sophomore goalkeeper backstopped the Saints to an 9-0 record midway through the season, including back-to-back shutouts.

“(Luchsinger) has been a huge surprise in how well he has developed as a keeper,” said coach Ethan Rech. “He has made some big saves for us and kept us in a few games. I'm expecting him to continue to learn the position the best he can and finish the season strong with some big games ahead.”

Jack McNamara, Traip Academy, senior, center back

Jack McNamara anchors a Traip defense that graduated all its starters from last year. The senior center back is in his first full varsity season after missing much of last year with an injury.

“Jack has taken the opportunity and gotten better each game,” Traip head coach Mike MacLeay said. “He continues to ask the right questions about the responsibilities of the position and has been extremely coachable. His ability to play with the right amount of physicality and make quick decisions when he has the ball have been very important to our success so far this season.”

Bryce Molnar, Winnacunnet High School, senior, defense

Bryce Molnar has made an impact at both ends of the pitch for the Warriors. The senior co-captain and defender had one goal and three assists in the first seven games.

“Bryce has done a wonderful job on our back line as well as providing some grit and toughness to our midfield when he attacks,” Winnacunnet head coach Nick Rowe said. “He is showing why guys picked him as one of our captains.”

Tony Piazza, Marshwood High School, junior, utility

Tony Piazza is a valuable player for the Hawks who can play anywhere on the field. The junior has two goals and an assist so far this season.

“He is extremely versatile and is a player that has been asked to play the forward, midfield and defensive position depending on our opponent,” Marshwood head coach Ben Deschene said.

Jacob Pincince, Somersworth High School, senior, forward

Somersworth co-captain Jacob Pincince has emerged as a respected leader this season as one of three seniors and the most experienced player on the Hilltoppers roster.

In his fourth season on varsity, he had two goals and four assists through six games.

“Jacob has proven himself to be a threat on the pitch,” said coach Matt Carrington. “More importantly, Jacob has found his voice with this team and has gained the trust and respect of many of our younger players.”

Zephaniah Grandmaison, Somersworth High School, sophomore, defense

After overcoming early season injuries, sophomore Zephaniah Grandmaison is on his way to becoming a shut-down defender for the Hilltoppers, averaging eight solo tackles per game this season.

“His aggressiveness and resolve on the pitch have served him well this season,” Somersworth head coach Matt Carrington said. “He commands our defensive third and leads by example. He has easily gained the respect of both his teammates and opponents.”

Ben Purcell, Portsmouth High School, senior, midfielder

Senior Ben Purcell has embraced a new role for the Clippers this season.

“Ben is a natural goalkeeper but has moved back to control the tempo of the game as an attacking center midfielder,” Portsmouth head coach Eric Martens said. “Ben has the ability to improve the players around him and is a strong, athletic presence.”

Mark Vincent, Newmarket High School, freshman, forward

Newmarket’s Mark Vincent is making his mark offensively with three goals and two assists as a freshman.

“Mark has been part of our scoring opportunities whether it’s assists or goals,” said coach Kenny Najem. “He can generate his own scoring opportunities as well. I expect Mark to continue to contribute in a positive way and build upon his early success this year.”

Cooper Vitti, Exeter High school, junior, back

Cooper Vitti has demonstrated some of the promise he exhibited last season as a sophomore and emerged as a mainstay for the Blue Hawks. A durable player who rarely comes off the field, the junior back has also contributed to the offense.

“Cooper has shown not only an ability to keep pace with some of the state's most talented on the defensive end, his ability to get forward to aid in our attack has proven to be a very pleasant addition in moving the ball up the field,” Exeter head coach Dan Curran said. “His pace, ball winning, and improved composure and distribution has made it difficult to take Cooper off the field.”

Quinn Walenta, York High School, junior, defense

Junior Quinn Walenta has made a seamless transition to defense after playing in the midfield the past two seasons.

“Has the job of marking some really potent strikers in the conference and has been incredibly solid as our right back,” Johnson said. “Looking for him to continue to be a pivotal part of a solid back four and get himself into the attack with some dangerous serves.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: High school boys soccer: 22 Seacoast NH ME surprise standout players