Elite 11: Meet the Journal's top returning boys soccer players for 2023
With the boys soccer season underway, the Journal has selected its Elite 11 and players to watch, highlighting some of the best returning players in the area and some rising stars poised for breakout seasons.
Boys soccer 2023 Elite 11
Avery Davis
School: Beacon
Grade: Junior
Position: Defender
What makes Avery elite? Described by coach Craig Seaman as a tireless worker and "good leader," Davis brings footwork, strength and physicality. He tackles well, often denying shot opportunities, and he was a standout on a back line that helped Beacon reach the Class A state final last year.
AJ Geis
School: Our Lady of Lourdes
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
What makes AJ elite? He is a defensive maven who excels at gaining and maintaining possession and moving the ball in transition. Geis was a linchpin for a team that held opponents to 0.69 goals per game en route to reaching the Class B state final.
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Clement Grossman
School: Haldane
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfield
What makes Clement elite? With a high soccer IQ, field vision and natural talent, he was the engine of a high-powered offense that led Haldane to its first Class C state championship last season. Grossman led Section 1 with 42 points, including 18 assists, and was named the Journal's Player of the Year. He scored the lone goal in their state semifinal and assisted the dramatic winning goal in the state final.
Alex McAteer
School: Marlboro
Grade: Senior
Position: Goalkeeper
What makes Alex elite? His height, athleticism and range allow him to make spectacular saves on difficult shots. The Journal All-Star established himself two years ago, dominating in the playoffs and helping lead Marlboro to a Section 9 title. McAteer remained a constant last fall as the Iron Dukes rebuilt, and he's helped them get off to a strong start this season.
Aidan Prezzano
School: Rhinebeck
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfield
What makes Aidan elite? A returning Journal All-Star, he flourished last fall as a do-it-all center midfielder, demonstrating "great technical skill and vision," Hawks coach Justin Wiesenthal said. Prezzano had 18 goals and 12 assists, leading Rhinebeck to a Section 9 Class C championship.
Robert Sherman
School: Arlington
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
What makes Robert elite? He enjoyed a breakthrough season last fall, becoming the Admirals' go-to scorer. Sherman is able to maneuver by defenders with a strong dribble, positions himself in advantageous spots, and he can get shots off at difficult angles. He had 16 goals last season, earning all-Section 1 honors.
Alex Sturans
School: Arlington
Grade: Senior
Position: Defender
What makes Alex elite? Along with his instincts and technical skills, Sturans has good make-up speed and often halts fast breaks. He was among the leaders of a defense last fall that held opponents to 0.47 goals per game, and he has shined so far this season as Arlington's back line again looks stout.
Dylan Updike
School: Spackenkill
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward, midfield, defender
What makes Dylan elite? He is a versatile weapon with protean qualities, able to be positioned anywhere on the field and contribute. Updike played every position last season, but thrived especially as a scorer, running up 23 goals and eight assists while leading the Spartans to the Section 9 Class B semifinals.
Derek Viebrock
School: John Jay-East Fishkill
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder, forward
What makes Derek elite? He stepped into a leadership role and has become a stalwart in the midfield, excelling on both ends. In addition to being a "very good defender," Patriots coach Rob Seipp said, Viebrock is knowledgeable, controls the ball well at his feet, and finishes well. It helps that he grew up in a soccer-centric family, as his older sisters play collegiately.
Jack Yough
School: Our Lady of Lourdes
Grade: Junior
Position: Defender
What makes Jack elite? He anchored the Warriors defense as a center back last season. The converted midfielder has excellent footwork and ball skills, which help him be disruptive and force turnovers. A returning Journal All-Star, he was instrumental in Lourdes' run to the state final.
Ryan Zindler
School: Roy C. Ketcham
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
What makes Ryan elite? His savvy, athleticism and tenacity enabled him to shine last fall in a breakout campaign. Zindler erupted with 17 goals and eight assists and earned all-Section 1 honors after helping lead Ketcham in a resurgent season.
Others to watch
Dominic Abbatiello, Ketcham, M, Sr.; Aidan Anthony, Highland, F, Sr.; Lucas Arouca, John Jay-East Fishkill, M, Sr.; Davis Barnes, Spackenkill, F, Jr.; Luan Boyd, Roosevelt, M, Sr.; Jake Brown, Marlboro, F, Jr.; Giacomo Buitoni, Red Hook, M, Jr.; Luke Butler, Rhinebeck, G, Sr.; Jaidyn Caccomo, Beacon, F, Jr.; Alex Caldiero, Webutuck, M, So.; Evan Cancro, Lourdes, M, Jr.; Zachary Cervone, Lourdes, F, Jr.; Alex Clinton, Highland, M, Sr.; Anthony Cocca, Arlington, M, So.; Jaret Cruz, Roosevelt, M, Jr.; Alex Crysler, Lourdes, M, Sr.; Clive Cunniff, New Paltz, M/D, Sr.; DJ Devito, Lourdes, M, Jr.; Carter Donohue, Red Hook, D, Sr.; Selamu Gendron, Spackenkill, D/F, Sr.; Nick Giorgi, Arlington, G, Sr.; Hugo Kay, New Paltz, F/M, Sr.; Ronan Kiter, Haldane, G, Sr.; Rian Lovell, Arlington, M, Sr.; Carson Macur, Marlboro, M, Sr.; Dylan Manriquez, Arlington, F, Sr.; Jamie Mateo, Dover, M/F, Sr.; Aiden McLaughlin, Ketcham, D, Sr.; Matt Mulkins, Red Hook, F, Sr.; Matthew Nachamkin, Haldane, D, Sr.; Dominick Pineda, Lourdes, F, Sr.; Parker Ruger, Rhinebeck, M, Sr.; Noah Schmalz, Ketcham, F, Sr.; Malcolm Stewart, Rhinebeck, M, Sr.; Brody Timm, Beacon, M, Jr.; Max Westphal, Haldane, M, Sr.; Hunter Szabo, Rhinebeck, D, So.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: High school boys soccer: The Journal's Elite 11 selections for 2023
