Who to watch during the 2023 boys soccer season
One of the state’s hottest boys soccer rivalries helped polish off the 2022 season.
South Kingstown spoiled a perfect season for North Kingstown in the Division I final. The Rebels rode a group of determined veterans past La Salle in the semifinals and the Skippers in the title match, capturing their second crown in three years.
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Both finalists suffered heavy graduation losses, but don’t count out either side from making another deep run in November. The Rams will be back among the contenders along with Bishop Hendricken, which fell in a semifinal shootout to North Kingstown.
Portsmouth, East Providence and Tolman all finished at .500 or better at the top level. Those three teams have been among the better programs in the state since the calendar moved toward the late 2010s. Moses Brown, Central Falls and Cumberland have all been capable of standing with the state’s powers.
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Chariho is a two-time champion in Division II and will be bidding for a third straight this fall. The Chargers clipped top seed North Smithfield in the semifinals and held off Coventry in the finals to make it back-to-back crowns.
The Northmen could finish the job this time thanks to a handful of key contributors returning. The Oakers, East Greenwich, Cranston West, Tiverton, Narragansett and Westerly all finished .500 or better last season. Burrillville scored a preliminary round playoff upset in 2022 and Pilgrim also reached the field.
Travis Chartier’s thunderbolt was the difference as St. Raphael edged North Providence for the Division III crown. The Saints, Cougars, Mount St. Charles, Middletown and Ponaganset controlled the standings for the majority of the year before the No. 1 seed prevailed in November. There’s a dangerous newcomer on the schedule this season — Division IV champion Scituate has moved up to replace Mount Pleasant, which dropped down a level.
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The Spartans leave room for another program to step forward in their old division. Toll Gate fell in last year’s final after going unbeaten in the regular season. Blackstone Valley Prep, Davies, Rogers, Woonsocket and Providence Country Day should all be in the mix over the next three months.
The majority of last year’s All-State picks were seniors, clearing the stage for the next group of talented players to step forward. Three All-New England selections are among the returners, and their respective teams will be grateful for their presence. Here are 10 players to watch as boys soccer hits the pitch this fall.
Aidan Bienvenue
North Smithfield, Senior
He’s been an elite striker for two seasons now and there's no reason to expect that will stop now. Bienvenue has helped the Northmen become one of the top programs in Division II and will be chasing a title to round out what has been a strong career.
Aidan Chen
Portsmouth, Junior
The Patriots have finished .500 or better for eight straight years in Division I. Portsmouth isn’t the biggest school at the top level, but it always seems to feature a talented core. Chen figures to be part of that in each of the next two seasons as an attacking midfielder.
Jacob Coates
Bishop Hendricken, Senior
Coates is one of the most athletic players in the state. A track and field star in the winter and spring, he puts that speed to use as a striker with the Hawks. The senior also has the size and strength to shrug off opposing defenders and finish in the penalty area.
Dorian DaSilva
East Providence, Senior
One primary way to ensure annual boys soccer contention? A strong defense. DaSilva plays a key role in leading the back line for the Townies, who finished sixth in Division I last regular season. East Providence will be motivated partly by a surprise preliminary round shootout loss to Classical.
Darius Davis
Tolman, Senior
There isn’t a more dynamic player in the league. Davis is technically gifted, aggressive going forward and a capable finisher both from close range and from distance. The All-New England pick performs with a certain trademark flair — the spectacular is never too far away.
Brandon Knowles
Chariho, Senior
The Chargers have shown a knack for playing their best with the season on the line. They’ve brought home the last two Division II crowns thanks to a steady stream of quality players. Knowles fits that group, a midfielder equally capable of attacking and defending.
Bowen Lancaster
Moses Brown, Senior
The Quakers have been a threat in Division I since moving up in 2018. Lancaster is typical of the players they’ve featured — sharp, confident and capable of making a difference in any match. He’ll be among their driving forces this season.
Moises Morales
La Salle, Senior
Morales headlines what should be a potent midfield group with the Rams this season. He’s a gifted attacker with a scoring touch and the ability to provide for his teammates. A trip to the Division I final would be the third for Morales in his career.
Nyzaiah Pacheco
St. Raphael, Junior
Pacheco’s goals helped fire the Saints to a fourth final in six years and a second title in four. They were the top side in Division III throughout the regular season and finished it off in November. How much he improves could determine whether or not St. Raphael celebrates again.
Austin Simas
Scituate, Junior
The Spartans seem to have picked a fine time to jump out of Division IV. They captured a championship last season and return an elite player in Simas, a two-way midfielder who’s capable of driving any team. He’ll help Scituate respond to tougher competition each time out.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 10 players to watch this boys soccer season
