Hawthorne Soccer Teams Are Ready To Compete This Year

HAWTHORNE, NJ - A commonality between the Hawthorne soccer programs (girls and boys teams) is that both worked very diligently during the preseason so their goals of the regular season, and hopefully postseason, can be realized on the pitch.

Let’s take a close look at each team:

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HAWTHORNE BOYS SOCCER:

The Bears are scheduled to begin the regular season with a home match versus Elmwood Park on Wednesday, September 4.

“I'd like the team to be competitive in the league, qualify for the (NJSIAA) State Tournament and win at least one game in the County Tournament this upcoming season,’’ Hawthorne head coach Ryan McMann said.

Top returning varsity-tested student athletes for the Bears this year include Jeremy Villegas (senior, goalkeeper), Michael Cucci (senior, midfielder), Miguel Pleitez (senior, midfielder) and Justin Orlikoff (senior, forward).

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Alex Steffani (sophomore, midfielder), Santiago Medina (sophomore, forward) and Aidan Downey (junior, midfielder) are among promising newcomers to the varsity level for the Bears.

“Michael, Jeremy, Justin and Miguel all have multiple years of varsity experience and will be counted on heavily to lead the team,’’ McMann said.

The Bears posted six overall wins in 2023, with four victories in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference (NJIC) Colonial Division.

They advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 Sectional Tournament as the No. 13 seed and were defeated both fourth-seeded Emerson Boro last season.

This year, the Bears compete in the Colonial Division along with Eastern Christian, Butler, Hawthorne Christian, Glen Rock and Pompton Lakes.

“I think we have an opportunity to be a little bit of a spoiler this year,’’ McMann said. “Our Division has a good level of competition in it, so there are no easy games, but I think we could surprise a team or two that might overlook us.’’

HAWTHORNE GIRLS SOCCER:

The Bears are scheduled to host Eastern Christian in a season opener for both sides on Tuesday, September 3.

“As a young talented team we look forward to have a strong work ethic at each game with winning results,’’ Hawthorne head coach Fatmir Mimini said.

Key returning experienced varsity student-athletes looking to help the Bears toward their goals include:

Carly Iovino (center back), Ava Martinello (goalkeeper), Mackenzie Doyle (sweeper), Olivia Passero (center midfielder), Isabella Hewitt (center midfielder), Amanda Provenzano (defensive midfielder) and Lauren Iannacone (outside midfielder and winger).

Promising newcomers hoping to have a positive impact on the varsity roster include Sophia Perez (striker), Amy Sanchez (right full back), and Ariana Sisco (outside midfielder and winger).

Leadership is, of course, important for the Bears this season.

“Captains Carly Iovino and Saja Alhomsi have a positive outlook and strong leadership towards their teammates,’’ Mimini said.

The Bears posted an impressive record of 15-4 with a mark of 9-2 in the NJIC Colonial Division with then head coach Jenny Charles.

They advanced to the NJSIAA to the semifinal round of the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 Sectional Tournament before being defeated by Lenape Valley. Hawthorne topped Butler (first round) and Park Ridge (quarterfinal round) in the Sectional Tournament last year.

This year they compete in the Colonial Division along with Eastern Christian, Glen Rock, Butler, Pompton Lakes, Hawthorne Christian and Manchester Regional.

“Our team should be one that will compete as a contender,’’ Mimini said. “We are excited to go against all teams in the Division and to compete against our rivals.’’

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