Team Captains Display Strong Leadership For Hawthorne Boys Soccer

HAWTHORNE, NJ - As the Hawthorne High School boys soccer program fights hard against one challenging opponent after another on the pitch this season, something that has remained consistent is the strong leadership of the team captains: Michael Cucci, Justin Orlikoff, Miguel Pleitez and Jeremy Villegas – all of whom are members of the senior class.

“These four boys have shown dedication and commitment to the program over their time here,’’ Hawthorne head coach Ryan McMann said. “Additionally, they have taken on leadership roles whether through leading drills or by example on the field within the program.’’

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Through the first week of October, the four captains are definitely getting the job done on the field as well as in the classroom.

“Jeremy Villegas has 79 saves and six shutouts,’’ McMann said. “Michael Cucci has three goals and three assists, Justin Orlikoff has one goal and Miguel Pleitez has two goals. Michael Cucci is a member and also the treasurer of our chapter of the National Honor Society.’’

Each of the four leaders are always searching for areas in which they can improve as soccer players.

“The boys have really worked hard to improve their communication with the team on the field, talking to their teammates constantly throughout practices and games about positioning and situational aspects of the game,’’ McMann said.

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It’s also true that the captains are always there to help their teammates become more well-rounded soccer players.

“The boys do a great job of talking to their teammates and giving them constant advice and suggestions,’’ McMann said. “I constantly hear them on the field instructing and praising their teammates.’’

Through 12 games the Bears had four victories and three draws. They were 4-1-2 in the NJIC Colonial Division.

On October 23, they are scheduled to host Glen Rock in an NJIC Colonial Division matchup.

Several student athletes on the roster have help propel the Bears forward this year.

“Chris Rodriguez (senior) has chipped in with three goals and an assist this year and defenders Thomas Gantalis (senior) and Leo Solorzano (junior) have been consistent performers all year,’’ McMann said.

NOTES: The individual statistics mentioned above were from games through the first week of October.

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