Freedom’s boys’ soccer team has experience on its side this season, considering the majority of last year’s starting line-up was comprised of sophomores.

“The ability for these players to continue to grow and adapt to the varsity game will dictate our success,” said Patriot head coach Matt Reightler.

Key returners for the Pates are senior midfielders, Daniel Ramirez, Nathaniel Rivera, and Michael Corlette, junior defenders, Austin Hoffert and Vincenzo Rosete, junior mids,Taher Kitabwalla and Peter Tichy, junior strikers, Sebastian Garces and Michael Krents, and sophomore goalkeeper, Tristan Willey.

“This team has very high expectations not only for this season but next as well. We return our top three goal/assist scorers, as well as the majority of our defense from last season,” Coach Reightler said. “From our summer play it is clear we have strong chemistry and will be able to play fast-paced, aggressive, possession-based soccer. If we are lucky enough to have a postseason this team looks and feels ready to make a strong run this year.”

Reightler explained that the Pates will be running a different formation with slightly different tactics than they have in the past.

“We are doing this to adapt to the strengths of this team, as we are capable of holding possession and are very talented in the attacking side of the game,” he said. “We plan on taking the game to our opponents this year rather than sitting back and countering.”