The Salisbury High School boys soccer program had been a perennial Colonial League and District 11 championship qualifier for the better part of head coach Mark Allinson’s 28-year tenure, at least for the last two decades.

The last few seasons the Falcons have seen a dive in the standings and haven’t been able to play for any championships.

Allinson and his players hope that changes during the 2021 campaign.

“Due to a lack of depth with numbers this year, we need to stay healthy,” Allinson said. “We would like to improve upon last season and be competitive in every game. We have a young team this season, which bodes well for the future. I’m excited to see what these guys can do this year.”

In a shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic, Salisbury finished the year with a 3-8 overall record and fell to eventual district champion Notre Dame (Green Pond) in the quarterfinal round.

From that squad, the Falcons graduated key players including goal keeper Baxter Reihman, Andre Fernandes, Tyler Carpenter and Chris Marinos. Some top returners for Allinson this year will be seniors Nick Amado, Will Raymond and Drew Hines, along with junior Noah Kichline. A couple of newcomers looking to make immediate contributions on the varsity level include freshmen Alejandro Zuniga and Josh Hudak.

“We have a good returning core of players with great attitudes and a great work ethic,” said Allinson. “Where we will have a little bit of trouble is our inexperience at the goalkeeper position. We will have to shore that up to be as successful as we want to be this season.”

Allinson believes the Colonial League will once again be strong. The top contenders will be Northwestern, Southern Lehigh, Moravian Academy and Notre Dame.

Salisbury begins its 2021 regular season schedule on Friday, Sept. 3, at home against conference foe Notre Dame (East Stroudsburg).