Defending your East Penn Conference (EPC) championship as well as being a district finalist can be a challenge.

Northampton’s boys’ soccer team is discovering the situation.

The Konkrete Kids had a magical run last season finishing with an overall 19-3-1 record. They lost in the District 11 semifinal round to Freedom, 5-3.

However, the Kids lost a number of standouts from their squad, mainly the area’s all-time leading goal scorer, midfielder Jackson Vajda, who has taken his talents to Lafayette College this fall. Other major players lost from the mix are forward Delali Tsome, forward Brady Dolak, defender Mason Haupt, defender Antonio Del Priore, and goalie Ethan Schrampf.

Still, head coach Chris Bastidas, who is entering his fourth season at the helm, is confident success can breed success this season. So far, his philosophy has been working.

The Kids opened the season by routing Salisbury, 9-0, on Aug. 24. They followed with a 4-0 win over Allen, and then edged Pocono Mountain East, 2-1, Aug. 29.

Bastidas has been pleased.

“The season has started off well,” said Bastidas. “We have been scoring goals and creating chances. Also, we only have allowed one goal.”

Among those who have been playing well are Sebastian Mello, how had three goals and five assists, along with Brody Eisenhart, Chase Nederostek, Aaron Gutkowski, Luca Manino and Dante Keen.

“Sebastian Mello has been playing well, and Brody Eisenhart has had a strong season at forward scoring goals and having assists,” said Bastidas. “Chase Nederostek has come on strong this season. He has been scoring, and he scored a brilliant game-winning goal in overtime against Pocono Mountain East.

“Aaron Gutkowski has been playing fantastic defense, and he has added a goal and two assists.”

The Kids will have a busy week ahead, and they will look to stay on track. They will play Allentown Central Catholic Wednesday at home, host Dieruff Sept. 9, and also host Bethlehem Catholic Sept. 11.

“Allentown Central Catholic is good, and they will be a difficult test for us,” added Bastidas. “We are still trying to improve, and we want to be consistent and creative in the box.”