The Northampton boys soccer team continues to turn heads in the EPC after losing a bunch of players from the EPC title team a year ago. The Kids seemingly haven’t lost a beat, however, and remain among the top teams in the league - and a contender for another EPC title.

“We graduated about 90 goals from last season,” said coach Chris Bastidas. “That’s kind of a crazy amount of goals to try to replicate. We worked all summer on creating goal-scoring chances for our team. We knew we had players coming back that could step up and score, but we needed to put ourselves in the best position possible.”

Bastidas adapted to his roster and changed up some things heading into this season.

“Additionally, we changed our formation to accommodate the makeup our team,” Bastidas said. “Sebastian [Mello], Chase [Nederostek], and Brody [Eisenhart] have been playing fantastic soccer.

“Sebastian controls the pace of the entire game and should be the MVP of the league. He can score and set up his teammates. Brody has completely learned how to play forward this year. He can now play with his back to goal and make great through runs from the forward position. He finishes well and creates goal scoring opportunities for everyone. He also crosses the ball at an elite level. Chase has been finishing the ball well all season. He has completely stepped up this season and that is exactly what our team needed. He is also amazing 1 v 1, which breaks down the defense and keeps the defense on their heels.

Bastidas said another key to the team’s success is Aaron Gutkowski and his defensive ability.

“Other things that have made us successful is the play of Aaron Gutkowski,” Bastidas said. “He has not been beaten 1 v 1 all season and he can cover sideline to sideline with his speed.”

Bastidas added that Dante Keen helps the team keep shape at all times, while Luca Manino plays great through balls. Ryan Nahf, the keeper this year, is having an amazing season and has made multiple, high level saves at key moments, Bastidas said.

The Kids will close out their season this week, and look forward to the EPC and District 11 playoffs. As of Monday, the Kids are fourth in District 11 4A behind Emmaus, Parkland and Freedom. The Kids fell to both the Hornets and the Pates, and had a game at home against Parkland Monday, after Press deadlines. They close the season Oct. 9 vs. Whitehall before the EPC playoffs.

In the EPC, the Kids look locked into the four seed, which could mean a home game against Pleasant Valley or Liberty, who NHS both defeated in games this season. It won’t be easy for the Kids to repeat, but they are certainly ready for the challenge.

“We believe that we have been playing some great soccer this year and are right up there with all the teams. We know that they are all great teams, but we feel have played well all season and are excited for the opportunity to play them in the postseason,” Bastidas said. “We feel that if we play a complete game and focus on our game plan and we can put ourselves in the position to win every game. We are the defending champs and we are playing with confidence.”