Westfield 2004 Soccer Preview

Despite being one of the winningest soccer coaches in the state over the past twenty five years Westfield High School Boys Soccer coach George Kapner considers himself a teacher first and is most proud of the teaching awards he has garnered as a math instructor over the past 31 years, including five mentions in the annual Who’s Who of American Teachers. With a 172-60-22 record the past thirteen years as boys’ coach, Kapner has also done a pretty good job of imparting his wisdom to his players but also sees a challenge competing against schools with more vigorous summer programs.

“It is important to note, however, that we are a program that allows our students maximum flexibility to experience the summer months as young adults and not just soccer players. In that regard, we are, in soccer terms, not as far
along in training as some of our opponents,” said Kapner who realizes the massive graduation losses from a 12-6-1 season
could make the beginning of the 2004 campaign challenging.

Last season the Blue Devils got off to an uncharacteristically slow start before catching fire in midseason, winning seven straight games. However an upset loss to New Providence in the second round of the Union County Tournament and
5-2 thumping in the second round of the state tournament by Group IV finalist Bridgewater Raritan left a bitter taste to the season. When asked what went wrong Kapner replied,
“A variety of things.. Injuries, suspensions, a lack of chemistry, excellent competition to name a few..”

Kapner must find ways to replace the all around talent of two-time all Union County sweeper Brendan Egan(brother of Westfield Girls’ Soccer Coach Katie Egan), all county midfielder Lee Tomasso and second team all county midfielder
Matt McManus.

“We lost some solid senior leadership. We’re going to be very young this year ,” said Kapner.

Two scrimmages have left numerous competitors for starting positions although the few returning starters like seniors Billy
Billy Schoenbach, Brady Lau, Tom Tresnan, junior Tom Taylor and sophomore Chris Mattess are a good nucleus.
Schoenbach scored goals in both state tournament games last year and will be looked on to provide offensive and defensive leadership

Senior Jeff Greenlaw, who backed up Brian Pirot last year is likely to be the starting goalkeeper.
Seniors. Joe Geissler and Steve Lynes are likely to join returning starters Tresnana and Mattes as starting fullbacks,
Junior Matt Melino and sophomore Vincent Clarke-10 are likely to join Taylor and Schoenbach in midfield while sophomore Tom Parkinson joins Lau as strikers.

At this early time Kapner hasn’t a clue which type of team this group will evolve into.
“ No specific season comes to mind but over the years, every possibility has
occurred, meaning, there have been years where we were optimistic and
succeeded, years where we were optimistic and didn't meet expectations,
years where we were inexperienced and succeeded and years where we were
inexperienced and struggled ,” said Kapner.
When you have coached as long as Kapner you’re ready for anything.