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09/22/2019 12:00 AMThe North Haven boys’ soccer team is featuring a bit of a different look as it hits the pitch for the 2019 season. The Indians graduated six starters, including three defenders and their goalkeeper, from last year’s team that qualified for the Class L State Tournament, prompting Head Coach Reid Chieffo to move some midfielders to the back line.
With the loss of so many key athletes, Chieffo is looking for his team to jell while playing with a mixture of grit and finesse as North Haven strives for another postseason berth. Although the Indians are off to an 0-3 start, Coach Chieffo said that they’re working hard to put the pieces in place for a solid campaign.
“They are working extremely hard in practice. They know that they need to work hard to come together as a group in the back. They’re a very capable group, but just a different group than last year,” said Chieffo, whose club took defeats against Notre Dame-West Haven (2-1) and Hand (7-1) last week. “Over the course of the year, if we keep making small steps, play the game the right way, and play our game by putting some passes together, hopefully, we can see that result in some wins.”
Another change for North Haven is that the team features two senior captains after being led by five senior captains last year. The Indians’ captains are Tillman McFadden, who moves from the midfield to defense; and Nick Nesdale, who plays in the midfield.
While there’s less quantity in the leadership helm, Coach Chieffo feels positive that North Haven still has two quality captains leading the charge this fall.
“They are captains who lead by example on the field,” Chieffo said. “Tillman is quiet off the field, but once he gets on the field, he comes alive and is the vocal leader out there. Nick is a skilled offensive player. They were both voted unanimously by their peers, and they’re both doing a good job.”
McFadden is a key piece of the Indians’ defensive corps this year. North Haven’s other starting defenders are senior Zach Nesdale, who will also see time in the midfield; along with junior Tanner Powell and sophomore Philip Skonieczny.
This quartet is providing support for junior goalkeeper Matt Casey, who’s in his first campaign as the varsity starter after serving as the backup last season.
“Matt has worked hard year-round since his freshman year. He’s worked with a private trainer and has definitely earned the starting position,” Chieffo said. “I think that Matt can turn himself into a leader out there. He’s vocal, and he’s gaining confidence with every game. He’s dedicated and has a high work rate in practice, so I think that he will make some great strides.”
Moving to the midfield, North Haven is being led by Nick Nesdale, juniors Luke Franco and Justin Falasco, and sophomore Jack Pollard.
Up top, juniors Kasey Mongillo and Eduardo Cienfuegos are returning as starters for the Indians at the forward position.
“Kasey is fast and physical and has an eye for the goal,” said Chieffo. “Eduardo is very technical and more of the playmaker who gets the assists. They work well together.”
Mongillo scored the Indians’ lone goal of the game when they took a 2-1 defeat at Notre Dame-West Haven on Sept. 17. Mongillo’s goal cut Notre Dame’s deficit in half midway through the second half, although North Haven was unable to net the equalizer.
Three days later, the Indians lost a 7-1 home game against Hand in their SCC Housatonic Division opener at North Haven Middle School. Cienfuegos scored North Haven’s goal in the game.
The other athletes on North Haven’s varsity roster are senior midfielders Pablo Moschcovich and Ethan Testa, senior forward Liam Finkle, senior defender Grady Luna, junior midfielder Robert Vaughn, junior midfielder Raymond Lewis, junior goalie Rafe Lawless, and sophomore midfielder Zion Teclechiel.
From the Sidelines
This is Reid Chieffo’s third season as head coach of the North Haven boys’ soccer squad. Chieffo is assisted by John Parisella, goalkeepers’ coach Jeff Knuth, and JV Head Coach RJ Notaro.
The Indians are playing in the SCC Housatonic Division with Cheshire, Hand, Law, and West Haven this year.
For the rest of the season, North Haven has home games against Career-Hillhouse, Notre Dame-West Haven, Cheshire, West Haven, Law, and Sheehan on its schedule. The Indians also have road matchups versus West Haven, Law, Sheehan, Hand, Career-Hillhouse, and Amity.