KP Boys Soccer Team Aiming to Achieve 3 Goals

By Ken Hamwey
Staff Sports Writer

The goals for the 2024 boys soccer team at King Philip Regional are clearly defined.

Coach Mike O’Neill, who’s guided the Warriors to three tourney berths in five years, is optimistic his squad “will work hard to build a strong team dynamic, qualify for the state tourney, and contend for the Kelly-Rex Division title in the Hockomock League.’’

The Warriors’ captains are, from left, defensive midfielder Sayan Panda and center back P.J. Sullivan.

The 54-year-old O’Neill is confident his objectives will be achieved because KP has a plethora of strengths, even though 11 players from last year’s 10-6-5 team have graduated.

“Our technique and skill level are solid and our soccer IQ is high,’’ said O’Neill. “We’ve got a hard-working group that’s competitive, passes and possesses the ball effectively and is creative. Our athleticism is good and we’ve got experience (11 returnees) and depth.’’

The Warriors’ senior captains — defensive midfielder Sayan Panda and center back P.J. Sullivan — embody many of the strengths on O’Neill’s list.

“Sayan is a terrific competitor who understands the game,’’ O’Neill noted. “An excellent leader, he’s a high-character player who’s outstanding in transition. Although P.J. is recovering from shoulder surgery, we’re hopeful he’ll return in time for post-season play. He’s a highly capable defender and a ferocious tackler who’s very intense. An excellent leader, he’s liked because of his supportive nature.’’

Junior Marco Amorim plays on the forward line and can compete as a wing or striker. “Marco is a very smart attacking player who’s quick, clever and dribbles well. He got quality minutes last year as a sophomore and we’re hoping he has a breakout year.’’

Three senior forwards — Braden Lynn, Colin Nolan and Joseph Craff — will be prime contributors because of the attributes they possess. Lynn can also play as a midfielder and Nolan and Craff are strikers.

“Braden displays excellent close control, is a creative passer and has a high soccer IQ,’’ O’Neill said. “He’s also a great decision-maker. Colin and Joseph have similar styles. They’re excellent athletes, have great speed and are instinctive. Both are strong attackers who have a physical presence.’’

Seniors Aidan Alvezi and Chimezie James headline a corps of quality midfielders.

“Aidan is one of the best midfielders in the Hockomock League,’’ O’Neill emphasized. “He wins the transition battle, is exceptional with his decision-making and has great technical ability. He’s the total package. Chimezie is a terrific competitor who has a great attack mindset and is an incisive passer.’’

A trio of juniors — George Blakesley, Ryan Love and Mender DiMartino — can compete as midfielders or defenders. “They’re a very important group,’’ O’Neill said. “They played significant minutes as sophomores last year and have excellent playoff experience. They’re very athletic and they’re polished technical players. We’ve got high hopes for them.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, O’Neill was still assessing a strong sophomore group and goaltending candidates. “A few sophomores could emerge and earn playing time,’’ he noted. “We also have decisions to make with our goalies. The competition is on-going.’’

O’Neil will count on two capable assistant coaches — varsity aide Peter Amorim and junior-varsity coach Julie Strong. “They’re not only excellent assistants, but they also have good knowledge of the game and both know how to build strong relationships.’’

A native of Long Island, O’Neill relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on making sure his players reach their potential and enjoy their athletic journey. “And, if they’re competitive, then winning will be the by-product,’’ he emphasized. “There are also life lessons that can be learned in athletics and it’s always a plus when our players learn how to overcome adversity, learn to be resilient, and develop character to pursue challenging goals. Other top-notch lessons are how to become strong leaders and how to acquire mental toughness.’’

KP’s calling card this season will feature an up-tempo style. “We call it ‘possession with purpose,’‘’ O’Neil said. “It’s all about controlling the ball with an intent to move it effectively.’’

This year’s team goals and objectives have been clearly spelled out. They’re all about maintaining a dynamic work ethic, building team chemistry, qualifying for the state tourney, and contending for the Kelly-Rex Division title.

When the division crown is up for debate, O’Neill has some definite thoughts.

“Franklin is the defending Kelly-Rex champ and is a traditionally strong team,’’ he noted. “Milford will be improved and Attleboro will be very competitive.’’

KP no doubt will be in the mix — not only for the division title, but also to qualify for the state tourney for the fourth time in the last six years.

The journey begins on Sept. 5 when the Warriors host Mansfield.