Mallards Open Season with 3-0 Shutout

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's boys' varsity soccer team's promising 2009 season got off to a good start last week with a 3-0 over Holly Grove in the season opener for both teams.

With depth and experience all over the field, the Mallards look like a strong bet to repeat as Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) champions again for the eighth straight year. Worcester began its title defense with a tidy 3-0 win over Holly Grove last Friday to jump out to a quick start for the 2009 campaign.

Junior Matt Carey led the Mallards with two goals and one assist, while senior Fausto DiCarlo scored on goal and Harrison Brennan contributed an assist. With veteran leadership in key positions all over the field and a handful of young newcomers ready to make their mark on the program, the season looks bright for Worcester.

It all starts in the middle with senior co-captain Martin Sanchez, who was conference player of the year last year and has already committed to the Naval Academy. Worcester's strength should be in the middle of the field with Sanchez and DiCarlo joined by Ben Mumford, Chris Fisher and Billy Tyler, all juniors. Also expected to make a big contribution in the middle for the Mallards this year is sophomore Ryan McGuire.

Keeping the opponent's ball out of the net has been a hallmark for recent Worcester Prep teams and this year should be no different. Sophomore Alex Ternahan returns to start in goal and will be fronted by a veteran crew led by senior co-captain Brad Harris. Also anchoring the talented defense will be seniors Chase Powell and Hunter Marshall, with sophomore Jon Powell expected to see a lot of playing time.

Up front, Carey and Michael Dayton-Jones will be counted on to finish for the Mallard offense, with plenty of firepower expected from Sanchez and DiCarlo. Other players expected to make contributions this year include upper classmen Izzy Tekmen, Brandon Thaler and Duncan McIntosh.

Other underclassmen ready to step in on varsity for Worcester this year include sophomores Walker Harrington, Nic Moffit, Nic Petrera and Zach Wilde. The roster also includes eight freshmen.

With the win in the opener last Friday, the Mallards are now waiting for the meat of their season to get underway. They play three straight on the road including Gunston next Wednesday, followed by an always tough match with rival Salisbury School the following Tuesday. Worcester finishes the early road portion of the schedule against another ESIAC rival, Salisbury Christian, on September 17 before returning home against Salisbury School on September 22.