The biggest question as a new boys soccer season beckons is how many elite players the top programs will lose with the expanded season for U.S. Soccer Developmental Academies.
Martin Luther King Jr., a nationally ranked powerhouse with more talent than just about anyone, had plenty of candidates. Central midfielder Bryan Moya is one of two players that opted to leave, coach Martin Jacobson happily reported, installing the loaded Knights as heavy favorite to repeat as PSAL Class A champions.
What a surprise.
While replacing Moya will be no easy feat – the dynamic central midfielder was MLK’s unsung MVP a year ago, Jacobson said, the team’s quarterback in the middle of the field – the Manhattan dynamo has plenty of reinforcements after graduating only three senior starters off last year’s title winner.
“Obviously we’re going to be the favorite to win it,” Jacobson said. “We have the talent to win it all, and I think we can be a top 10 national team.”
As is tradition, MLK will be explosive up front with junior Amara Sesay, senior Kerfalla Sylla and sophomore Ibrahim Lakanobo expected to create havoc for opposing back lines. Jacobson is high on Sylla, who tallied nine goals a year ago.
“He’s a beast,” Jacobson said. “He’s a strong, strong striker. Teams will have trouble stopping him.”
Jethro Dede will be a focal point to the attack as an outside midfielder and dynamic midfielder Tarek Beckles is back and will be used in a variety of ways, replacing Moya as a central midfielder, playing up front when need be and even on the wing.
“His strength is his ability to hold the ball, sometimes a little bit too much,” Jacobson said of Beckles, who had 16 goals and 20 assists a year ago. “His shot has developed a lot this year, he’s been working on his shot. We expect a lot from him.”
Jacobson plans to move senior Oumar Soumahoro from sweeper to defensive midfield and solid stopper Widmayer Jean returns anchoring the backline. The coach has yet to decide on a starting keeper in net; senior Alexis Ortiz and sophomore Gabriel Valley, an import from Ghama, are battling for the top spot.
The longtime coach has created a minefield of a non-league schedule, setting up friendly’s with Long Island powerhouse St. Anthony’s, Newburgh Free Academy, national power St. Edward’s from Ohio and White Plains.
Jacobson was disappointed Moya opted to play with Red Bull Academy over MLK, but thrilled he was able to work out agreements with several local programs so difference-makers like Sylla, Sesay, Beckles and Jean can continue to don the black and white of MLK.
“I have relationships with certain coaches and they realize what I do is kind of special, as they have said,” Jacobson said. “I do a lot for these kids and they recognize that.”
A large portion of the team — 12 – will be seniors and many of them have been on the varsity since their freshmen year. Jacobson would like to send them out as winners.
“My hope and expectations are to win a [PSAL] championship for a 14th time – that’s all that matters,” Jacobson said. “I am definitely excited. This is a very, very nice team. My goal and our goal is to keep the cup.”