It was a banner year of boys’ soccer in the Bronx.
Fordham Prep was arguably New York City’s best team. The Rams won their first CHSAA Class AA intersectional title since 2007 and reached the Catholic State game. Horace Mann claimed the Ivy League crown, but were edged out by rival Riverdale in the NYSAIS title game. It was the Falcons first stare crown since 2006.
Cardinal Spellman won a share of its division crown and Mount St. Michael continued to be top team in the CHSAA’s Class A league. Bronx Science reclaimed the PSAL Bronx A title after two straight second place finishes. In a season filled with memorable moments, here are the people who provided a number of them and were deemed the best in the borough.
All-Bronx Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year: Alex Canicatti, Fordham Prep
On a team filled with stars and goal scorers the junior forward shined the brightest. Canicatti scored more than 20 goals and was the premier finisher in the Rams’ offense. He recorded a hat trick in the CHSAA intersectional semifinal and had an assist in the state title game
All-Bronx Boys’ Soccer coach of the Year: Andrew Fitzgerald, Riverdale
Everything was building toward this season for the fourth-year coach and Riverdale. Fitzgerald patiently and effectively took a program that didn’t make the playoffs his first season all the way to its first NYSAIS title since 2006. His belief in his players was contagious as his squad improved all four years
All-Bronx Boys’ Soccer First Team
M Jeremy Barovick, Riverdale
Barovick was the guy willing to do the dirty work for the Falcons as others scores the goals and the headlines. The senior’s foot skills and strength allow him to control play and ignite the Riverdale offense.
D Ryan Friedsam, Riverdale
The old adage is that defense wins championships. Friedsam, a junior, proved that correct by being the dynamic leader of a defense that did not allow a goal in the post season.
F/M Anton Porter, Mount St. Michael
The Mountaineers were a different team with Porter in the lineup. After missed some games because of injury, the senior’s speed, flare and scoring touch made Mount a tough team to defend thanks to his 10 goals.
M Filip Jovanovic, Bronx Science
The senior was one of the biggest reasons the Wolverines returned to the top of the Bronx A division. Jovanovic scored seven goals dished out five assists. He had three helpers in a playoff win over Brandeis.
M Ryan Kereley, Fordham Prep
While there were plenty of players claiming highlights and headlines, Kereley just quietly went about his business at midfield. The senior took the Rams set pieces and jumped started the offense with his passing.
M Max Moessner, Fordham Prep
Speed kills and Moessner certainly used it to his advantage. The fleet of foot senior continues to be a clutch scorer for the Rams, including the winner in the Archdiocesan title game.
GK Aaron Schien, Horace Mann
Horace Mann as one of the city’s most consistent teams, much in part to the presence of the four-year starter in net. Schien allowed less that a goal a game to help Horace Mann win the Ivy League crown and reach the NYSAIS title game.
M Michael Stiehr, Horace Mann
The senior was the spark plug of the Lions offense and has been through out his career. Stiehr’s knack for finding the back of the net allowed him score and create countless big goals to help the Lions claim the division crown.
F Tonin Tonaj, Cardinal Spellman
Tonaj was the unquestioned leader of the Pilots’ attack. The tall and athletic forward was a tough cover because of his speed and ability to score from seemly anywhere on the field.
F Shavan Russell, Evander Childs
The senior had the best season of his three-year career on the varsity. Russell recorded a division leading 12 goals and kicked out five assists to help Evander Childs to another strong campaign.
F Yuheng Wang Riverdale
Wang was a stalwart for the Falcons and had knack for scoring big goal. The senior, who took many of the team’s set pieces, score in the overtime winner in a big victory over Poly Prep.
Honorable Mention
M Adrian Alarcon, Adlai Stevenson
M Nick Bienen-Esayian,
Bronx Science
GK James Brady, Mount
St. Michael
F Michael Byfield, Horace Mann
GK Kemar Deer, Evander Childs
F Daniel Fox, Fordham Prep
M Paolo Frazzini-Melendez,
Fieldstom
F Ben Gottschalk, Fieldston
F Lamar Hooke, Christopher
Columbus
D Shin Mitsuno, Bronx Science
M/D Geo Rodas, Cardinal Spellman
F Rockeem Russell, Mott Haven
