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10/23/2024 09:44 AMThe East Haven boys’ soccer team entered this campaign with a new leader at the helm, and they are looking to make it a critical turning point for the program’s direction. Regardless of what the standings show in terms of their final record, the Yellowjackets made an impact on multiple fronts and put a legacy stamp on the squad.
After claiming only a single victory last fall, the Yellowjackets moved past that win total and then some by finishing 6-9-1 on the regular season and qualified for the Class L State Tournament. First-year Head Coach Ryan Subtil explained that it has been an extremely successful slate in terms of the mission statement set by the boys and the program, as they want to make sure the other SCC schools no longer think of them as a pushover and rather a tough opponent on their schedules.
“In the preseason, we set a goal to try and make states, which is not an easy task for a team that only won one game last season. We surpassed that total this year,” said Subtil. “We want to also change the perception of this team, from being a team that would lay down and quit to one that competes in every game they are in. We want people to think of East Haven as a team that can play soccer and will respect the game.”
Logan Mendez and George Orellana are a tandem of senior captains for the Yellowjackets this fall. Mendez mans the midfield and is someone whose dedication is perfect for the demands of his jobs on and off the pitch. Orellana doubles down as a defender and midfielder who demands the most out of everyone. They are joined by a third squad steward in junior captain Anthony Lucci–a defenseman who establishes a sense of tranquility as a leader.
“Logan is one of the hardest-working players and one that has a lot of faith in the rest of his teammates. George has been able to secure our defense while also pushing the team to work harder than before,” said Subtil. “Anthony brings a calmer mindset and smart decision-making. He really wants to grow the program.”
Another standout senior is up at the top of the field in striker Andrew Mendez, who is the squad’s leading scorer. He is part of a formidable front forward duo with his younger brother in sophomore forward Jeremy Mendez. Meanwhile, junior Matteus Ponte strengthens East Haven by facilitating and defending the rock as a midfielder and defender while keeping things light-hearted when necessary.
“Andrew is a high-level competitor and has incredible footwork. Alongside his brother, Jeremy Mendez, he gets people out of their seats as they play with the kind of joy and technical qualities that make you excited to watch,” said Subtil. “Matteus has a high IQ for the game and does what is needed to get the team over the line. He is our second top scorer and one of the funniest people you will meet.”
The Yellowjackets had a signature moment that defined their character this campaign when they came from behind to defeat rival Lyman Hall with a 3-2 triumph over the Trojans on Sept. 18.
With 14 minutes left in the game, East Haven trailed 2-1, needing a win. In the span of two minutes, Ponte scored to net the game at two, and then a clever play by Logan Mendez put the ball in front of the goal for Andrew Mendez to score what would hold up as the game-winner.
The boys also worked together to honor the senior class in proper fashion with a Senior Night decision over Sheehan on Oct. 9.
“Senior Night was a big deal, as we needed the win to keep our chances for states alive,” said Subtil. “Within the first five minutes, Andrew Mendez scored to make it 1-0, and from there, the game was ours. George Orellana would get his first goal of the year, and freshman Vedad Vrabac earned his first goal with a 3-0 win.”
The Class L State Tournament begins on Wednesday, Oct. 30. No matter how the bracket shakes out for them, the Yellowjackets can look back on 2024 with a sense of accomplishment and opulent optimism for the future of the program. It goes even deeper when looking into the true roots of the club by getting the youth enthusiastic about the sport. This current crop of East Haven players has already demonstrated that they are certainly all in to keep that upbeat feeling rolling.
“The team has grown from doubters into believers,” said Subtil. “I anticipate this change to then trickle down to the rest of the school and then to the youth of East Haven, as we try to change the landscape of East Haven soccer. The team feels that weight and takes it with open arms. They give what they can for the team, and on weekends, go to help with the youth club, and help introduce soccer to a new generation of future East Haven soccer players.”
Subtil is in his first campaign with the Yellowjackets, previously having experience coaching in town by leading the East Haven Youth Club for a trio of years. George Bedocs is also in his first year as assistant coach. He is an individual who, Subtil remarked, “is a well-respected and decorated soccer coach in Connecticut.”
The Yellowjackets’ roster is comprised of seniors Nico Lopez, Frank Cabrera, Logan Mendez, Nick Sanchez, Andrew Mendez, Orellana, Jonathan Chabla, Andres Bonilla; juniors Lucci, Ponte, Mathias Ortega, Chirs Lucero, Christian Llanos-Zamora, Austin Riveri, Dylan Prohaska, Klevor Tapia; sophomores Sam Cantarero, Jhofer Martinez, Vincent Castellano, Fernando Zuna Lopez, Jeremy Mendez, Alejandro Rosillo, Jeremy Guachamin Urgiles, Israullah Khan, David Fenn, Maximiliano Escobar, Carlos Aguirre; plus freshmen Vrabac, Sebastian Cartagena, Dylan Cosentino, Jhosemar Heras, and Kaden Knipping.
2024 East Haven Boys’ Soccer Regular Season Results
Sept. 5: Branford 3, East Haven 1
Sept. 10: Xavier 8, East Haven 0
Sept. 12: North Haven 2, East Haven 0
Sept. 14: East Haven 3, Sheehan 1
Sept. 18: East Haven 3, Lyman Hall 2
Sept. 19: Hand 3, East Haven 1
Sept. 23: East Haven 4, Career-Hillhouse 3
Sept. 25: Amity 3, East Haven 1
Sept. 30: East Haven 1, Lyman Hall 1
Oct. 2: Xavier 8, East Haven 0
Oct. 7: North Haven 3, Hand 0
Oct. 9: East Haven 3, Sheehan 0
Oct. 11: Hand 6, East Haven 0
Oct. 14: East Haven 4, North Branford 2
Oct. 16: East Haven 5, Career-Hillhouse 0
Oct. 18: Amity 2, East Haven 1