Montclair High School boys soccer’s roller-coaster ’22, inconsistent with some brilliance

It was a mixed bag for the Montclair High School boys soccer team this fall, as it finished with a 7-6-2 record. Five of the six defeats were by two or fewer goals.

"In terms of results, I felt like we left something on the table," Montclair head coach Toure Weaver said. "Myself and the players felt like we still hadn't played to our full potential as a team when the season ended. 

“We had spurts and moments during the season that gave us a glimpse of who we could be, but we had difficulty finding consistency."

Despite all that, Weaver pointed to the players' acceptance of what could have been in the 2022 season. "I am proud of the players and their outlook on the season," he said.

"They all showed maturity, knowing and accepting that there was another level to be reached."

Weaver points to the senior group this season, including Filippo Gaisie and Kyle Brandon, who were named to the All-Super Essex Conference American first and second teams, respectively.

"I think that the players who are graduating are going to take this experience with them to the next stage of their lives," the coach said. "With whatever they want to pursue in their lives, not leaving anything on the table and putting everything into it and being accepting of the outcome."

Weaver has several players coming back for 2023, including juniors Tomer Salamon, Gibson Adams and Jacob Bernstein. 

Salamon collected an All American second-team nod, while Adams and Bernstein were placed on the All-American honorable mention list.

"For the returning players I think this has lit a fire under them," the coach said. "I know they are hungry and determined as a collective."

The Mounties brought their best in an independent matchup against St. Benedict's, one of the top boys soccer teams in the country. After going down 2-0, Montclair shut out St. Benedict's in the second half in falling 2-0 on Oct. 10 at home.

"The St. Benedict's game, I was really proud of the way we played as a collective, individually and the resiliency we showed," Weaver said. "We did not pack it in, but instead stepped on the field and played toe-to-toe with them. 

“We found good moments in possession where we were able to ping the ball around at times. Defensively we played great as a team and stepped up in one-v-one duels. We gave up a goal about 30 minutes in, and the second goal happened about 15 seconds before the half. 

“That second goal could have opened the floodgates and we could have deflated, but the guys came out the second half and continued to give everything, playing the second half 0-0."

Gaisie had six goals and four assists this season, with some of the goals coming at important points. 

"Filippo is a gifted player who can do so much," Weaver said. "Firstly, he has the vision to open up a defense. During training sessions and games Filippo had the knack to open the defense with his passes and decision-making. 

“He is confident on the ball and wants the ball at his feet. He plays well with his back to goal and has the ability to turn a defender with his strength, speed and knowledge of where space is."

Salamon led the Mounties in goals with seven and had a great work ethic, the coach said. "He has skill and craftiness to go along with his work rate," he said. "He was able to find the back of the net with some really beautiful goals during the run of play and also on set pieces. He plays with a tenacity that his teammates feed off." 

Brandon inserted some offense this season with four goals, and Weaver liked his “one touch” on the pitch.

"Something that impressed me all year long was his first touch," the coach said. "The easy thing to notice about him is the ball at his feet dribbling forward, but usually that started with him taking a 30–40-yard ball out of the air and bringing it down right to his feet, one touch out of the air. He has great one-v-one ability with his powerful and strong forward runs with the ball, being able to shield and get out of traffic."

Bernstein was the leader on the defensive side of the field. "Jake really stepped up and commanded the back line and was a rock for us," the coach said. "He has a great demeanor and is all about business. 

“He is always looking and being aware of what’s happening and communicating to his teammates what's needed at the correct moment. He stepped up with some big tackles and has good composure on the ball playing out the back."

Adams was a “scrappy” and “creative” player this past season. "Gibby is a very creative player,” Weaver said. “He plays well in the midfield when pressure is on his back and finds a way to play forward from the back third. 

“In the attacking third he has very good vision and strikes the ball very well on frame. He works tirelessly to gain possession of 50-50 balls and is very scrappy."