“My goal is to help these kids improve as not only soccer players, but as young men and students too.”
It was not that long ago the Cinnaminson High School boys soccer team was competing for South Jersey Group titles in 2012 and 2015 and even a state final in 2014, after winning the group title. Following a 6–12–1 season in 2016, the goal is to get back to that level of play and be competitive in a very tough BCSL Liberty Division.
Head Coach Jason Melie is in his sixth year as the leader of the varsity program, and his 14th overall at Cinnaminson. After a tough season a year ago, Melie hopes the team can continue to improve in all aspects.
“We know that in this division, things are not going to be given to us,” Melie said. “Our schedule prepares us for what to expect each and every game, and we have high expectations for the season.”
The Pirates are 3–2 so far this season through Sept. 18, with a 2–1 record in their division. Opening with a 2–1 loss in Ocean City, the Pirates rolled off three wins in a row before falling 1–0 to Northern Burlington.
Leading the way for the Pirates this season are two senior captains who are looking to end their high school careers on high notes.
Jake Vermes, a three-year starter, comes from a very prominent soccer family, with his dad, Peter, the head coach for Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City. Mike Lutz, a two-year starter and a three-year letterman, is an outside defender who is a “tough competitor,” states Melie.
“Jake was a kid who was running around the sidelines as a 4-year-old when I coached his older brother,” Melie said. “Mike helps transition us from defense to offense. These two players are veteran leaders for the rest of the team.”
Senior Jake Weick has been moved to the midfield this season. Sophomores C.J. Gee and Aleks Czajka are two surprising players who will be key to the team’s success after 2017.
“C.J. was the first freshman to earn a varsity letter under me, and leads the team with three goals this season,” Melie said. “Aleks is a very nice player who we got to play after he didn’t play his freshman year. I see potential in both of these guys going forward.”
Being paired with nationally ranked Delran, as well as Rancocas Valley, Cinnaminson and Moorestown high schools, is a tough task the Pirates will look to overcome this season.
“We’re the smallest team in our division based on class graduation size, and our schedule doesn’t allow us to have an off day,” Melie said. “In the Liberty Division, anyone can beat anyone, and it really prepares you for the playoffs and what kind of work you need to put in.”
Success on the pitch is important to Melie, who also is a teacher at CHS and has coached boys and girls basketball. However, the culture off the pitch is just as important for these men who are growing up each day.
“The community has been great, and their support in helping the boys not only on the pitch but in the classrooms as well,” Melie said. “My goal is to help these kids improve as not only soccer players, but as young men and students, too.”
For more information regarding CHS soccer, check http://highschoolsports.nj.com/school/cinnaminson-cinnaminson/boyssoccer.
