West Orange boys’ soccer players dominate All-Area

WEST ORANGE – The West Orange High School boys’ varsity soccer team certainly enjoyed a great deal of success this season.

On the year, the Mountaineers finished just one win away from a state championship with a mark of 21-2.

Indeed, the team achieved much success. Overall, the Mountaineers were led by more than a handful of players, who took part in a year to remember.

The following players have earned Worrall Media All-Area honors: Zach Brown, Kamsi Udodi, Diego Pedrido, Pancho Pozzolli, Bryce Millington, Andrei Rosu, Dillon Reitberger, Zach Ames, Dan Romain, Ryan Rosa, Russell Hoffer, and Ricardo Carias.

In addition, Brown is the co-All-Area Player of the Year, along with Seton Hall Prep’s Brett Rojas. WOHS head coach Doug Nevins is the All-Area Coach of the Year.

Without a doubt, one player who led the way for the team was senior midfielder Zach Brown, who finished with nine goals and 12 assists.

“Zach Brown was the best player on the field every game,” said Nevins, adding Brown will be headed to Temple University on a scholarship to continue his playing career.

Similarly, senior forward Kamsi Udodi also helped lead the way.

“Kamsi, who had 13 goals and 14 assists, is being recruited by Kean, Rutgers-Newark and other D2 and D3 schools,” said Nevins.

In addition, junior goalkeeper Diego Pedrido also played a vital role for the team.

“Diego Pedrido is one of the top goalkeepers in the state as he only allowed nine goals in 23 games and finished with 16 shutouts,” Nevins said.

Nevins also praised junior midfielder Pancho Pozzolli, who had 10 goals and nine assists. “Pancho is an excellent playmaker and dribbler,” Nevins said.

Another player who contributed to the team was junior midfielder Bryce Millington.

“Bryce Millington started every game at holding midfielder and he won a lot of headers and tackles and was great in possession,” Nevins said.

Along with those players, the WOHS coach also complimented the play of two junior defenders, Andrei Rosu and Dillon Reitberger.

“Andrei Rosu scored three goals in the state tournament and led a defense that had 16 shutouts, while Dillon Reitberger, who had eight assists from right back, gets forward well and gets assists off long throws,” said Nevins.

At forward, Nevins said seniors Zach Ames and Dan Romain had big years for the team.

“Zach Ames was the heart and soul of the team,” Nevin said. “He was our hardest worker. He had nine goals and 10 assists and played through a painful achilles injury. Dan Romain, who had 11 goals and nine assists, is a strong, tough forward and was our second-leading scorer.”

Along with those players, Nevins said senior defender Ryan Rosa started every game at center back, while junior defender Russell Hoffer started at left back with junior midfielder Ricardo Carias coming off the bench to score six goals and four assists for the team this year.

The Mountaineers were ranked in the following finalpolls: topdrawersoccer.com: No. 4 in New Jersey, No. 6 in East Region; No. 31 in National. NSCAA: No. 7 in Region III. MSG Varsity: No. 3 in New Jersey; No. 3 in Tri-State. NJ.com: No. 3 in New Jersey; No. 2 in Public Schools; No. 1 in Super Essex