The ball skidded across the turf under the Geissinger field lights as the boys soccer team fought to keep possession. A midfielder slid in just in time to win it back, launching a quick pass that threaded perfectly between defenders and drew a roar from the sideline. Voices echoed across the field: players calling out to one another, coaches shouting instructions, and fans urging the team forward. The steady rhythm of cleats pounding against the ground matched the growing anticipation in the stands. Every push toward the goal hinted at something unique about this group—a spark of confidence, a rhythm of play, a hunger to prove themselves. As the whistle carried through the night, it was clear this season might hold something different.
The Tenafly boys soccer team has opened the season with intensity and focus, determined to raise the bar from last year. Their preseason was packed with long practices, conditioning drills, and scrimmages to sharpen each player’s skills. That effort has carried into the season, where the team’s growth is already clear on the field. From the way they move the ball to the energy they bring to every game, it’s obvious how much work has gone into building a stronger, more competitive team. They have proved themselves time and time again against Bergen’s best. The results speak for themselves: Tenafly is currently 10-0, and the players are determined to keep their winning streak alive as the season continues.
Both players and coaches have committed themselves fully to creating a competitive and focused training environment, as well as embracing a culture of accountability.
“Our players have responsibilities both before and after training, bringing out and putting away equipment,” Coach Michael Carrasquilla said. Training sessions began with a dynamic warm-up and progressed to partner ball drills designed to improve technical skills. “We put a big emphasis on the fundamentals, so working on our touch with juggling and possession is a daily focus,” Carrasquilla said. The team then works on both defense and offense through various drills and wrap sessions, incorporating scrimmages among themselves. After practice, the players regroup for stretching and reflection, and goalkeepers often receive extra individualized coaching. Recovery days are built in after matches, with training focused on “speed, agility, quickness, and cardiovascular endurance.”
Player Diego Aldeco (’27) described the training atmosphere as very extreme and competitive.
“Our objective is to make practice sessions more intense and challenging than actual games, so that when it’s game time, we all remain composed and confident having already faced greater pressure during training,” he said.
The boys soccer team’s success is built on a foundation of teamwork, humility, and strong leadership. Carrasquilla reminds the players to “stay humble and stay hungry,” emphasizing that “everything in our program is earned, never given.” This mindset fosters a culture where the focus is always on the collective “WE” rather than individual “ME.”
Jason Baer (’27), the team’s goalkeeper, described the intensity in the locker room before each game, where players pump each other up, fully aware of the pressure to win.
“It’s like we have to win; if we lose, it feels like the season’s over,” he said.
Teamwork is a constituent of the team’s identity. The players understand that success is not just about individual skill but about how well they connect, communicate, and support each other during both practices and games. This trust allows them to anticipate each other’s moves and work in harmony toward shared goals. It also creates an environment of mutual accountability, where teammates motivate one another to push harder, celebrate success together, and continually strive to improve.
Leadership within the team is uniquely structured around a council of six captains, rather than relying on just one or two leaders. The leadership council includes Ori Oelsner (’26), Max Romanov (’26), James Jung (’26), Davin Shin (’26), Nikhil Seth (’26), and Jeffery Rico (’26). This diverse group shares the responsibility of motivating teammates, setting the tone during training, and maintaining team discipline.
“Being on the leadership council means setting a good example for my teammate,” Oelsner explained. “People often think that means getting to practice on time, leading warm-ups, giving team talks, and so on. At times it does, but for me, being a leader on the team is really about trust and communication. That means giving honest feedback and making sure everyone on the team is heard, even the quiet ones. I think that’s what has led to our success: our ability to truly trust each other on and off the field.”
Ultimately, by distributing leadership among several players, the team ensures that different perspectives and strengths come together to uphold their shared values and drive the program forward. This collaborative leadership model not only strengthens the team’s unity but also prepares them to face challenges collectively, making the group more resilient and cohesive.
Communication in soccer is very important. As in many other sports, it is common to center around one person, and this role usually comes down to the goalkeeper.
“The communication between me and the defenders has been a big part of our winning streak,” Baer said, “When I tell them where to go, when to step, or when I’m open for the ball, it reassures them that they’re making the right moves since I can see the whole field. It also boosts the overall communication on defense, which helps the entire team and has helped me grow as a leader.” A position like goalkeeper is comparable to a quarterback in football. It is very important for someone to assume this role and to dictate the flow of the players. Without this vital role, it would be inherently hard, as players would be a flock without a leader. Many games come down to communication within a team, adjusting to the things they themselves visualize once on the pitch.
It is still early in the season to determine whether the Tenafly boys soccer team will pick up any silverware, but they have been dominating the league with a 10-0 record and eight clean sheets. It is a team built up of 20 players who are putting their best effort into an already successful season. They have proven themselves as contenders in the area without a single loss. In the coming weeks, they will begin to face private schools, like Don Bosco, which may prove a challenge. In the past seasons, the Tenafly boys soccer team has fared well, but this year a certain spark seems to shine, which may propel them further than they have gone in the past. It is apparent that the leading factor to their current success is the chemistry that has been established within the team. The leadership council has been proven effective and is paying off.
“The team’s chemistry is a lot stronger than last year,” Baer said. “The seniors, who make up a big part of the group, are really close with the juniors, and even though we only have one sophomore, it doesn’t make a difference—everyone gets along. We have great chemistry both on and off the field, and it’s made a big improvement overall.” Unlike past years, there is a more tight-knit relationship between the grades. This is beneficial towards the well-being of the team and puts them at an advantage compared to teams in previous years.
As the season continues, the Tenafly boys soccer team shows no signs of slowing down. The county seeding was just released, recognizing Tenafly as the No. 3 seed. Their success comes not only from skill and preparation but from the deep trust, communication, and unity that defines their program. With strong leadership, a relentless work ethic, and undeniable chemistry, the possibilities for how far they can go seem endless.
