Hammonton boys soccer team hopes to challenge for Cape Atlantic League title

by Dan Russoman

Few local teams this fall have higher goals than Hammonton High School’s boys soccer team.
First-year head coach Damiso Josey, who takes over for Mike Nolan, has lofty expectations for a team that has been ousted from the state playoffs in the first round the last two seasons.
“The goal is to win a league and a state championship. That’s why you play the game. I told the kids that’s our main objective. Realistically, we want to compete in the Cape Atlantic League, make a run at first place. I anticipate us making the playoffs; so the goal would be to make a run at the Group III championship,” Josey said.
Josey has reason to be optimistic. Hammonton returns a solid nucleus from a team that has improved in each of the last three seasons. Nolan built a solid foundation for success, helping Hammonton develop into a perennial playoff team. As a former assistant, Josey is looking to take the Blue Devils to the next level.
“Mike built the framework for success here. Now I’m looking to take what he did and add my own twists to it,” Josey said.
One twist would be winning a playoff game, something Josey believes Hammonton will do this season.
“I think we need to be more physical. When you’re in the playoffs, the games get a little tougher, more physical. And we need to play that way,” Josey said.
To help achieve that end, Josey had the Blue Devils play at a camp at Penn State University this summer.
“We did well. We got knocked around a little bit. But it gave them an idea of the things they need to do to get to the next level,” Josey said.
Another thing Hammonton will need to do is replace last year’s leading scorer, T.J. Bryson, who graduated. The Blue Devils will miss Bryson, but have several returning players who can find the net.
Rob Nowlan returns for his fourth season as a varsity starter. Joining Nowlan this season will be starters Joe Auleta, Matt McCarthy, Dorian Levecchia and Tom Nowlan.
Mike Macrie, Nolan Kier and Mike Ashiotes add depth and experience.
In goal, Hammonton returns starter Mike Huster, who developed into one of the league’s top keepers last season.
In order to maintain and build on its recent success, Hammonton knows it must respond to the new “twists and tweaks” Josey is implementing.
“The challenge is going to be getting them to buy into what I’m trying to preach. I believe we can be a very good team. I have a lot to learn, but I think we can be very successful,” Josey said.
Hammonton opens its season on September 12 at Atlantic City.