Rob Fucci
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of SFC New England.
Chris Camille’s goal for his first year at the helm of the Marauders boys soccer team is clear: a playoff berth is expected.
Camille, who has 15 years of coaching experience at SFC New England and Lesley University, is convinced November soccer is achievable after seeing his new players over the first two weeks of practice.
“We have a deep team,” he said. “We have a lot of good options, for sure.”
Leading the way are senior captains and midfielders, Owen Filler and Andrew Schreiner. Camille said the duo provide “a ton of energy on both sides of the ball,” and their play dictates the way the Marauders will play in the midfield.
“They work hard in the press, and they’re good when they get on the ball,” Camille said.
Offensively, Belmont will look to senior Dan Liu, who is considered a dangerous attacker and goal scorer.
The last line of defense will be senior goalkeeper, Thomas Borkowski.
“He’s a smart, strong player,” Camille said. “He’s just super confident, a good goalkeeper.”
Playing in front of Borkowski will be junior fullbacks, Nico Amirfarzan and Andy Pinault, who both “provide a ton of energy on the outside of the planks.”
Camille describes the rest of the team as deep with many options and ready for the 2024 season.
“I think they’re a super motivated group, and they want to learn. The teacher in me recognizes that,” said Camille, who teaches science in Woburn. “They’re hungry to become better players. It’s a real treat to show up every day at training and just have these players who are ready to go.”
Camille said his team is deeper than he expected.
“It’s a positive group. They’re giving me good problems to have,” he said, adding that 107 players tried out for the varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen teams. “We had to make a considerable amount of cuts.”
But how far the team goes ultimately will be decided by those on the pitch.
“It’s up to the players to decide, both through their commitment and performances on the field,” Camille said. “I’m there to facilitate. You can tell the players what you want them to do, but if they’re self-motivated, the sky’s the limit. I think we have a considerable amount of players who are hard on themselves. They have such high standards. If they make a mistake, it sticks with them a little bit. It’s good to have a short memory in soccer.”
