Soccer

Shore Conference Class B South Soccer Preview: Title Contenders and Key Storylines

Jackson Township aims for its first division crown since 2019, while Lacey, Central, Brick, Point Pleasant Beach and Manchester bring depth and new talent to the battle.

A New Chapter for the Shore Conference

The 2026 Shore Conference Class B South soccer season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, as a handful of programs jostle for the division crown.

With a blend of seasoned contenders and hungry newcomers, the race promises twists, breakthroughs and a fight for the coveted title.

Jackson Township’s Title Hunt

Jackson Township, returning to Class B South after a merger, is chasing its first division championship since Memorial captured the 2019 Class A South title.

Senior forward Serhii Hryhoriak, the team’s top scorer last season, will anchor the attack, while fellow returning starter Anthony Materia adds depth to the midfield.

Coach Steve Bado, known for his ability to organize solid defensive structures, faces the task of reshaping a back line that lost its entire unit from the previous campaign.

Lacey’s Reinforcements

Lacey arrives with a new goalkeeper in Dylan Graham and a revamped defensive corps, but the squad must navigate injury concerns that plagued them in 2025.

Midfield depth, featuring Logan Hope and Paul Gueirrero, gives the team a versatile engine room, while the chemistry between returning players and fresh faces could prove decisive.

Central’s Mix of Experience and Fresh Faces

Central Regional, transitioning from Class A South, brings back midfielders Julian Lenovich and Michael Bianco, whose experience should help stabilize a side that endured a injury‑hit season.

The addition of fresh talent such as Jovanni Pasqualini injects new energy, and the coaching staff hopes a balanced lineup will translate into immediate results on the field.

Point Pleasant Beach’s Veteran Squad

Finishing third in Class B South last year, Point Pleasant Beach returns key scorers Brody Powers and Evan Hajeski, while sophomore goalkeeper Parker Sario emerges as a promising option between the posts.

The experienced roster aims to challenge for the division title, leveraging familiarity and a collective drive to improve on last season’s performance.

Brick’s Transition to Class B South

After moving up from Class C South, Brick leans on senior defenders Diego Aldana and Jack Demann, while newcomer goalkeeper Freddie Romero will look to solidify the back line.

Attacking options are bolstered by seniors Nana Boakye‑Yiadom and Oliver Kapuscinski, adding intrigue to the team’s prospects in the new division.

Manchester’s Youthful Roster

Manchester enters the race with limited senior leadership, relying on a core of juniors and sophomores to provide the necessary experience in midfield and defense.

Forward Evan Beam will carry much of the offensive burden, but the team’s success will hinge on how quickly the younger players adapt to the heightened competition.

A Competitive Landscape

The Class B South race features a three‑way tie for third place from 2025, with Jackson Township, Lacey, Central, Point Pleasant Beach and Brick all vying for the top spot.

Schedules are stacked with tough matchups against Shore Conference Tournament Group 2 opponents such as Southern, Holmdel, Freehold Township and Matawan, promising a demanding but exciting campaign for all involved.

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