NEPSAC Preview: Boys coaches share 2018 outlook

Mo Ndiaye of Avon Old Farms returns as one of the NEPSAC's top strikers. (Mike Gridley/New England Soccer Journal)

NEPSAC boys soccer is back.

After a nine-month hiatus, preseasons are in full swing. Official games won't occur until the first or second week of September, but there's tangible excitement for what could unfold on campuses throughout New England.

There's something special about playing for your school – the pride it evokes, competing before your peers and teachers. They're feelings that the Development Academy and club soccer, as vital as they are to the development pathway, can't quite replicate.

Emotions aside, the NEPSAC promises a high level of competition week in and week out, with alums routinely progressing into top Division 1 and 3 college soccer programs, or even the professional ranks. The 2018 player pool shows such promise, with international and domestic talent abound.

What looms large, though, are the NEPSAC Tournaments. 2017's versions brought about some surprises and status quo, with Loomis Chaffee (Class A), Brooks (Class B), Hebron (Class C), and Hyde (Class D) all capturing trophies. They'll now have sizable targets on their backs.

To get a sense of what's in store, New England Soccer Journal has spotlights on nearly 40 programs. Each coach provides an outlook on the 2018 campaign, plus some insights into their roster.

Further preview content to come: A coaches poll, top returners at each position, top newcomers, and more. All fall, New England Soccer Journal is committed to being the region's go-to source for prep soccer coverage.