Coach Ilir Ujkaj recently shared his thoughts on the new season for the Acton Exchange:
“This will be my first season at A-B and my 9th coaching soccer in high school.
I am extremely excited and honored to be part of such an amazing academic and athletic program such as A-B.
“The team is coming off almost a total rejuvenation compared to last year.
Between seniors graduating and other players moving to MLS Youth [a youth development program], we have lost 16 players.
“Having said that, this year will have a roster of twenty-six players who are eager and ready to take the place of those who left.
“Will McKnight and Matias Kvalsvik will be leading the team on the field. Their contribution was priceless keeping the guys active during the offseason through captain practices.
“Tyler Sullivan, Manas Konthan, Kofi Asubonteng, Sheifar Kiganira and Sam Ali played many games last year and will be the core of the team this season as well.
“We also have added a number of first-time varsity players, and it will be exciting to see how they help the team succeed.
“There is no doubt that the DCL league is the most competitive soccer league in Massachusetts.
With Concord-Carlisle the reigning D1 State Champion, every game will be a battle until the last second, and the margins of losing and winning have become extremely thin.
“A-B boys varsity soccer, as per tradition, is looking forward to this season with great enthusiasm and the hope that they will honor the school and the towns of our district.”
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After three preseason scrimmages, the Revolution opened their season on September 4 when they traveled to North Andover. The boys will host Central Catholic on September 7 at 6:30 at Leary Field.
James Conboy played in the Acton Adult Softball League for seventeen years, and now plays in the EMASS Senior Softball League.