Atlantic Tech boys soccer preview: Red Hawks aim to reach another level

Atlantic Tech boys soccer coach Jim Taylor believes his veteran team has the experience and chemistry to advance further in Cape-Atlantic League play and the South Jersey, Group 4 playoffs this season, following an 8-10 record last year. The Red Hawks return most of their roster, needing to replace only three players, with four starting defenders back for their third year together. Senior Eddie Guevara led the team with seven goals, while junior Alex Hernandez, returning from injury, had a goal and two assists in the season-opening 5-2 win over Atlantic Christian. The goalkeeper position remains a competition between senior Marvin Castro and junior Connor Markiano. Taylor, in his 12th season at the school with a career record of 81-118-5, says the offense runs through senior midfielder Christer Sanchez. The team will use 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 formations, with junior goalkeeper Markiano impressing in preseason and senior back Dylan Gollar anchoring the defense.