Bridgewater-Raritan boys soccer returns eight starters, seeks playoff berth

Bridgewater-Raritan boys soccer enters the 2026 season with eight returning starters and a decorated senior class, aiming for a return to the North 2, Group 4 playoffs after an 8-10-2 record last year. The team's main concern is inexperience at goalkeeper following the graduation of starter Michael Battista, who now plays at FDU-Florham. Senior midfielder Conor Rosander, a First Team All-Conference pick, leads a strong returning core that includes several other all-county honorees. Head coach Mark Heinbach, in his fourth season, must resolve the goalkeeper void during preseason. The Panthers open their Skyland Conference Delaware Division campaign on September 2 at Gill St. Bernard's, with eight of 11 projected starters back.