Boys' soccer players to watch

Derek Mackinnon, Washington Township, Sr. Mackinnon was one of the most productive players in the state in 2013, recording 27 goals and nine assists and earning a spot on the NSCAA Youth All-American team - one of only three state players to do so. While those numbers were gaudy, the St. Joseph's recruit is poised to surpass them in his senior season. He's an electric scorer and a keystone to one of New Jersey's most talented offenses.

Gavin Bright, Clearview, Sr. After recording 27 goals through his first two high school seasons, Bright had nine goals and four assists in 2013, even in the face of increased defensive attention. He's athletic and fast and a natural finisher, and he helped lead the Pioneers to the South Jersey Group 4 title. Bright has been a consistent offensive force over his career, and that should continue this season.

Fatai King, Rancocas Valley, Sr. In 2013, King established himself as reliable scoring threat, netting 11 goals and four assists against one of the toughest schedules in South Jersey. He has a solid mixture of size and speed and should be tough to match up with as he continues to develop in his senior season.

Matt Hendrickson, Clearview, Sr. Hendrickson is a consistent and reliable scorer and again will pair with fellow forward Gavin Bright to spearhead one of the area's most feared offenses. He recorded 10 goals and five assists during his team's run to a South Jersey Group 4 title in 2013.

Lou Vilotti, Washington Township, Sr. Minutemen coach Shane Snyder likens Vilotti, a St. Joseph's recruit and the reigning Inquirer Player of the Year in South Jersey boys' soccer, to a coach on the field. His advanced vision and athleticism led to his 14 goals and 21 assists as a junior.

Mario Mandescu, Haddon Township, Sr. Mandescu was a central piece to Haddon Township's run to the South Jersey Group 1 championship last season, netting 19 goals. He had four goals and an assist in the postseason. Surrounded by talent, Mandescu should find plenty of room to shine in his senior season.

Thomas Dovell, Moorestown, Sr. With the graduation of Mike Kassak and Mike Handlan, Moorestown will have to replace some of the state's most athletic offensive firepower. Fortunately for the Quakers, players such as Dovell remain. Dovell recorded five goals and six assists as a junior, earning a first-team all-South Jersey selection by the Coaches Association. This Rutgers recruit should contribute in each third of the field and remain one of the area's most well-rounded players.

Ryan Ferreira, Delran, Sr. Ferreira is one of the state's top one-on-one offensive threats. He shines in open space with a strong and accurate shot, and he has proven those skills under pressure. Ferreira netted a bending 23-yard shot in overtime in the 2013's state Group 2 semifinals and scored twice in the state-championship win. He netted 12 goals in all last season and should be the Bears' top offensive weapon this season.

Darnell Brown, Cinnaminson, Sr. Entering his third year as a starter, Brown has been matched against some of the state's best offensive forces in a Burlington County League known for its firepower. He helped Cinnaminson to nine shutouts last season. With an advanced soccer IQ and enough speed to help spark Cinnaminson's offense in transition, Brown is one of South Jersey's top overall weapons.

Ed McCusker, Washington Township, Sr. On a team that often makes headlines for its offense, McCusker is something of an unsung hero for the Minutemen. This St. Joseph's recruit is one of the most athletic and reliable defenders in South Jersey.

Ricky Nelson, Clearview, Sr. Last year, Nelson was the only goalie to record a clean sheet against Washington Township, lauded as one of the best offenses South Jersey has ever seen. While the credit for that win in the South Jersey Group 4 title game doesn't belong solely to Nelson, it does speak to his ability to step up in big games and hold his own against some of the state's best competition.

- Chris Melchiorre

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