Five players scored five goals apiece for the Fenwick soccer team last season, but only one returns to the team this year.
Killian Frailey is the lone returner of the “Fab Five” from last season. The senior, a four-year varsity player who last year earned Second Team All-State honors, will be called upon to lead his team this season. As a midfielder last season, Frailey led the team in assists with 10. He’ll play striker this year.
“There’s no question we’re going to rely heavily on Killian’s play,” said Fenwick head coach Robert Watson, who enters his third year at the helm. “He’s going to be our work horse. I anticipate and expect him to be up for the challenge.”
Along with Frailey, the Friars return strong seniors Joe Shannon (midfielder), Matt Gallo (defenseman) and Pat McMahon (goalkeeper). All three started last season.
Incoming juniors Mark Finan, Will Rigali and Matt Parilli bring more experience to the club. Finan and Rigali both have started on varsity since their freshman seasons.
Watson said he’s likely to make room for newcomer Tom Semba in the starting lineup. The freshman is a versatile player, according to the coach.
“Tom is the type of player we can put anywhere,” said Watson. “Once we get going and see where the chips fall, I foresee him finding a spot with the starters.”
With a stocked Chicago Catholic League (CCL), the Friars will need every player to step up.
“We have the talent and the experience to be very successful this season,” said Watson. “Our main goal is to gain a foothold in the CCL, then win a regional championship.”
The Friars, who went 3-2 in the CCL last season and tied for second, will likely have to go through Loyola for a chance at the title. The Ramblers took the top spot last year with a slew of juniors on the team. Mt. Carmel is also likely to pose a threat. The Caravan held their own against the Friars last season.
Watson said he’s anticipating having a better idea of his team’s chemistry after the early-season tournaments.
“We’ll know more after the Pepsi Showdown and the Willowbrook Tournament, two extremely competitive tournaments,” he said of his Friars, who won the Willowbrook Tournament last season. “It’s a matter of who will emerge and what will make the team compete at its best level. Hopefully, we’ll find that out sooner than later.”