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Andover Boys Soccer Preview

2006 record: 10-5-5, lost in Div. 1 first round

Returning starters (2): Brian Spurr, Sr., midfield; Sam Percival, Jr., defense/midfield

Returning lettermen: Sam Cook, Sr., defense; Alex Herlich, Sr., midfield; Josh Jacobs, Sr., midfield; Jeff Pirro, Sr., forward; Josh Sideman, Sr., defense; Kevin Moran, Jr., midfield

Newcomers: Mike Birecki, Jr., goalie; Alex Golan, Jr., forward; Matt Liedes, Jr., forward; Rob Martin, Jr., midfield/defense; Josh Torres, Jr., forward/defense; Matt Twomey, Jr., defense; Andrew Pallotta, Soph., defense; Brad Burkhart, Sr., defense; Tom Busta, Jr., midfield; Brendan Crawford, Jr., defense; John Henry Heckendorn, Sr., midfield; T.J. Jessup, Sr., midfield; Mike Kasparian Sr., midfield; Tom McQuillan, Jr., midfield; Colin Ng, Sr., midfield; Adam Trotta, Sr., goalie; John Bigelow, Sr., goalie

Candidates in all grades: 110

Captains: Josh Sideman, Alex Herlich, Sam Cook

Returning leaders: Brian Spurr 2 goals

Returning honorees: None

Assistants: Jim Saalfrank, JV; Scott Armstrong, Frosh.; Leroy Spann, Nat Boughton

Opener: Hosts Dracut Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Odds and ends: Three-time defending MVC large champions, scored 40 goals and gave up 27. ... Sophomore Andrew Pallotta is the brother of former Andover and current Boston University standout Emily Pallotta. ... Junior Tom Busta's father, also Tom, is the ski coach for the Golden Warriors. ... Projected starting goalie Mike Birecki is working his way back from a broken ankle suffered playing club ball in August. He'll likely play in the field then move back into the net.

Coach Mike Wartman (6th year, 59-28-10): "We have a very young team that is inexperienced at the varsity level. We've scrimmaged Masconomet, Medford and Acton-Boxboro and are getting stronger. A lot of people have to step up. At goal, Adam Trotta has more experience, but John Bigelow is getting better every day."