It's for certain that there weren't any meet-and-greet moments to start the season for the Fenwick boys soccer team. Most players on this year's team have been playing together for awhile.

A dozen seniors fill head coach Robert Watson's roster this season, including nine returning starters. Of the nine back, five have played on varsity since their sophomore seasons.

"It's a group that has been together for a long time and knows our program up and down," said Watson. "They've been improving each year and right now it's the most talented group I've had in my four years here."

With key returning midfielders in seniors Mark Finan, Will Rigali, Matt Parrilli, Charlie Cafaro and Sean Prendiville, the Friars hope to trump last season's 10-8-3 overall record. Finan and Rigali both have started on varsity since their freshman seasons.

Prendiville and senior striker Jimmy Sullivan have the talent to fill in for the graduated Killian Frailey, said Watson.

"Killian was a big part of our offense last year and those are some tough shoes to fill, but I have a lot of faith in this group," he said. "They're working hard and the talent is there to put our expectations pretty high at this point. When players come in that already know everyone else and everyone's style of play, it makes it easier for us coaches to focus on other aspects of the game."

With nine seniors filling starting roles, two juniors will round out the rest of the lineup. Sweeper Tom Semba, who started last year as a sophomore and junior Albano Latifi are likely to see significant playing time, according to Watson.

"With this group having so much experience and talent, the plan is for us to win a regional championship, something we failed to do last season," said Watson. "We'll start with that and hopefully go from there."

Defending the net this season for the Friars will be senior Mike Jank, who played behind the now graduated Pat McMahon last year.

Other expected to see playing time include Mike Comiskey, Alex Holterman, Kevin Darley, Andrew Streit and Max Joubert.

The Friars kick-off the season with three homes games at the Dominican Priory. The team hosts Timothy Christian on Aug. 26 (4:30 p.m.), Glenbard South on Aug. 29 (11 a.m.) and Holy Trinity on Aug. 31 (4:30 p.m.).

Fenwick begins the prestigious Pepsi Showdown tournament at home against Young on Sept. 8. More information about the tournament can be found at www.pepsishowdown.us.