EAST PROVIDENCE — Head coach Tony Vieira returns this fall after a year's hiatus from the East Providence High School boys' soccer squad to find a group of Townies that while talented is relatively inexperienced at the Division I varsity level.

The East Providence roster consists of 16 upperclassmen (11 juniors and five seniors) though only a handful of those players contributed to a Townie team that went 4-6-4 last season and lost to Central on penalty kicks in the opening round of the playoffs.

"We're a young team in terms of varsity experience. People see we have 16 upperclassmen, but only seven or eight of those guys saw a lot of time," said Vieira, who spent last fall as an assistant coach for the Providence College women's soccer team.

"I think we're definitely a work in progress," he continued. "I think we're a team that at the end of the year will be fighting for a playoff spot, so we're definitely a playoff-caliber team. We're definitely going to get better as we go, as we grow as a group."

Vieira said the Townies will employ some variation of a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 alignment. Multi-year starter keeper Nathan Silveira is a senior, team co-captain and the key element of the E.P. defensive spine.

"I think Nathan is one of the top three goalies in the state," Vieira said. "We're going to rely on him to keep us in games, especially early in the season as we grow, and he's capable of doing that. He has that kind of talent."

Junior Zach Aroujo mans one of the center back positions. He's flanked on the left side by freshman Ryan Moniz. Junior Nathan Ramos mans the right outside back slot. The right inside spot is still up in the air, according to Vieira. Depending on the formation, junior Dan Forsythe, junior Evan Goncalves or sophomore Krynt O'Donnell will play the position.

Those same three players are also in the midfield mix along with senior Nathan Bento, juniors John Kauffman and Bruno DaCosta and sophomores Manny Gouveia and Leandro Frias. Senior co-captain Zach Pangborn and junior Tyler Coelho are the lead forwards and can each drop back into the midfield as well, again depending on the Townies' formation.

At least two others players should see ample action as the season begins, according to the coach. Robbie Medeiros is a junior midfielder while Owen Charron is a freshman who can play all over the pitch. Of note as well, junior Mateo Andrade is the Townies' capable back-up goalie.

"I think we're a good possession team. We have some big targets up front in Tyler and Zach. They're both 6-footers, so we can utilize them over the top. We also have speed on the wings. Defensively is where we need the most work right now. Zach Aroujo is the only returning starter of the four backs from last year. So, again, we're going to have to rely on him and Nathan to help the younger guys at the start of the year," Vieira said.

Division I begins 2016 with only one new team in its ranks after off-season realignment. Classical, the 2014 Division II champ which went 13-0-3 in the regular season a year ago, joins the top tier in place of Hope. The Blue Wave earned just one win and four ties in 28 D-I games over the previous two seasons.

No discussion about the league and potential playoff or championship teams can be had without mentioning LaSalle, coached by 1970s East Providence High School standout Mario Pereira. The Rams have won nine state titles since the turn of the century, including one last year.

"LaSalle is LaSalle, but I think Hendricken might be the best team this year. They're my pick to win the state championship right now," Vieira said. "And of the city schools I think Tolman might be the best."

As for his Townies, Vieira added, "I think if we finish in the middle of the pack or a bit better, that's kind of where we're expected to be at this point. But if we can surprise a few people, win a few more games in the regular season, maybe we could host a playoff game and take it from there."

Most know by now East Providence has a new home this fall. The Townies will no longer play at Pierce Stadium, instead they'll occupy the artificial turf field paid for and installed by the Bayside F.C. youth soccer organization led by noteworthy Townie alum John Mark Andrade and Vieira.

"We're still trying to figure out the field," Vieira said. "It's 120x76 (yards). It's twice as big as Gillette Stadium. It's just a massive pitch. Hopefully, we'll adjust to it quickly and use it to our advantage."

The Townies make their regular season debut on their new home surface Friday afternoon, Sept. 9, against Central Falls at 3:30 p.m. E.P. hits the road for the first time when they travel to Chariho Tuesday, Sept. 13, for a 6 p.m. kick.