Don Denham is expecting good things from his team this season. 

The coach of the Barrington High School boys soccer team said this year’s roster is loaded with talented, hard-working players. 

“I would say this team is more soccer-ready,” Denham said. “They are soccer players who understand the game and play the game all year round. … we have more soccer players who are great athletes.”

More than 60 boys tried out for the team this season. He said the majority of the varsity players are sophomores and juniors, who will join eight seniors. 

“And we have a phenomenal group of freshmen,” Denham said. 

Barrington showed off some of its talent during an Injury Fund match against Rogers High School on Friday evening, Aug. 30. The Eagles outscored the Vikings by a wide margin. 

Denham said he is excited to see the play of his team’s goaltenders this season — juniors Liam Helfrich and Tristan Gilfillan. Helfrich is also one of the team’s captains this season.

“Our goaltending is going to be really good,” Denham said. When asked what sets his goaltenders apart from the rest of the league, Denham said “Experience. Confidence. Understanding of the position. Command.”

Denham also heaped praise on his group of defenders, which includes Jake Tomlinson, George Kenny, Kelly Hill, Ollie Cope, Brooks Mello and Tee Shapiro. Denham said the defenders possess good speed, and are able to help move the ball up the field.

The Eagles will have a number of key players at midfield. Denham mentioned senior captain Aden Memoli and his brother, junior Evan Memoli. 

“They’re both really good,” Denham said. 

Ethan DaCosta, a senior, will play in the midfield along with Brady Andrew, a new student who just moved to Barrington from Colorado. Beckett Capizzo, Vasily Marcus, Ver Rege, and Jack Luttrell will all play key roles. 

“That’s a really strong group,” said Denham. 

The Eagles attack will be one of the fastest groups in recent years, said Denham. 

“Speed, speed and more speed,” Denham said, when asked to describe what makes the attackers special. The group includes Cole Ornstedt, Patrick Trainor, Kevin Yang and Logan Lane.

Denham said his forwards work very hard throughout the game.

“They are extremely fast and aggressive. So we just have to control it,” he said. 

Barrington will face a challenging schedule this season, highlighted by a trip to New York for the Firebird Invitational Tournament. Barrington will square off against Kellenberg (NY) High School and St. John the Baptist (NY) in the tournament. 

“I think it’s awesome,” Denham said. “It’s an awesome thing — the opportunity for kids to go there.”

Two days after returning from the tournament, Barrington will face off against Moses Brown. 

“They can definitely handle what’s in front of them,” Denham said. “It’s just about them executing it. If they can execute they should be excellent this year.”