Last year, the Memorial boys soccer team finished the regular season 12-3-1, but following a frustrating 1-0 overtime loss to Londonderry in the Class L quarterfinals, the Crusaders have some unfinished business.

Though coach Paul Ostberg is downplaying the disappointment of MHS’s quick exit in 2007, he’s the first to admit his squad was on an absolute tear entering the postseason. In fact, Memorial had lost to two quality opponents in overtime early in the year before staging a 12-game winning streak.

“If you don’t win the state title, I think everyone has a chip on their shoulder,” said Ostberg. “We’re not happy with the way last year ended, but at the same time we’re starting this season with a clean slate … As long as we get into the playoffs, we’ll take it from there.”

Memorial, off to a 4-0 start, returned six seniors and has filled its holes with two strong juniors, a solid sophomore and an impact freshman.

Senior Cristian Rodriguez, who scored 27 goals last year, already has two tallies and four assists through four games this season. He captains the Crusaders with fellow seniors Gavin Madden, who Ostberg said may be the best defender in the state, and standout goalie Greg Poulin.

Seniors Adis Jamak, a midfielder, forward Boris Yakubenko and defender John Destefano of Auburn also return to the starting lineup, and Cody Charbonneau and Justin Olivier are also expected to contribute.

Junior midfielder Matt McQueeney and backfielder Tim Gregoire start this season, as well, and are complemented by sophomore Sean MacDonald and Peguy Ngatcha, who has offered two goals and an assist in the first four games.

Seth LaFay, Brian Lipsett, Paul DeCosta and Crispin Munyana also play key roles; and Kenneth Caldwell IV, Nicholas McMaster, James Schrepfer, Alexander Bennett, Carlos Monzon, Cody Marchand, Sean McCoubry, Nathan Marchand, Zachary Charron, Ian Laventure and Steven Ives are also expected to see playing time.

“All these guys play year round. They all play club (soccer), and they came in ready and prepared,” said Ostberg, who in 10 years has built MHS into an annual contender after 40 losses in his first three seasons.

“This is a very good group that all care for each other and support each other,” he continued. “I’ve been very encouraged by the way these guys play. In fact, we’re trying to win the sportsmanship award this year. We want to win, but we also want to be courteous to our fellow players, fans and officials.”