The Salem High School boys soccer team has been under construction for several years. Tony Karibian figures the project is near completion.

Several of the key members of this year’s varsity squad have endured multiple sub-.500 seasons, but the Blue Devil mentor said his players have learned from recent struggles.

“They’re very skilled players, but they’re also a lot more mature than they were last year,” said Karibian. “They’re smart with the ball and are taking chances when they have the opportunity.”

Karibian said he should start five seniors and five juniors, giving the team a chance to contend the next two seasons.

Center forward Tyler Rutledge has shown he can be an offensive threat, scoring five goals in the preseason for the Blue Devils. Captain Brett Miller and junior Peter Ventola join Rutledge up front.

“We’re going to poach some goals,” said Karibian. “We don’t have beautiful goal-scoring yet. We’re going to steal some goals and get a lot of hard-working scores, knock in some ugly ones in front of the net.”

Brandon Cole, Nick LaRochelle and midfielder Max Gordon, who have all impressed their coach so far, lead the Salem defense.

Karibian said these players are prime examples of what went right for SHS during its summer sessions.

“All three have come into the season in shape and more aggressive, ready to take on a commanding role,” said Karibian. “The way the whole team is training is much better. They came in ready to go and no one struggled with fitness.”

One player who takes on a surprising leadership role is Joe Brouillette, who plays center back and was named captain by his teammates. This is Brouillette’s first year of varsity play. He was a member of the JV team previously.

“It isn’t that he couldn’t play last year, but I just wanted him to get more experience,” said Karibian. “He embraced that role, became a leader on JV and that translated into a strong preseason this year. He has great determination and grit, and he’s a guy that puts up or shuts up.”

During a preseason meeting, the players talked with their coacha bout expectations, setting their sights on a better-than-.500 record and potentially earning a first-round playoff game.

“Everyone is competing for 11 spots. That itself says a lot about the team,” said Karibian. “We’ve grown in numbers – and physically as well.”