Northampton head boys soccer coach Chris Bastidas has been extremely impressed with the start of his team this year. The lone blemish was a 2-0 loss to Emmaus. The Kids are 7-1 as of Tuesday morning.

“We started out 4-0, and I love the focus and intensity of this team,” beamed Bastidas before the team played the Hornets. “They listen and want to know how to get better at every practice. We have not given up a goal since our first game and have continued to score.

“We are looking great The start to the season was exactly what I was looking for.”

Bastidas, whose club finished 15-4-2 last season has looked to returners Jacob Fallenstein and Joseph Gonzales to help set the pace offensively. Fallenstein and Gonzales each had four goals apiece through their first four games and both have been scoring a lot in recent games (see roundup at right). Jariel Medina has also been a major contributor.

Blake Turner is back to anchor and defense, and Ryan Nahf returns in the net as one of the East Penn Conference’s top netminders.

“Jacob Fallenstein is playing like the top forward in the league, and had the game winner against Parkland,” boasted Bastidas. “Joseph Gonzales is amazing in the center midfield creating plays and scoring goals.

“Jariel Medina has been super dynamic up top. Blake Turner is a top defender in the league and Ryan Nahf is incredible in net and I believe is the best goalkeeper in the league.”

Nahf, who is a senior and has been the Kids’ starting goalie since his sophomore season, saw his team’s bond build during the summer.

“The team’s chemistry got stronger through our summer practices,” said Nahf who had 15 saves through their first four games and had 84 last season. “We have really come together.”

Bastidas also knows he has to have a sense of cautious optimism to advance his team deep into the postseason.

“We know we need to continue to build on what we are doing if we want to win titles,” stressed Bastidas. “But we are feeling good about the season so far.”