GUILDERLAND –– After finishing in the top 20 in New York State with a 15-3-1 record last season, the Guilderland boys’ varsity soccer team is riding the momentum.

“We had an excellent showing last year,” said senior Kip Stillman. “Losing to Niskayuna in the quarterfinals hurt pretty bad.”

The quarterfinal against Niskayuna in the sectionals last season went to four overtimes before Niskayuna scored to abruptly to end the Dutchmen’s season.

“You can’t dwell on the past. You have to think ahead,” said senior Tony Campagnano. “We face Nisky this season and we’re all looking forward to what should be an emotional game.”

The team’s goal this fall is to go further in sectionals. “We have a lot of returning players,” said Stillman. “We didn’t lose too many kids, but we lost some skilled players.”

The team lost talent on both sides of the field, Frank Campagnano, the Dutch’s leading goal scorer from last year and Karl Mohr, “a real force on defense,” said Stillman.

“Coach is putting us through a solid amount of shooting drills,” said Campagnano of Coach Mike Kinnally. “It makes sense because we have to replace all the goal scoring we lost.” The coach could not be reached for comment this week.

The team went through various shooting drills at Tuesday’s practice, with ball handling workouts mixed in. “Coach Kinnally is a great teacher of the game. He makes us all better,” said Stillman.

Campagnano said that the team has a good group of athletes, but some of their skills may need some work. “Focus on the skills’ side of things and get the feet back to where they’re supposed to be,” he said.

The Dutch have high expectations and look to at least match the success of last year. The team opens its season on Saturday at Averill Park, before returning home to play Colonie on Monday.

“We’ve been told to win the games we’re supposed too and win half the ones that are in question,” said Campagnano. “The games we’re supposed to win greatly out number the ones in question.”

The team is hoping for a strong fan base this season. “We need more people supporting us,” said Stillman. “Bring out the hooligans.”