Thursday, October 1, 2026
Baldwin boys’ soccer returns just one goal scorer from last season, but coach Chris Soupios and a slew of younger players see it as an opportunity to build something new.
“Our goal right now is get us into a position to make a playoff spot,” Soupios said. “You make a playoff spot and anything can happen, and your ultimate goal is always going to be to win a county championship. We are developing and building, but I think guys know that you still have the same goal that even the most experienced teams have.”
In 2025, the Bruins went 4-6-4, suffering five of its defeats by one goal and settling for multiple draws after pulling ahead. They did not make the playoffs, missing out by two qualifying points. With the roster changing so rapidly, Soupios sees the coming year as a time to start over.
Senior midfielder Michael Grannum, Baldwin’s only returning goal scorer, earned his starting role in 2025 and will be a major focal point in his final year. He can drop to the back line if needed, but his role on offense will be especially important early on.
“He’s an explosive player who really just started getting a starting role last year,” Soupips said. “I think this could definitely be a breakout year for him.”
Grannum will be joined by senior midfielders Giaccomo Madueno Castillo and Samory Fecu, who will bolster Baldwin’s ranks as older players stepping into larger roles. Castillo will be a key attacker in scoring opportunities, while Fecu will return to the fold after missing all of 2025 with an injury.
Soupios said he expects junior midfielder Lennix Batres to step up after taking massive strides forward over the summer. As a sophomore, he filled in as Baldwin’s fourth midfielder and displayed plenty of potential.
Baldwin’s forwards are still developing and will require assistance from a more experienced group of midfielders. Sophomores Levi Oladunni and Davian Salguero will likely earn time as strikers, while seniors Kelvin Reyes Santos and Gavin Brownell could fill in as needed.
While the offense takes time to settle in, the Bruins’ more established defense will likely take on a greater burden. Seniors Max Ascenscio-Cueva and Jackson Roberts will return as starters and will be joined by senior Avery Witter and sophomore Joseph Guiracocha, who have earned time during productive off-seasons. Senior Andwele Wright will miss much of the season but could return in time for a playoff push.
“In the beginning of a season, you always want to be a little bit more defensive with the way you're setting things up and risking to be in the right spot,” Soupios said. “But I think we want to focus on playing together as a team. Our identity is really going to be pressing together as a group.”
Baldwin is blessed with options at goalkeeper, though it will require Soupios to eventually make a choice. Juniors Jelani Jean-Francois and Jacob Friend will be joined by freshman Nnamdi Williams in a three-way competition for the starting role. Jean-Francois had a 5-save shutout in a season-opening 1-0 win over Freeport Sept. 2. Junior Mathew Foster had the goal.
