Boys soccer preview: Key storylines to watch in the GMC in 2019 - NJ.com

Things never come simply in the Greater Middlesex Conference and another year full of twists, turns and surprises is expected in 2019.

After a banner season that saw East Brunswick and South Brunswick battle it out as two of the best teams in the state, there are plenty of exciting stories to follow in Middlesex County this year.

Find the biggest storylines for the upcoming season below.

How good will Jake Stump be in his final high school season?

Stump was one of New Jersey's most electrifying strikers last season and a big part why South Brunswick was the best team in the Greater Middlesex Conference during the regular season. Stump may not have the same talent around him as he did a year ago, but a double-digit goal output seems like a good bet once again.

Still young, but now experienced, can Monroe jump back into the mix in the Red Division?

Monroe battled through growing pains — and the injury bug — last season in its battle to make a deep run in the county tournament. Brendan Deal, the face of the program last year, is gone but a strong group of young players in Christian Bernal, Joshua Cruz, Jared Krasnove and Jonah Dias colud have the Falcons knocking on the door as one of the county’s best teams once again.

Is New Brunswick ready to contend for a county title?

New Brunswick was a solid team a year ago, but could be preparing for an even better run this season. With Yeffry Rodriguez back after a dynamic sophomore year, New Brunswick should enter 2019 as the team to beat in the GMC's White Division with a chance to prove itself against the high-flying teams in the Red Division in the county tournament.

Can Old Bridge thrive as an under-the-radar team?

Old Bridge was a sub-.500 team last season but played its best soccer against the best teams in Middlesex County. Now three years removed from a senior-laden team that was truly one of the best Group 4 teams in the state, the growing pains from the last two years could translate into valuable experience for the Knights this season.

Experienced Spotswood team ready to lead the way in the Blue Division

Spotswood should enter this season as the team to beat in the GMC’s Blue Division with a ton of experience and four all-division players back in the lineup. Andrew Bishara is one of the top keepers in Middlesex County and will anchor Spotswood’s play out of the back, while Chris Moran and Yanni Hatzistefanis both return as bonafide goal scorers for the Chargers.

Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianDeakyne. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.

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