By PAUL GOTHAM
When Aquinas boys soccer takes the field Friday afternoon in the New York State Class A semifinals, Charlie Sorensen will occupy the spot at center-back. The senior may look comfortable in the role. That’s only because he possesses the ability to adjust on the fly.
Two games into the 2023 season, Sorensen had performed well in his role as an attacking center-mid. It was a position on the pitch that he had occupied during his three previous seasons with the Li’l Irish and all throughout his time playing club soccer.
But Aquinas head coach Josh Gleason saw a need for his squad to improve its defense
And Sorensen fit the role.
“Going into this season, we knew our biggest challenge was going to be the backline,” Gleason said referring to the graduations of last year’s defense: Elvir Odzakovic, Jack Clark and Phil Wohltorf. “It took us a while to figure it out. We had all the numbers we wanted going forward. All those things were etched in stone with what we were looking to do. The hardest part was what we were going to do defensively.”
The initial move to defense was prompted by Sorensen’s future college coach, Dave Brandt. The second-year head man at Bucknell University wanted to see Sorensen at an outside back spot.
That request came in early September. Gleason moved Sorensen to the backline the following game against McQuaid – AQ’s fourth outing of the season. With one exception, Sorensen has spent the rest of the season making plays from the defense. He made the move to center-back soon after that.
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“I thought we were conceding soft goals,” Gleason said. “He was needed to solidify the back.”
With Sorensen in the middle, Aquinas has allowed seven goals in its past 13 games. That includes seven matches with state-ranked opponents. Clarence, the only team to score more than once (2-2 tie) against the Li’l Irish during that stretch, will play in the NYS Class AA semifinals this weekend.
“Putting him at center-back solidified the defense,” Gleason said. “He’s got the whole field in front of him. He’s got great vision, great touch on the ball. He’s calm. He’s good in the air. All the things you need to have as a center-back.”
Sorensen’s interest in Bucknell started with Brandt. A six-time NCAA Division III champion at Messiah College, he took over the Bison program in November of 2021.
Sorensen first attended ID camp at the Patriot League school in February of 2023. He returned twice more upon the encouraging of the coaching staff.
“The family bond is the same thing we have here at Aquinas,” Sorensen said of Bucknell. “Coach Brandt is new to the school and just taking over the program. He comes from a really successful past. Putting teams together is his thing. It’s a really good fit.”
Brandt asked the recruit through an email if he would be willing to play the role of right-back in college.
“He was really specific in what they needed. They had two spots opened: one for a a left-footed player or a right back. And I’m not left-footed. In college, you’re going to have to be able to make changes. It’s been good in expanding my skill base. This is completely new to me.”
For Aquinas, the change in lineup has allowed Gleason to put Ali Shabani up top. The Section V Large Schools’ Player of the Year has responded with nine goals and 19 assists on the season.
“I love Ali being able to go out there and do his thing,” Sorensen said. “It’s nice to sit back and kinda watch it. Ali being able to play free and scoring, it’s awesome.”
Sorensen’s dad, Jeff, played on the 1987 Hilton squad that won 1987 NYS Class A championship.
“That gives me more fire to go out there and be on the top with him.”
Sorensen signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Bucknell this past Wednesday.
Gleason noted the significance of the event given that Sorensen earned a spot on a Division I team while still playing with his high school squad as opposed to joining an academy program.
“It’s a huge accomplishment. In doing that, he didn’t have to give up time with his high school friends. That was important to him. I don’t know how many kids are getting that opportunity to play at the Division I level.”
Aquinas (No. 1 NYSSWA Class A/18-0-2) will face Section III champion Westhill (16-1-2/ No. 2 NYSSWA Class A) in the state semifinals. A 1 PM start time is scheduled Friday at Middletown High School. The winner will face either Byram Hills (I) or Mineola (VIII) in Saturday’s state championship game.
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