Hilton Targets Another Strong Season

Roster Outlook

Hilton enters the 2026 season following a 12_5 campaign and returns a significant portion of its offensive and defensive production. The Cadets graduated 11 seniors, a group that included contributors across every position. Defenders Andrew Coppeta and Ron LeBeau, midfielders such as Cameron Humbert, Braydon Pike, and Nicholas Presutti, and attackmen Jackson Gorman and Andrew Rudd all depart after impactful careers. Several of these graduates earned league honors, leaving meaningful roles to fill.

Even with those departures, Hilton retains 70% of its goals and 74% of its assists from last season. With five rising seniors, eight juniors, and four sophomores, the roster remains balanced and experienced.

Returning Standouts

A deep group of returning award_winners gives Hilton a strong foundation for 2026.

Gianluca Auriuso, a 2027 attackman, returns after producing 36 goals and 12 assists and earning All_League First Team Attack (MC_d1). Drew Brien, a 2028 midfielder/attackman, adds another major scoring threat after posting 30 goals and 23 assists and earning All_League First Team Attack (MC_d1). Jason Cunningham, a 2027 defender committed to Ohio State, recorded 5 goals and 3 assists and earned All_League First Team Defense (MC_d1).
Jackson Maier, a 2028 LSM, contributed 3 goals and 7 assists and was named All_League Second Team LSM Midfield (MC_d1).

In the midfield, Anthony Mitrano (15g_6a) and Jack Palmer (10g_4a) return after earning All_League Honorable Mention Midfield (MC_d1).
Kyle Taddeo, a 2027 attack/midfielder, adds another scoring option after a 14_goal, 7_assist season and All_League Honorable Mention Attack (MC_d1) recognition.

Coaching Information

Hilton continues under Head Coach Tim Byrnes, who enters his fifth season leading the program. Byrnes holds a 36_27 record at Hilton, matching his overall scholastic mark. His leadership guided the Cadets through a strong 2025 season, and he returns with a roster that retains substantial experience and production.

Statistical Overview

Hilton scored 191 goals last season, averaging 11.2 per game, while allowing 121 goals at an average of 7.1. Ten games were decided by five goals or fewer, including two one_goal wins and two one_goal losses. With a high percentage of scoring returning and several award_winning players back, the Cadets enter 2026 with a strong statistical base.

Games This Year

The 2026 schedule includes a full slate of MC1 league contests. League games are set againstGreece Storm (03/24), Rush_Henrietta (04/10), East United_Eastridge (04/21), Fairport (04/29), and Penfield (05/05).

Other matchups include non_league meetings with Thomas, Schroeder, Fayetteville_Manlius, Spencerport, Canandaigua, West Genesee, Irondequoit, Victor, and McQuaid Jesuit.

Looking Ahead

With a deep group of returning scorers, a strong defensive anchor, and a veteran coach entering his fifth season, Hilton approaches 2026 with confidence. The combination of experience, returning production, and proven leadership positions the Cadets to remain competitive within Class B.