The Pilgrim boys soccer team is looking to make another playoff run this season after another strong campaign last fall.

Despite losing seven seniors from last year’s roster, the Pats still return a strong group of upperclassmen this time around and are expecting to hit the ground running.

The new lineup will be led by senior striker Ryan Annunziata, who had a breakout year last season and led the team in scoring. Nick Pizagio will also be back in the mix, as well as junior Josh Escamilla who is expected to be one of the division’s top defenders.

“(Annunziata’s) one of the captains, he’s a big kid with a lot of power, full of energy. He makes things happen up front. He can move, he’s got great size up front. He’s going to be one of our leaders,” said Pilgrim assistant coach Mike Kenney, who joins the coaching staff under Bill Carroll after coaching at Toll Gate. “Nick Pizagio is on injured reserve but when he comes back, he’ll be a mainstay. Josh Escamilla, we’re looking at him to control the back. He stepped into a leadership role this summer and has been fantastic. It’s a good core to start.”

The team also graduated keeper Austin Kilduff, who will be replaced by junior Aidan Dumond.

Although the game plan will revolve around the upperclassmen, Pilgrim imported a large freshmen class with 16 newcomers stepping up from Vets. Kenney and company are relying on the freshman to make an impact and fill out the other roles that are looking to be filled by opening day.

“We’re still trying to figure out who is going to mesh where, who will play center and wing. Nick will be at midfield, Josh in the back, and we’ll try to load up Ryan up front. We have 16 freshmen and those guys are going to have to step up quick,” said Kenney.

As the team finishes its preseason, the coaching staff has been pleased with the player’s drive and coachability.

“I’m really impressed with this group. They’re a nice group of kids and they’re extremely self motivated,” Kenney said. “They don’t wait for us to start, they get right into it. It’s been different, it’s been fun.”

Pilgrim will play its injury fund game this Friday at Bishop Hendricken and kick its season off on Sept. 9 on the road against Hope. The Pats’ home opener will be against Cranston West on Sept. 16.