North Star boys soccer team loses its opening game of the season

North Star’s Max Ricciuti (right) celebrates after scoring a first half goal against the Erie Migration Coyotes April 2 at the Libro Centre. Erie Migration went on to win the game 3-1.

The North Star Wolves boys soccer team opened the 2026 WECSSAA “A/AA” boys soccer season with a result they didn’t really want.

The Wolves hosted the Erie Migration Coyotes last Thursday afternoon at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. The Coyotes earned the 3-1 victory. 

Erie Migration took a 1-0 lead but Max Ricciuti tied the game later in the first half for North Star. The Coyotes added two more goals to round out the scoring.

“I’m happy with the team’s effort,” said coach Griffin Muzzin. 

There are five players in either Grade 11 or Grade 12, Muzzin added, with the 11 other players in either Grade 9 or Grade 10.

Muzzin said he believes the Wolves can make some noise this soccer season.

“I’m excited for this season,” he said.

The playoffs are the goal this season, Muzzin added, and he stated if that happens, they will go from there.

“We’ve got a lot to work on,” said Ricciuti. 

Ricciuti said they have heart but the Wolves have to work on their technique and soccer IQ. He added they played “too soft” against Erie Migration and they have to play stronger and fight harder for the ball.

Goalkeeper Ryan Reid noted it was the first game they played together and they still have to work on a lot as a young group. He also added they want to make the WECSSAA playoffs this season.

“If we get there, who knows what could happen?” said Reid.

Ricciuti added they want to work on their defensive technique and positioning as well as how to support their teammates. Reid said they have holes and they can get better if all 11 players on the field work as a team.

The Wolves are in action twice this week, with one game occurring after this issue of the River Town Times went to press. The Wolves were in Leamington Tuesday afternoon (April 7) to take on the Lions with another Leamington school, the Cardinal Carter Cougars, coming to the Libro Centre this Thursday (April 9). After Thursday’s game, the Wolves don’t play again until April 21 when they host L’Essor.

All games are at 4 p.m.

North Star boys soccer team loses its opening game of the season

By Ron Giofu