Lorenzo DiBenedetto was an All-England soccer player at East Boston High School in the 1970s. He went on to star at Middlebury College, a prestigious, private liberal arts college in Vermont.
DiBenedetto’s coaching career at Eastie has also been a colossal success. The Jets’ head coach recorded the 300th victory of his career in the Jets’ decision over Snowden on Oct. 1.
He is in the 21st season as a head coach overall, having begun his career at Madison Park High School. He has presided over the Jets’ program for the past 16 years.
Consistency? His soccer teams have racked up 20 state tournament berths.
DiBenedetto, who is originally from Italy and grew up in the North End, is an English and foreign language teacher at the high school. He is 1977 graduate of East Boston High School.
East Boston has a 7-0-2 record this season and once again is among the elite teams in Boston. “Our goal is always to win the city championship and to advance and to do well in the State Tournament,” said DiBenedetto, who received congratulatory wishes from Principal Phil Brangiforte and Athletics Coordinator Michael Smith following the 300-victory milestone.
Though Eastie could play in Division 2 in the State Tournament, the coach has always opted to elevate his program in to the Division 1 playoffs.
“I figured in order to be the best you have to play the best competition,” said DiBenedetto. “We always have good teams and it’s a good challenge for the players to compete in Division 1. Most of the students want to continue on to college and I think is the best avenue to give them that experience.”
Senior forwards Walter Flores and Andres Navarro are the Jets’ leading scorers this season. Flores has six goals and five assists while Navarro has five goals and four assists. Bryan Cedano has been outstanding as the Jets’ goalkeeper.
Roberto Dubon, a junior fullback, and Chris Aguerrido, a senior midfielder, are the co-captains. Milton Alfaro has been superb on defense.
“It’s been a very exciting season and I enjoy being with the kids,” said DiBenedetto. “We have some really good leadership. There are 10 seniors on the team. We started practice in August but the coaching actually starts in February when we talk about grades and team rules and the college admissions process and off-season conditioning.”
That formula has worked well for Lorenzo DiBenedetto and he’s shows no signs of slowing down with the City Championships and another trip to the State Tournament beckoning.