Little did Masuk boys soccer coach Brian Humpal know that the fate of his team's 2005 season was sealed on a day in late August. Prior to the third day of tryouts, then-junior John Chernesky told Humpal he wasn't going to play for the Panthers. This was significant since Chernesky had led the Masuk junior varsity with 15 goals the previous year. Without the striker they'd counted on, Masuk limped to a 6-10 mark and missed out on the SWC and Class LL playoffs for only the second time in Humpal's tenure and the first in nine seasons. Lack of goals was the main reason for the disappointing season. But during the spring Chernesky told Humpal he was thinking of returning — which he eventually did. And a quarter of the way into the 2006 season, Chernesky is making the most of his second stint in the Masuk program. In four games through Wednesday, Masuk is 3-1 with Chernesky opening in fine form — ringing the bell for five goals. "So far he's made a world of difference," Humpal said. Four of Chernesky's five goals have come via headers, including a diving winner against New Milford on Sept. 18. And not surprisingly, Chernesky is a Connecticut Post all-star in the long jump. "He might not be the most technical player," Humpal said. "But he's fearless out there, throwing his body around."

The insertion of Chernesky up top made an immediate impact on Masuk senior attacking midfielder Mike McGowan. Going through McGowan, the Panthers were able to dominate possession

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in most games last year, but were unable make it count in the scoreline. The duo is still getting comfortable with each other, yet McGowan assisted on both of Chernesky's tallies during an opening day win over East Lyme. Although Masuk might still be a notch below SWC powers like Newtown, Barlow and a rapidly improving Bunnell, it still figures to be in the thick of things come playoff time. Still, worries remain that if Chernesky falls out of form, a lack of other scoring options could spell doom again. And Tuesday Masuk came out flat, falling to Bethel 4-2. "We came just expecting to win and we paid for it," Humpal said. "John's given us a big boost, but we're still a work in progress."

IMPORTANT WIN — Unlike many coaches with a lot of talent returning, Amity girls coach Owen Quigley didn't downplay his team's chances for the coming season. And how could he?

With the majority of the roster that finished 2005 with a 16-3-0 mark and a trip to the Class LL semifinals returning, the Spartans possessed an embarrassment of riches — including 1-2 scoring punch Leigh Howard and Jessica Becker. Yet, there was still the matter of defeating Cheshire, a team that gave Amity fits and edged it for the SCC Housatonic division crown. The Spartans got a measure of revenge against the defending Class LL co-champs with a come from behind 2-1 victory on Sept. 15. Kara Roman scored both goals for Amity, including the 73rd minute game winner.

"We played it in horrific weather and both teams gave a good effort," said Quigley, whose club had the best record of any team not to make the SCC playoffs a year ago. "It was a huge win for us over a quality program."

Sandwiched around the Cheshire victory were 8-1 and 6-0 routs of Foran and Shelton, respectively. Expect the Spartans to be one of the last teams left making noise come November.

"Our biggest strength is that we're very deep this season," Quigley said.

SET PIECES — Undefeated Shelton (3-0 through Wednesday) has gotten goals from Mario Mililli and John Goncalves in each game for the Gaels. Another SCC squad that hasn't missed a beat thus far is Fairfield Prep. The Jesuits are 3-0, despite heavy graduation losses from its league-winning 2005 squad. Even with the weekend's Jewish holiday, one would think the SWC would have found a better way to schedule this week than cramming three games during the week, including back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday. "It doesn't make much sense," said new Bunnell girls coach Devin Moore, whose team played home against Brookfield on Monday and at Immaculate on Tuesday. Most coaches feel similarly. A final second overtime loss to Immaculate is all that separated Notre Dame-Fairfield from an unbeaten start in its first three matches. Let's see how the Lancers fare against the SWC heavy-hitters, though. There probably isn't anyone better delivering service from the left side than Masuk's Erika Mansson. In the Panthers' four wins to open the season she's assisted on five of eight goals. The week's best

Boys

-Mike DaSilva, Bunnell — Scored a hat trick in a win vs. Bethel and a brace in a win vs. Immaculate. n Steve Antenucci, Fairfield Prep — Keeps a clean sheet and makes 10 saves in win against ND-West Haven. n Esteban Rosales, St. Joseph — Tallies a hat trick in a win against Harding. Girls

-Kristen Forster, Trumbull — Nets the game winners in 1-0 wins over Greenwich and New Canaan. n Sabrina Siciliano, Fairfield Warde — Scored a hat trick vs. Trinity Catholic and the game winner in 1-0 result over McMahon. n Kat Flaherty, Lauralton Hall — Posted consecutive shutouts against Pomperaug and Bunnell. games to watch

Boys

-Trumbull at Greenwich, Monday 4 p.m.

-Masuk at Weston, Tuesday 4:40 p.m.

-ND-West Haven at Xavier, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.

-Cheshire at Shelton, Thursday 7 p.m.

Girls

-Lauralton Hall at Masuk, Thursday 7 p.m.