In response to NBA veteran Jason Collins’ decision to come out publicly on Monday, I reached out to several local athletes and coaches to get their opinions on his decision. About three years ago, I wrote a story on former Hen Hud star tennis and softball player Rachel Buckner, who went through her high school years as an openly gay athlete. She offered unique perspective, as did several others, about how they would react to a gay teammate and how they view Collins’ announcement as a positive step toward acceptance. 

Well before NBA veteran Jason Collins came out as openly gay on Monday, Hen Hud grad Rachel Buckner had the courage to do so. The former tennis and softball star did her part to stand up for tolerance and acceptance on a much smaller scale while in high school, and she offered some unique perspective in light of Collins’ decision.

“I think that it’s an incredibly important step,” Buckner (pictured to the right) said. “It says a lot about the incredible pressure that these men are under; the masculinity that they have to hold for themselves. I think that’s a very important aspect about this man coming out today… The stranglehold that masculinity holds on male sports.”

With the simplest of sentences, Collins set aside years of worry and silence to become the first active player in one of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay.

In a first-person article posted Monday on Sports Illustrated’s website, Collins begins: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

Collins has played for six teams in 12 seasons, most recently as a reserve with the Washington Wizards after a midseason trade from the Boston Celtics. He is now a free agent and wants to keep playing in the NBA.

“I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different,’” Collins writes. “If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

The news of Collins coming out garnered reaction throughout the country, and many locals viewed it as a positive step towards equality.

“I think it was a brave thing he did, especially being an active player and possibly risking his career,” White Plains junior quarterback and right fielder Cameron Crabbe said. “I know at WPHS everyone is accepted regardless of their life preference, and I would have no problem with having a gay teammate.”

Valhalla boys soccer coach Sandro Prosperino spoke about teaching his players to support each other in every life situation, but he did express concern as to how opposing teams and fans would react to an openly gay player.

“I think just the culture of watching a sporting event has changed for the worst,” Prosperino said. “Whether it’s a professional game, college or high school, they feel like nothing is off limits. At basketball games, they try to rattle a kid at the free throw line, but at the end of the day, he’s just a kid.”

For Buckner, Collins coming out is more significant because of his gender, as she points out that openly gay female athletes have not received the same kind of attention.

“Men are targeted by other men to uphold these heterosexual values, and a lot of the time part of that comes with devaluing women,” Buckner said. “I think it’s interesting that in one week we could have a really important female athlete come out (WNBA No. 1 pick Brittney Griner) without much being said, and then the next have a male athlete and it’s all over the news.”

Buckner, who is currently a sophomore at Occidental College in Los Angeles, views Collins’ announcement as a critical step, but also considers it to be just the tip of the iceberg.

“This has to be the start of the conversation,” she said. “I think there’s probably going to be more men coming out with time, but again, it’s incredibly important to have these open elements of support from athletes and commentators.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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The news came out last fall that all 11 schools in Rockland county were considering a move from Section 1 to Section 9 due to transportation concerns—among others—but it was confirmed on Monday that a decision has been made to stay put. This is very good news for Section 1 from a competitive standpoint, and it seems to be a relief for many coaches and players around Rockland who have grown fond of the rivalries and relationships built with other Section 1 schools across the river. Meanwhile, the schools in Dutchess county continue to explore the move to Section 9. My colleague Mike Zacchio has more:

After months of discussions with Section 9 officials, all 11 Rockland County public high schools have decided to remain in Section 1 for the 2014-15 school year, The Journal News confirmed Monday.

Tappan Zee athletic director Liam Frawley, who has been spearheading the proposed move to Section 9 since the winter, said the schools were deadlocked in the decision that would only take effect if the vote were unanimous.

“The (Rockland) athletic directors looked at it as an ‘all or nothing’ situation,” said Frawley, who is president of the Conference IV Rockland Public School Athletic League.

Frawley said that Section 1 officials have held several meetings with both Section 9 officials and authorities of the new Tappan Zee Bridge as to whether a move would be made. Section 1 officials are concerned that the impending construction of the new bridge would cause major delays in transporting athletes and coaches to and from Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

Rockland schools moved to Section 1 from Section 9 in 1983. Despite the decision not to change sections this time, Frawley said the relationship between Sections 1 and 9 remains firmly intact should a similar scenario arise in the future.

“We left Section 9 on good terms,” he said. “The meetings were nothing short of cordial and professional.”

North Rockland AD Joe Casarella asked his coaches about the possible move and said the voting was “almost unanimous” to stay in Section 1.

“We were willing to listen, but we want to stay together in Rockland,” Casarella said. “The coaches weren’t crazy about it, and really, they’re the ones (affected) by it.”

Casarella, in his 44th year at North Rockland, said Section 9 made a convincing impression and that the school is “always leaving the avenue open” in terms of a future move.

“You have to leave it open because you never know what can happen,” he said. ”(Section 9) was so professional and presented a phenomenal package.”

Frawley said that concerns with Rockland athletic schedules have been addressed, particularly those involving games against Westchester and Putnam schools.

“We’ve talked to other conferences about saving games on their schedule,” he said. “We will probably revamp the conferences in the hopes of creating more crossover games.”

According to Frawley, a potential realignment of conferences could take place as early as the 2014-15 school year.

While a decision has been made for Rockland, the possibility of Dutchess schools leaving Section 1 for Section 9 is still a possibility.

“I’m happy with it,” Suffern boys volleyball coach Kim Cleary said of Rockland’s decision.

Suffern eighth-grader Evan Margolin, who was bumped up to the varsity boys volleyball squad for the regional tournament last fall, said he was indifferent about the move.

“It’s not a bad thing, but it’s not a good thing,” he said. “If we would’ve moved, we would have more of a variety of teams.”

North Rockland freshman girls basketball player Chloe Mullarkey also said it made little difference.

“I just hope that we have good competition,” she said.

The post Rockland schools decide to stay put in Section 1 appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Kennedy Catholic High School will receive a letter in the coming days demanding a final decision on whether it will keep its sports teams in Section 1.

With the section finalizing schedules, Kennedy spokesman Alex Malecki said Wednesday no decision about moving its teams to the Catholic High School Athletic Association had been made and Kennedy had no comment about the forthcoming letter.

Section 1 coordinator Jen Simmons said Wednesday that Kennedy athletic director Rev. Matthew Newcomb told her not to schedule Kennedy football for the fall. The CHSAA fall football schedule includes Kennedy but Simmons said Newcomb said the school might play football independently, rather than in either Section 1 or the CHSAA.

If any Kennedy teams join another organized league, like the CHSAA, all Kennedy teams would be ousted from Section 1. But Kennedy could request permission for one or more teams to play independently with the rest staying in the section.

Simmons said schools generally request independent status for struggling teams. Kennedy was 2-5 in varsity football last fall.

The 556-student school has cited a potential enrollment increase as reason for considering the CHSAA.

Opposition has centered on increased travel (opponents in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, as well as Westchester) and concern over facilities where girls teams would play.

Kennedy failed to send a representative to a recent Section 1 fall sports meeting. The absence of a decision has left the section — Kennedy’s home for three-plus decades — in limbo.

“I’ve asked several times for a definitive answer and have not been given one … It’s not fair to the other schools,” Simmons said.

She added the letter would come from the section’s executive committee. She was not sure what deadline Kennedy would be given.

If Kennedy made any of its teams independent, it could still schedule games for those teams with Section 1 opponents. However, independent teams are ineligible for Section 1 postseason play and players are ineligible for individual postseason honors.

The post Section 1 awaiting answers regarding Kennedy’s future appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Washington was considered one of the best soccer players to come from this area in quite some time, which earned him scholarship offers from many Division 1 colleges. He settled on Boston University, where he quickly earned playing time, but his struggles in the classroom led to testing that ultimately determined Washington is dyslexic. It’s a bit shocking that this was not realized until his freshman year of college, but it’s likely that Washington’s athletic success and personable manner led to his condition being overlooked. Now that he understands why he was struggling and has found the proper help, Washington is resuming his playing career at George Mason University with new found optimism. It’s a great story of resiliency, and goes to show you that things may not always be as they appear.

Photo by John Meore/The Journal News

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How would you feel about coaching against your sibling on a big stage?

Photo by Frank Becerra, Jr./The Journal News

The post Local coaches weigh in on sibling rivalries appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

I also reached out to a couple of Section 9 athletic officials to get a feel for their interest in a merger, and it became pretty clear right away that they are very receptive to the idea. Monroe-Woodbury district director told me that he’s heard that “the dialogue is going very, very well” and that he thinks it’s a “win-win” situation. If the Rockland ADs do decide to apply by the Nov. 30 deadline, it sounds like they have a very good chance for acceptance.

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I’m in the process of getting reaction from coaches around the county, which will be featured in a story in Wednesday’s paper. Here is my colleague Brian Heyman’s story breaking the news:

The Rockland schools all picked up and moved their entire athletic programs from Section 9 to Section 1 for regular-season competition in 1983. Now, 30 years later, the Rockland athletic directors are having preliminary informal discussions and doing fact-finding about the possibility of picking up and moving back to Section 9 for the 2014-15 school year.

“Obviously, we want to make sure that we’re efficient with any decisions that we make,” said Tappan Zee athletic director Liam Frawley, the president of the Conference IV Rockland PSAL and the person who was the force behind getting these discussions going last month. “No one wants to add to any budgets. But, yes, we’re discussing the possibilities.

“We’re looking how it would affect each of the 11 schools, how it would affect us financially, travel, competitive, the whole nine yards. … We want to see where we fit. Is (Section) 9 a fit or not?”

There’s a Nov. 30 deadline to apply to Section 9 for the following school year, and then Section 9 would have to vote whether to accept the Rockland schools. Frawley said the main reasons behind this investigative process have been scheduling issues and the coming construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

“With the realignment (within Section 1) five years ago, it’s worked out very well,” Frawley said. “But there have been some problems that have come up that many of us have faced in Rockland with regard to the bridge. The upcoming construction makes it even more of a potential deterrent for getting opponents. … Right now, Friday games are problematic, but we know that. We live with that. If it’s going to be a 24/7 thing for five years, it could be a little more of an issue, and for other teams wanting to come play us.

“Filling our schedules and getting crossovers has been an issue in recent years, so we’ve had discussions amongst ourselves with Section 1. … Is doing another realignment a possibility? Is mixing up the conferences another possibility? That becomes a little (problematic) because the original realignment was based on superintendent concerns regarding traveling and saving money. So why would we go back to that?”

Nanuet was the first to make a move from Section 9 to Section 1 back in the 1970s, but it only came over in football at that time. After the Rockland schools came over in all sports for that 1983-84 regular season, they jumped into the Section 1 postseason pool as well the following school year.

Section 9 encompasses Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, and some of Dutchess County. But the Ulster-Sullivan teams and the Orange teams mostly play in their own leagues during the regular season.

“It’s really postseason when they see each other,” Frawley said. “ … It would kind of defeat the purpose if we were going up to FDR or Kingston or Saugerties for a league game.”

Frawley said keeping the Rockland leagues intact would be the aim, second only in priority to fiscal responsibility.

“Theoretically if we’re able to stay in our own league, that helps, because right now, the majority of our schedule is played in county,” Frawley said. “We would hope that wouldn’t change. … Then your crossovers become your crossovers whether your crossovers are with Section 9 teams or Section 1 teams.”

Joe Casarella, the AD at North Rockland since 1983 and its former longtime football coach, said he couldn’t say if he approved of moving until he looks at what’s best for all his school’s athletic programs. He thinks it would be about the same financially.

“The other thing is, if I don’t want to go or Nanuet doesn’t want to go or some other school doesn’t want to go, are we going to split?” Casarella said. “I don’t know. I’d like to keep our Rockland County geography big school. I think playing (Clarkstown) North, South, Suffern, East Ramapo is fun.”

Hamilton athletic director Rob Pollok, who’s a former South athlete, can see the view from both sides of the Hudson.

“We’d hate to see the Rockland schools leave us,” Pollok said, “but at the same time, I understand better than anybody that that bridge is going to be a nightmare when the construction time comes. I think it’s worth tossing around.”

Chuck Scarpulla, the Sleepy Hollow athletic director and former longtime athletic director for the East Ramapo schools, said: “If it’s beneficial for them for educational purposes, then it’s fine with me. We’ll still have 50-plus teams over here, so we’ll have plenty. I’m sure we could still get some games with people over there.”

Frawley said that the ADs “want to watch our bottom line, but we also want to ensure the interscholastic program is strong for our kids and our community.” He said the superintendents would have the final say on any move.

“At the end of the day, maybe it’s nothing; maybe we’re right back in Section 1 and all is well,” Frawley said. “Maybe we’re in 9 and all is well. It’s more of at least asking the questions now.”

The post Rockland ADs discussing move to Section 9 appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

What’s important to note is that I have received information from a few reliable sources indicating that the enrollment cutoffs for each class are expected to change slightly, which means a couple of the larger schools in each class could get bumped up. Nothing is official yet, but as of right now, it sounds like Port Chester and John Jay may move up from Class A to Class AA, and that Ardsley and Lourdes may move up from Class B to Class A. The move for PC would be especially notable because that could completely change the section title outlook in Classes AA and A. For the purpose of this exercise, I did my rankings assuming that those changes will be implemented, but I will repeat, none of this has been confirmed by Section 1 yet. That determination likely won’t be made until sometime in early 2013.

Now that we’ve clarified that, here is a very early look at the favorites in each class for 2013. If there is an * next to a player’s name, that indicates that he was a sophomore in 2012. If there is **, that indicates that he was a freshman this past season:

CLASS AA

1. Arlington
Key losses: Jeff Greblick, F; Alex Fazio, GK; Collin Illiano, D; Ryan Miller, MF; Stephen Jennings, MF; Matthew Povall, MF.
Key returners: David Verdis, F; Kevin Hoff, D; Peter Garson, F; Pat Mogan, D; Nik Linnane*, F; Vincent Colantuno**, MF
Outlook: The names that the state champs are losing are some big ones, but when you win the final game of the season, you’re staying at No. 1 until someone beats you. It also helps you when you pretty much have a minor league system in place to develop talent, which the Admirals have with a varsity, varsity B, JV and JV B team. That ensures that Arlington will reload much more often than it rebuilds because talent is constantly working its way up through the program. Greblick took his game to a new level in the postseason to provide tremendous scoring punch, but coach Craig Sanborn rotated several forwards for a reason. Verdis proved to be a capable scorer himself, and he should assume the lead role in that department. But undoubtedly, it’s the depth for the Admirals that should allow them to defend their title effectively.

2. Port Chester
Key losses: Jose Gonzalez, GK; Bryan Suertegaray, D; William Ribiero, MF; Preston Higgins, MF; Alexis Valdovinos, D
Key returners: Steven Hernandez**, F; Alejandro Coyt, MF; Josiah Marin, D; Luis Morales*, F; Rodrigo Campos*, F, Kevin Londono*, D; David Pena*, D
Outlook: This is bad news for the rest of Class AA. Despite the fact that the Rams could go from the largest school in Class A to one of the smallest in AA and will have an entirely new field of teams to deal with, most coaches have little doubt that PC will be highly competitive. Could the Rams have beaten eventual state champ Arlington this past season? There’s no way of knowing for sure, but I’m pretty confident calling them the two best teams in Section 1. Many of their key players were seniors this past season, and replacing Gonzalez in goal will be an especially daunting task, but I learned this year not to get caught up with the players lost when it comes to this program. Depth is never a question at PC, and there is always fresh talent coming up through the ranks. Coach John Cafaldo will bring back his best player and most proven scoring threat in Hernandez, plus a handful of others who received significant playing time. The Rams should be right in the mix for a section title in 2013.

3. White Plains
Key losses: Daniel Murillo, D; Alejandro Romero, GK; Christian Vergara, MF; Kevin Ortega, MF
Key returners: Derlis Zayas, MF; Shiloh Alexander, F; Omar Figueroa, MF; Brian Vasquez, MF; Robbie Ozuna, D; Oscar Leon, D; Leo Fisher*, D; Daniel Guerra-Mejia*, MF.
Outlook: I know what you’re thinking. After back-to-back first round playoff exits, it’s becoming difficult to trust the Tigers. They always seem to look so good during the regular season but flame out at the end. All of this may be true, but it’s difficult to deny the caliber of talent that White Plains is bringing back. Coach Marcel Galligani will return seven of 11 starters, including reigning league MVP Zayas and leading scorer Alexander. Remember, the Tigers were the only team in Section 1 to make it through the entire regular season without losing to a Section 1 opponent, they just ran into a red-hot Carmel team at the wrong time in the playoffs. Zayas will enter the season as a leading candidate for player of the year, and with his leadership, White Plains should finally be able to end its playoff woes.

4. Scarsdale
Key losses: Jason Henderson, D; Vincent Gandolfo, MF; Evan Hendel, F/MF; Daniel Capelin, GK; Nicolas Penfold, MF; Matt Ellman, D
Key returners: Alex Gaujean, MF; Zach Cromwell, MF; Gabriel Harousseau*, MF; Jonny Dorf*, MF; Brandon Bank*, D; Richie Gutierrez*, MF; Zach Marcus, F; Yusake Endo, MF
Outlook: The Raiders have become one of those programs that you can expect to be competitive each and every year. They made a tremendous run to the semifinals this past season and only lost to eventual state champ Arlington by one goal. There are some key players who will be graduating, notably in the back with Henderson and Capelin, but Scarsdale had a very strong sophomore class that will be one year better in 2013. Coach Joseph Cipriano always seems to find ways to squeeze the most out of what he has, and I know he was very high on this sophomore group when we spoke. Gaujean will also return as a senior to lead the team after arguably being the Raiders’ best player last season. With White Plains and Mamaroneck also bringing back significant pieces, this league should be a meat grinder.

5. Ossining
Key losses: Felipe DaSilva, MF; Joffre Portilla, MF; Phillip Rodriguez, D
Key returners: Abdul Byabusha*, MF; Sergio Matias, F; Anthony DeJesus*, GK; Steven daFonte, MF (pictured to the left); Diego Patino*, F; Luis Montes*, F; Demitrios Moyla, D; Alejandro Alvarez, MF
Outlook: The Pride are my sleeper pick for 2013. They may have failed to make it out of the outbracket round this season, but Ossining had three seniors on its entire roster this past season. Aside from DaSilva, this team will bring back all of its key players. Coach Joe Scamarone used a number of young players who are capable scorers, so this offense should be versatile, and Byabusha will be a force in the midfield. The Pride also return a talented young keeper in DeJesus, and all of that continuity should be valuable. Ossining showed that it could hang with some of the top teams in section, most notably in a late season tie against Class A state runner-up Port Chester, and should take a step forward next season.

Also look out for: Horace Greeley, John Jay-East Fishkill, Mahopac, Mamaroneck, North Rockland

CLASS A

1. Byram Hills
Key losses: Jon Berry, F; Ryan Golden, GK; Joshua Beinhacker, MF; Justin Pollack, MF; Justin Godner, MF; Matt Mendelsohn, D; Brett Roston, MF
Key returners: Sam Ganeles, D; David Lachs, MF; Sam Potash, MF; Yianni Lambos*, MF; Cole Tannor*, MF; Bennett Kramer*, F; Petton Levine, D
Outlook: If I’m being completely honest, I can’t sit here and say that the Bobcats will be a better team in 2013 than they were this year. With the depth that coach Matty Allen has developed, this team will always be a contender, and they have plenty of up-and-comers who should be ready to step in and fill roles. But of course, the big void left will be Berry’s up top. The Section 1 large school player of the year was the most irreplaceable striker in Class A, and finding ways to make up for the scoring that he provided will not be easy. It will have to be more of a combined effort for Byram to win its first section title since 2010, but there are enough pieces to get it done. Ganeles is a versatile player who will probably be pushed up more next season, and others such as Lachs, Tannor and Lambos also seem ready to take on expanded roles. And let’s face it, it certainly won’t hurt if Byram’s nemesis Port Chester ends up in Class AA.

2. Pelham
Key losses: Max Sorice, MF; Ely Masson, MF; Anthony Rivera, D; Robert Young, MF
Key returners: Aidan Murray, F; Charlie Livingston, MF; Ricarti Basso, MF; Otavio Basso*, D (pictured to the right); Will Baffuto*, D; Matthew O’Neill**, GK; Wilgner Bruscargin, F; Jefferson Santos, MF
Outlook: It would be very easy to make a case for the Pelicans in the top spot, but with Byram’s recent history (including knocking Pelham out of the playoffs in the quarters this year), I’m putting them at No. 2 for now. No team in Class A is bringing back as many key contributors as the Pelicans are. They will return the majority of their starting lineup, and truthfully, nearly all of their top players. Murray will be one of the most lethal strikers in the section, but there will be talent all over the field. They’ll need to find ways to ease Murray’s scoring burden, but aside from that, Pelham will enter the season with very few question marks. In each of his first two seasons, coach Terence Huvane has led his team to impressive playoff wins, and 2013 looks like it could be the year that they make a run for a title. This is certainly a program on the rise.

3. Lakeland
Key losses: Gonzalo Prando, MF; Timmy O’Driscoll, MF; Andrew Mitgang, D; Patryk Seweryn, F; Alen Pepic, D; Landy Lopez, MF; Chris Jiminez, MF; Stefan Rudovic, MF
Key returners: Reggis Mora, GK; Jon Pinto, D; Johnny Denis**, MF; Gino Cassese*, D
Outlook: The Hornets will take some heavy hits from graduation, but they’ve been one of the most consistent programs in Class A in recent seasons, along with PC and Byram. They may have had the deepest midfield in the section this past season, but that won’t be the case in 2013. Once again, Lakeland will have to adjust its style, but with some top defenders and an experienced keeper in Mora returning, this team could conceivably revert back to the type of defensive philosophy that won them a section title in 2011. A key will be the continued development of Denis. Outside of Port Chester, he may have been the best freshman in the section, and he should become one of the top players in the area in the next few years, especially as he grows physically. With some up-and-coming talent to go along with one of the most prepared and dedicated coaches in the section in Tim Hourahan, I’m not expecting the Hornets to make a significant drop.

4. Somers
Key losses: Nick Fecci, F; Harold Aryee, F; Jacob Blueglass, MF; Ryan Humphrey, D; Craig Conecoff, D
Key returners: Ian Warren, MF; Aaron Mazzola, D; Ryan Nealon, GK; Zach Lichtman*, MF; Rodolfo Lepe, D
Outlook: Coming off of a run to the semifinals under first-year coach James Palumbo, the Tuskers should enter 2013 with high hopes and confidence. They’ll be strong defensively with key starters returning in the back, most notably Nealon, who should be one of the top keepers in the section. As I feel like I preach all of the time, keeper is probably the most important position on the field once you get into the postseason. The other key position is where the Tuskers will need to prove that they can get it done. Fecci and Ayree did most of the goal scoring up top, so replacements will need to emerge. Warren was probably Somers’ best midfielder, and may be asked to contribute more offensively. One thing that we found out in Palumbo’s first year is that this team knows how to win when it counts.

5. Nyack
Key losses: Anders Fleming, MF; Ben DiRocco, D; Wendy Jean, F; Jon Rizner, GK; Liam Cronin, MF
Key returners: Gabe Rivera, D; Kayode Tyler, F; Michael Sullivan, D; Tyler Yassky, MF; Matt Miller-Sushet, D; Jon Zajonc, MF.
Outlook: If 2012 was all about gaining respect back around the section for the Indians, 2013 should be about taking the next step. Nyack went from not even qualifying for the playoffs last year to winning its league and advancing to the quarterfinals this past season, so the bar has been raised. With more than half of their starters returning, the Indians will be in position to continue their success. Losing league MVP Fleming will hurt, but coach Hal Stone will bring back a capable scorer up top in Tyler and a very solid defensive unit. They won’t be sneaking up on teams anymore, so Nyack will have to bring its A-game on a consistent basis, but the culture here has clearly changed.

Also look out for: Beacon, Harrison, Keio, Lourdes, Yonkers

CLASS B/C

1. Edgemont
Key losses: Nick Pottenger, D; Brenden Freedman, D; Adam Meyerson, D
Key returners: Tom Young, F; David Villalobos, MF; Javier Casado, F; Phillippe Peinado, MF; Josh Newman*, GK; Jason Miller*, MF/F; Simeon Balev, MF/F
Outlook: In my eyes, the top spot looks like it comes down to either Edgemont or Valhalla. Both teams made it to the semis, and both return a ton of talent. But what the Panthers will have that perhaps no other team in the section will be able to match is all of their starters from the midfield up coming back. Of the 53 goals that Edgemont scored in 2012, players who accounted for 47 of them are returning. That’s some serious offensive production that isn’t going anywhere. Young is the big name, but there are a handful of threats that opposing teams will have to account for. Coach Mike Cozzi will have to replace most of his defense, but having a returning keeper like Newman should give him some comfort in the back. Class B proved to be very deep this past season, but the Panthers look like they’ll have as good of a shot as anyone.

2. Valhalla
Key losses: Nicholas Oliveira, D; Joseph Lovecchio, MF; Robert Fiorell, D; Nick Tarantino, D
Key returners: Jose Robinson, F; Alex Briganti, GK; Yuto Tobin*, MF; Alvaro Alvarado*, MF; Joel Viveros, MF; Fernando Martinez, MF; Steven Kopicki*, MF; Kaio DaSilva**, F
Outlook: The Vikings ended the season playing as well as any team in the class, which semifinal opponent North Salem could certainly attest to. They’ll enter next season in a very similar position to Edgemont with pretty much all of their key pieces returning from the midfield up. The one loss that could hurt is Lovecchio, who was this team’s leader in many ways and best midfielder. Just like Edgemont, Valhalla will also be trying to replace three of four starting defenders, but again, Briganti returning to man the goal will be critical. This team was playing a very cohesive brand of soccer by the end of the season, and the hope is that momentum will carry into 2013. Coach Sandro Prosperino has this program moving in the right direction, and next season could be when it all comes together.

3. Bronxville
Key losses: Brewster Warble, MF; Louis Florio, MF; Duncan Colquhoun, MF; Ned Carpenter, D; Nico Bardin, MF
Key returners: Jack Connors, GK; Sam Aherne**, F; J.P. Donohue, D; William Hutchinson, MF; Sam Wagner, D; Matt Wagner, MF; Ricardo Timoney**, F; Michael Crawford*, D; Matthew McCloskey*, MF
Outlook: An unexpected first-round exit will haunt the Broncos throughout the offseason, but I look at that loss as more of an aberration than a trend. Bronxville has been the most consistent team in Class B for the past decade, which is why I wouldn’t go expecting this team to fall off of the map. Coach Donny Lucas knows how to win, and he’s returning enough to get it done. Connors will be regarded as one of the top keepers in the section, and Aherne is an emerging weapon up top. There were a handful of other underclassmen who received playing time this season, and they’ll all be one year better. Mix them in with some experienced upperclassmen and the Broncos should have the pieces make a run at another title. One thing is for sure – they’ll be coming out with something to prove.

4. Briarcliff
Key losses: Arthur Kaufman, D; Dan Jablanski, MF; Jon Weiner, D; Juan Sanchez, D
Key returners: Jon Cabeca, F; Joe Ventura, MF; Kevin Louie, GK; Marco Christiano, MF; Drew Shapiro, D; Dan Ventura, MF; Sam Hahn*, D
Outlook: The Bears had a tremendous season while using several young players, which has them in prime position entering 2013. In what has become a theme in these rankings, I like their chances because they’ll be bringing back their top striker in Cabeca and keeper in Louie. Factor in that Briarcliff also returns the majority of its starters, and the future looks bright. Kaufman was one of the top defenders in the section, and the defensive unit will be hit the hardest by graduation. But if coach Brandon Beck can shore up those holes, the Bears should be right in the mix for a section title.

5. Blind Brook
Key losses: Ben Seguljic, GK; Jake Starr, D; Zach Streichler, D; Ross Elmaleh, MF; Samuel Nadell, MF; Jacob Benzaquen, MF; Gregory Popper, MF
Key returners: Joe DiBerardino, F; Brad DeSanctis, D; Jeff Visoky, MF; Jacob Berk, MF; Sebastian Blanco, MF; Brendan Luke, D; John Argentino*, F/MF
Outlook: The losses for the Trojans will be significant, but there was no way that I could have left the two-time section champs out of the top five. Of course, replacing the reigning Westchester/Putnam player of the year in Seguljic will be a tall order, but we said the same thing going into this season when they lost Lucas McBride. Blind Brook will also lose its top defenders, so things could get a little messy in the back before they sort everything out. A bright spot should be DiBerardino, who emerged as the Trojans’ most capable scorer by the end of the season. We know he’ll be slotted in up top, but the rest of the starting lineup is going to need to fill in around him quickly. One thing that we know at this point is that it wouldn’t be wise to count Blind Brook out.

Also look out for: Irvington, Kennedy, North Salem, Pleasantville, Solomon Schechter

Happy Holidays everyone!

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The Journal News 2012 Westchester/Putnam player of the year is Blind Brook goalkeeper Ben Seguljic (pictured above). For me, this decision came down to Seguljic or Byram Hills striker Jon Berry – the section’s leading goal scorer. Both were deserving, but there were a few things that I thought put Seguljic over the edge. For starters, he was able to lead his team to repeat as Class B section champs despite the fact that the Trojans had to chase a second straight title without 2011 Small School player of the year Lucas McBride. But it was also the manner in which Blind Brook won that made Seguljic the choice, as the senior went the entire postseason without allowing a goal. He always had this calm demeanor in big games, and that rubbed off on his teammates.

Here are the rest of the first-team all-stars from Westchester/Putnam:

Forwards

Jon Berry, Byram Hills (pictured to the right): The all-state senior led the section in goals with 28, proving to be the most unstoppable force in Section 1. The Large School Player of the Year scored in 15 out of 19 games, tallying nine game-winning goals and propelling the Bobcats to the Class A final.

Tom Cole, North Salem: The all-state senior, known for his intensity and hustle, led the Tigers with 15 goals and six assists. His consistent ability to finish helped North Salem reach the Class B title game.

Steven Hernandez, Port Chester: The freshman sensation took Section 1 by storm this season, scoring seven of his 11 goals in the playoffs, including five that put the Rams ahead. He was the biggest threat on the best team in Westchester.

Joseph Iraola, Mahopac: The all-state senior had a knack for clutch moments, scoring four golden goals, including the overtime winner in a Class AA quarterfinal against rival Carmel. He finished with 19 goals and five assists, and will play at American University next year.

Midfielders

Chris Cruz, Yonkers: No player in the section had more combined goals and assists than the all-section junior, who finished with 21 goals and 23 assists. An unselfish player with great field vision, Cruz led the Bulldogs to their first playoff win in recent memory.

Gonzalo Prando, Lakeland (pictured to the left): The all-state senior managed to lead the Hornets with 18 goals, despite playing a defensive midfield position. He had back-to-back hat tricks in the middle of the season and led Lakeland to the Class A semifinals.

Derlis Zayas, White Plains: One of the true two-way midfielders in the section, the all-section junior had five goals and five assists while displaying excellent vision and defensive instincts. With Zayas leading the way, the Tigers did not lose a regular-season game to a Section 1 opponent.

Defense

Jason Henderson, Scarsdale: The all-section senior led a Raiders defensive unit that posted eight shutouts and eight one-goal games on their way to the Class AA semifinals. A center back with great height, Henderson excelled at winning 50-50 balls in the air.

Josh Kriss, Mamaroneck: Not only was the all-section senior responsible for leading the Tigers’ defense, but he was also a major threat on set pieces with his strong throw-ins. As the vocal presence in the back, Kriss kept Mamaroneck organized.

Kei Matsumoto, Keio (pictured to the right): The all-section senior scored more goals than any other defender in the section with a team-leading 18. As the Unicorns’ center back, Matsumoto was also responsible for organizing the defense.

Coach of the Year

John Cafaldo, Port Chester: Despite losing several key players from his 2011 squad and entering this season with a group that was considered to be less talented, Cafaldo took the Rams even further. The sixth-year coach blended many new parts together to lead Port Chester to its first Class A state finals appearance since 1995.

Second team

GK – Jose Gonzalez, Sr., Port Chester
F – Jon Cabeca, Sr., Briarcliff
F – Aidan Murray, Jr., Pelham
F – Ben Ovetsky, Jr., Irvington
F – Tom Young, Jr., Edgemont
MF – Ari Leffell, Soph., Solomon Schechter
MF – Steven Pinske, Sr., Hen Hud
MF – Brewster Warble, Sr., Bronxville
D – Hyun Kyo Jung, Sr., Kennedy
D – Josh Kogan, Sr., Horace Greeley
D – Nicholas Oliveira, Sr., Valhalla

Honorable mention

Zach Aller, Sr., Mamaroneck; Diogo Antunes, Jr., John Jay; Joel Arevalo, Sr., New Rochelle; Henry Avendano, Sr., Woodlands; Alex Barreto, Sr., Rye Neck; Otavio Basso, Soph., Pelham; Joshua Beinhacker, Sr., Byram Hills; Mike Bernardi, Sr., Mahopac; Jack Connors, Jr., Bronxville; Leandro Curran, Sr., Westlake; Felipe DaSilva, Sr., Ossining; Aidan Datene, Soph., Hen Hud; Ciaran Dillon, Sr., Haldane; Nick Fecci, Sr., Somers; Michael Franklin, Sr., Solomon Schechter; Mateo Galindo, Jr., Yonkers; Alex Gaujean, Soph., Scarsdale; Ryan Golden, Sr., Byram Hills; Liam Harris, Sr., Rye; Melvyn Huaman, Jr., Hamilton; Erik Johansen, Sr., Harrison; Arthur Kaufman, Sr., Briarcliff; Nick Kyriakidis, Jr., Pleasantville; Austin Mayhew, Sr., Carmel; Thomas McGonnigle, Sr., Lincoln; Daniel Murillo, Sr., White Plains; Timmy O’Driscoll, Sr., Lakeland; Harris Pollack, Sr., Horace Greeley; William Ribiero, Sr., Port Chester; Ryan Roche, Sr., Yorktown; Alejandro Romero, Sr., White Plains; Kengo Sawada, Sr., Keio; Matej Sis, Sr., Irvington; Jake Starr, Sr., Blind Brook; Zach Streichler, Sr., Blind Brook; Bryan Suertegaray, Sr., Port Chester; Alban Vneshta, Sr., Saunders; Neil Williams, Sr., Brewster; Kevin Zajc, Sr., North Salem.

The choice for player of the year in Rockland was a bit easier to make. The best player on the best team in county was North Rockland goalkeeper Steven Hegner (pictured above), who led his team on a surprising run to the Class AA title game. The Red Raiders season was truly remarkable when you consider that they were breaking in a new coach, lost two of their best players to the U.S. Soccer Academy and two others to early season injuries. This is a team that didn’t even make it out of the first round last year, but they were able to excel this season in large part thanks to Hegner. North Rockland’s entire style of was based heavily on the senior’s ability to keep the team in close games. There was a tremendous amount of faith shown in Hegner, and he delivered.

Forwards

Alex Castillo, Pearl River (pictured to the left): The all-section senior tallied nine goals and five assists despite being the focus of opposing defenses. One of the craftiest players in the section with a strong leg, Castillo scored more than 50 goals in his varsity career.

Cristian Diaz-Rosales, Ramapo: No player in the county scored more goals than the all-section senior, who finished with 14 and added 10 assists. With his speed and ball skills, Diaz-Rosales has been known as one of the most explosive scorers in the county for the past few seasons.

Nick Laurent, Clarkstown South: The all-section junior is considered to be one of the most talented strikers in the county. A gifted athlete with a tremendous work ethic, Laurent finished with six goals and two assists despite missing some time due to injury.

Anthony Quintana, Spring Valley: The all-section senior led the Tigers with seven goals and four assists in 13 games. He assisted on the winning goal when Spring Valley handed North Rockland its only regular-season loss on Oct. 3.

Midfielders

Anders Fleming, Nyack: The all-section senior was named league MVP after leading the Indians to a surprising league title. He finished with four goals and seven assists while being asked to defend the opposing team’s top midfielder.

Giovanni Galvano, Pearl River: The 2011 Rockland Player of the Year was one of two all-state selections from the county. He led the Pirates with 11 goals while adding four assists, but it’s his ball skills and field vision that set the senior apart.

Will Lopez, North Rockland: The all-section senior was the Red Raiders’ offensive catalyst, leading the county with 14 assists. His creativity led to the majority of North Rockland’s scoring chances during a tremendous 18-2 season.

Defenders

Rafael Aguilar, North Rockland (pictured to the right): The senior fullback was an all-section honorable mention selection after leading a stellar defensive unit for the Red Raiders. He also took most of North Rockland’s penalty kicks, chipping in five goals and three assists.

Chris Coughlin, Pearl River: The junior was an all-section honorable mention selection and is regarded as one of the top defenders in the county. He was often asked to guard the opponent’s top scorer, while also pushing up to contribute three goals.

Gabe Rivera, Nyack: The all-section senior was a physical force from his right fullback position, aggressively pursuing 50-50 balls. He was the leader of the Indians’ defense while scoring four goals of his own.

Coach of the Year

Hal Stone, Nyack: After winning only two games in 2011 and failing to qualify for sectionals, Stone led the Indians on a dramatic turnaround. Nyack went 11-6-1, beating Pearl River twice to claim an unexpected league title and went onto upset fifth-seeded Beacon in the first round of the Class A playoffs.

Second team

GK – Karl Jamiolkowski, Sr., Albertus Magnus
F – Matt Dale, Sr., Albertus Magnus
F – Wendy Jean, Sr., Nyack
F – Hunter Quilty, Sr., Clarkstown South
MF – Mike Dolce, Sr., Suffern
MF – Nathan Frigge, Sr., Suffern
MF – Karlyl Simon, Sr., Spring Valley
D – Chris Aherne, Jr., North Rockland
D – Ben Dirocco, Sr., Nyack
D – Tim Ehardt, Sr., Tappan Zee
D – Dave Wolfson, Sr., Suffern

Honorable mention

Ronnie Crover, Sr., North Rockland; Chris Filor, Sr., North Rockland; Austin Maggiolo, Sr., Pearl River; Rooben Michel, Jr., Spring Valley; Matt Neroda, Jr., Pearl River; Christian Obernesser, Sr., Clarkstown North; Scott Schwartz, Jr., Suffern; Bradley Studnitzer, Sr., Clarkstown South; Mike Sullivan, Jr., Nyack; Mike Trinkoff, Sr., Tappan Zee; Jorge Vasquez, Sr., Spring Valley

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There were many tough decisions to make, but as always, I put a lot of thought into the entire package and reached out to some of the more knowledgeable sources in the section for input. I’ll post the entire packages on the blog tomorrow, but make sure to pick up a copy of the paper to see the whole thing in print!

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Here are the top candidates for Rockland player of the year:

• Anders Fleming, Nyack: The senior midfielder led the Indians on a dramatic turnaround after the team failed to qualify for sectionals last season. His four goals and seven assists don’t tell the whole story of Fleming’s impact, as he was usually asked to defend the opposing team’s top midfielder while also being asked to create offensively. Coach Hal Stone called Fleming, “our most consistent player.” He was named league MVP after Nyack beat Pearl River twice to capture a surprising league title. The Indians went from two wins in 2011 to 11 this season, including a dramatic overtime upset of Beacon in the first round of the Class A playoffs.

• Giovanni Galvano, Pearl River: The reigning Rockland player of the year was the only All-State selection from his league and is regarded as one of the most talented players in Section 1. The senior midfielder was tied for the team lead with 11 goals, while also chipping in seven assists. But more so than his scoring ability, Galvano is well-known for his intangibles. He’s an extremely smart player who reads the field well and is always looking to set up his teammates. Galvano also has a very accurate leg, which made him a major threat on set pieces. He has been the undisputed leader of the Pirates for the past two seasons.

• Steven Hegner, North Rockland: The senior goalkeeper was the best player on the best team in the county. After starting as a junior, he took his game to another level this season to lead the Red Raiders on an incredible run. In 20 games including the postseason, Hegner put up 13 shutouts, which tied the school record for most in a single season. North Rockland relied on him heavily, often being content to sit on 1-0 leads because of the strong play from Hegner and the defense. Of the Red Raiders’ 18 wins, 14 came in one-goal games. With Hegner in goal, they reached the Class AA section final for the first time since 2003. 

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Without further ado, here are your Section 1 award-winners:

The Gary Montalto Award: Section I Coach of the Year — Craig Sanborn, Arlington

The Larry Jensen Award: Big School Player of the Year — Jon Berry, Byram Hills

Small School Player of the Year — Ben Seguljic, Blind Brook

Big school all-state selections — Jon Berry (Byram Hills); Giovanni Galvano (Pearl River); Jose Gonzalez (Port Chester); Jeff Greblick (Arlington); Steven Hegner (North Rockland); Joseph Iraola (Mahopac); Gonzalo Prando (Lakeland)

Small school all-state selections — Jon Cabeca (Briarcliff); Tom Cole (North Salem); John Enkler (Lourdes); Hyun Kyo Jung (Kennedy); Ben Seguljic (Blind Brook); Brewster Warble (Bronxville).

Conference I, League A: Coach of the year — Chris Emery, Mahopac
Conference I, League A: MVP — Joseph Iraola, Mahopac

Conference I, League B: Coach of the Year — Craig Sanborn, Arlington
Conference I, League B: MVP — Gonzalo Prando, Lakeland

Conference I, League C: Coach of the Year — Chris Cassidy, Hen Hud
Conference I, League C: MVP — Steven Pinske, Hen Hud

Conference II, League A: Coach of the Year — Colin Hemmings, Woodlands
Conference II, League A: MVP — Ari Leffell, Solomon Schechter

Conference II, League B: Coach of the Year — Marcel Galligani, White Plains
Conference II, League B: MVP — Derlis Zayas, White Plains

Conference II, League C: Coach of the Year — Pat DiBenedetto, Irvington
Conference II, League C: MVP — Ben Ovetsky, Irvington

Conference II, League D: Coach of the Year — Terence Huvane, Pelham
Conference II, League D: MVP — Brewster Warble, Bronxville

Conference II, League E: Coach of the Year — Janet Ryan, Yonkers
Conference II, League E: MVP — Chris Cruz, Yonkers

Conference III, League A: Coach of the Year — Matty Allen, Byram Hills
Conference III, League A: MVP — Jon Berry, Byram Hills

Conference III, League B: Coach of the Year — Josef Pomoryn, Blind Brook
Conference III, League B: MVP — Kei Matsumoto, Keio

Conference III, League C: Coach of the Year — Brandon Beck, Briarciff
Conference III, League C: MVP — Jon Cabeca, Briarcliff

Conference IV, League A: Coach of the Year — Chris Dwyer, North Rockland
Conference IV, League A: MVP — Steven Hegner, North Rockland

Conference IV, League B: Coach of the Year — Hal Stone, Nyack
Conference IV, League B: MVP — Anders Fleming, Nyack

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• Jon Berry, Byram Hills: The senior forward started the season with a flurry and never really slowed down. The top scorer in Section 1 finished with a whopping 28 goals, often carrying the Bobcats offensively. The most impressive part about Berry’s season was that even after he started so hot and teams began double and triple teaming him, he still continued to produce. That’s the sign of a great player. A hard-worker who could score in a variety creative of ways, Berry made a huge leap in his senior season to become the most dangerous striker in the section. He led Byram to the top seed in Class A, and scored the team’s lone goal in a losing effort against state runner-up Port Chester in the section final.

• Jose Gonzalez, Port Chester: The senior goalkeeper was often overshadowed on a team filled with great players, but he was the backbone for the Rams’ magical run. As a junior, Gonzalez wasn’t asked to do as much with such a veteran group in front of him, but this year he was relied on heavily. In 22 games including the postseason, Gonzalez put up 16 shutouts and allowed just seven goals. Take away the state title game against two-time champ Jericho, and Gonzalez only allowed five goals all season. PC was undoubtedly the best team in the county, and although you could debate who the Rams’ best player was, coach John Cafaldo called Gonzalez the team’s MVP.

• Joseph Iraola, Mahopac: Coming off of a season in which the Indians failed to meet expectations and exited early from the playoffs, the senior forward was a man on mission. Not only did Iraola put up an impressive 19 goals, but no player in the section was more clutch. He scored four golden goals – including the OT winner against rival Carmel in the Class AA quarterfinals – plus a few others that came late in games to give Mahopac a lead. Iraola may have been the most explosive scorer in the section. He’s lightning quick with a big leg, which made him a threat from anywhere inside of 40 yards. After leading the Indians on a surprising run to the semifinals, Iraola will play at American University next year.

• Ben Seguljic, Blind Brook: With questions swirling about how the Trojans would compensate for the loss of 2011 small school player of the year Lucas McBride, the senior goalkeeper answered the call. Seguljic – known to teammates as “The Brick Wall” – led Blind Brook to a second consecutive Class B section title by simply not allowing goals. He went the entire postseason without allowing an opponent to score. Even when the Trojans were eliminated on penalty kicks in the regional semis, Seguljic did not allow a goal in a 0-0 game. With his big frame and long reach, the future Providence College keeper has physical skills superior to any goalie in the section, but he’s also extremely polished when it comes positioning and decision-making.

I want to note that the decision for POY will ultimately be made by me in conjunction with coaches from around the section, but I’m still curious to hear your opinions. Place your votes NOW!

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With Arlington’s 2-1 win over Brentwood in Sunday’s Class AA state title game at Faller Field and Port Chester’s Class A finals trip, I think it’s safe to say that Section 1 is back on the boys soccer map statewide. The section did not fare well last season, with none of its four section champions even making it out of regionals. This year’s success was a drastic turnaround — a clear message that there is very competitive soccer being played in this portion of New York state.

Prior to Arlington’s title, the last state championship won by a Section 1 team came from Bronxville in 2008. The Broncos’ title marked the third consecutive season in which a team from this area had been crowned, but there had been a drought since then. Thanks to the efforts of the Admirals and the Rams, statewide respectability has returned to Section 1.

Phil Strum of the Poughkeepsie Journal covered the Arlington game. Here is his game story. And here is Phil’s story on how Arlington’s feeder system breeds success. When I cover baseball in spring (where Arlington was also the section champ in Class AA), we often joke that the Admirals have a minor league system. The same can be said for soccer, where the Admirals have four teams — varsity, varsity B, JV, and JV B. They’re able to develop guys who aren’t quite ready for varsity, and plug in guys easily when someone gets hurt or graduates. It’s nice to have numbers.

Photo by Karl Rabe/The Poughkeepsie Journal 

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Ten minutes into Port Chester’s Class A state final at Faller Field on Sunday against defending state champ Jericho, it looked like things could get ugly. The Rams had surrendered two quick goals, and found themselves facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit against a team that has been regarded as the best in the state all season.

Incredibly, PC responded and played 30 minutes of stellar soccer to close out the first half. The Rams had Jericho on its heels for the majority of the half, controlling possession and creating several opportunities. Ultimately, PC found out the hard way that it takes a complete effort to beat the best, as the slow start cost the Rams dearly in a 2-1 loss.

“I think we were just a little tight,” coach John Cafaldo said. “It hasn’t got us all year, but I think they got caught up in the moment. On the field with the defending state champs, they’re a little bigger than us.”

Port Chester looked like a team that was overwhelmed by the moment to begin the game, as a defensive lapse led to a quick strike from Jericho’s Zach Cohen in the second minute.

In the 10th minute, Jericho (20-1-1) struck again, with Ajani Motta cashing in on a ball that was misplayed by the Rams.

“On D, we weren’t exactly marking up how we’re supposed to,” senior defender Bryan Suertegaray said. “The second goal was an unlucky touch by one of our defenders. He tried to clear it out, and it tipped off the back of my foot. Unfortunately, there was a guy right there to put it away for them.”

In an attempt to rally the team, Cafaldo called star striker Steven Hernandez off of the bench. The super freshman didn’t start the game due to a ligament strain in his right elbow, but told his coach that he wanted to play through it.

“I talked to him on the way up after he went and got it looked at last night,” Cafaldo said. “He said he could play; he didn’t know if he could start. I was trying to go on a gut feeling… I tried to get him in there for a spark, but it looked like he was pretty limited.”

As I spoke with Cafaldo about after the game, it became pretty clear with each passing game that teams were playing not to let Hernandez beat them. PC was trying to force the ball to him throughout the game, but the Jericho did a good job of bottling him up. As a freshman whose body isn’t fully developed yet, it’s difficult to take a pounding all game for several defenders that are bigger than you.

“Even yesterday, he had a couple of opportunities,” Cafaldo said. “Today, he didn’t have anything. They were all over him. He had a guy on his left, a guy on his right, and another guy waiting on him when he made a move.”

Despite Hernandez being smothered by Jericho’s defense, the Rams (19-2-2) turned things on after going down 2-0 in a big way. Suertegaray shifted momentum in their favor in the 14th minute, getting his head on a corner kick from Alexis Valdovinos.

“Alexis is always great with his set pieces,” Suertegaray said. “They were marking me up with their tallest man. I just tried to get behind him so I could get some space to put my head in there.”

Port Chester continued to pepper the Jericho goal for the final 30 minutes of the first half, controlling possession and creating several chances. The Rams best chance to equalize came in the 36th minute when there was a chaotic scramble in front of the goal, but goalkeeper Ari Lewis was brilliant all game. He made two saves in that sequence, with the last one coming from his rear end on a point blank shot from yesterday’s hero, Preston Higgins. Lewis finished with seven saves – six of which came in the first half.

“I don’t know how it didn’t go in,” Cafaldo said. “That could have been huge if we get a toe poke or something there. (Lewis) was on the ground, he went out, he came back in, he used a leg, an arm – I saw body parts flailing all over the place there.”

After having the defending champs on the ropes for the majority of the first half, play began to even out in the second half. The wear and tear of a draining playoff season seemed to take its toll, as Port Chester got a little sloppy and predictable.

“We did play a little bit too direct – the one game that we lost we got into that same lull,” Cafaldo said. “I think we did get tired. I think their style of play wore on us – they were a little more physical than most teams that we play.”

“The second half they switched it up,” Suertegaray said. “They tried to drop back a little more and look for their forwards on the counter attack. We were a little tired, but I know our forwards and midfielders tried hard to put in a goal. It just didn’t come.”

While the Rams failed to capture the first state title in school history, there are many, many reasons to be proud of this group. After watching today’s game, I can confidently say that Port Chester was every bit as good as Jericho. They were just hurt by the slow start.

“This is a great group of kids,” Suertegaray said. “I still think we’re the best team in the state. We never gave up.”

It’s also amazing to think that this team made it as far as it did after last season. That was the team that was supposed to take Port Chester to new heights with a loaded senior class, but this group persevered with a more workmen-like approach. They didn’t have as much star power (at least not until Hernandez exploded in the playoffs), but played beautiful, cohesive soccer.

“We were underdogs all year,” senior goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez said. “We proved everyone who didn’t think we would make it this far wrong. It feels good to know that.”

Photos by Seth Harrison/The Journal News

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The win gives Jericho its second consecutive state title. I’ll be back in a little while with more details.

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The second time that Port Chester’s Preston Higgins came limping off the field, I thought that was it for him. The senior midfielder has been dealing with a stomach virus all week, and a nagging ankle injury made running and cutting a struggle. He had come off of the field once in each half during Saturday’s Class A state semifinal against Fowler at Faller Field, but after a brief stint on bench each time, he was back up and into the game.

Good thing for the Rams, because he was needed. With Port Chester facing the possibility of sudden elimination when the game went into overtime, it was Higgins who fought through the pain for golden goal.

The 2-1 win puts Port Chester (19-1-2) into Sunday’s state championship game at 10:30 a.m. against defending state champ Jericho at Faller Field. It will be the Rams’ first state final appearance since 1995. They have never won a state title.

“I haven’t capitalized lately because of my ankle injury, but one thing I do know is that I have that length and height, and I can capitalize in the air,” Higgins said.

Alexis Valdovinos placed a long pass perfectly on Higgins’ head, as he used his 6-foot-2 frame to reach the ball at its highest point with 6:06 remaining in the first overtime period.

“This week basketball practice started,” coach John Cafaldo said with a laugh. “He used his basketball skills there.”

The fact that the game even reached that stage was a surprise, as the Rams outshot Fowler 23-7 and controlled possession throughout.

“We were dominating the whole game, and the ball didn’t want to go in,” senior William Ribiero (pictured to the right) said. “We had chances after chances, and when the second half ended, I was like, ‘Why are we still playing this game?’ ”

“I was getting nervous – I don’t know about them,” said a relieved Cafaldo. “We put a bunch of pressure on, but we need to finish there. We didn’t take enough shots, I thought. It would have made a difference, but we kept working.”

The Falcons (19-2) benefitted from a controversial foul call in the 11th minute, with Jean-Paul Mboyo netting the ensuing penalty kick for an early 1-0 lead. From my vantage point, it was pretty clear that a Fowler player had a handful of a Port Chester defender’s jersey, but the defender was called for his reaction. It was a classic example of the guy who retaliates being the one who gets caught.

“I thought it was definitely a jersey pull (on Fowler),” Cafaldo said. “You could see it.”

But Ribiero answered right away, showing some nice touch to loft a ball over the head of Fowler goalkeeper Abdullah Abdulkareem in the 13th minute to tie the game at 1-1.

“The ball was bouncing in the box, and I was lucky enough to get a touch. The touch was good enough to go over the keeper, and he couldn’t reach it,” Ribiero said. “I knew I had to step up. I’m always the assist man, but today I wanted to be more than that. I wanted to show everybody that I can step up at any time, and not to fall asleep on me.”

Ribiero has been playing well all season, but has really stepped up his game of late. He plays a similar role to that of Kevin Riveros last season from the central midfield position.

“Will has been out of this world,” Cafaldo said. “He’s stepped up, and he’s been our guy. He hasn’t gotten all of the attention, but he’s been huge all year. He’s got great footwork, great speed, and with the ball he can pull away from defenders. He’s holding it down in the middle for us, and he’s making plays.”

Getting goals from Ribiero and Higgins was especially critical for the Rams, as the Falcons were shadowing super freshman Steven Hernandez (pictured to the left) with two or three guys for the entire game. Fowler was a very physical team, and Hernandez – who had scored seven of Port Chester’s nine playoff goals coming into the game – was getting tugged and bodied all day.

“They were marking Steve, which gives me and Preston more room,” Ribiero said. “We were kind of unstoppable today. It gave us more space… They forgot about us.”

Beating Jericho will be a tall task for Port Chester, but the Rams have been overcoming the odds all season. They got to Faller Field early today to watch Jericho play in its state semi. It’s also worth noting that after playing on Middletown’s wide turf field today, the state final will be played on a smaller grass field on the opposite side of the press box.

“We saw their game,” Higgins said. “We saw their forwards are pretty heavy on their feet. They have good ball work, but we’re ready for that.”

Photos by John Meore/The Journal News

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Fowler struck first in the 11th minute on a controversial foul call that led to a penalty kick, which Jean-Paul Mboyo netted for a 1-0 lead. PC responded right away, with William Ribiero scoring in the 13th minute to tie it at 1-1. The Rams dominated possession throughout the game, outshooting the Falcons 23-7, but found themselves facing sudden death after 80 minutes of play.

Port Chester will play defending state champ Jericho in the title game here at Faller Field tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. I’ll be back in a little while with a full recap.

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Port Chester (18-1-2) vs. Fowler (19-1)

When: Saturday, 11 a.m.

Where: Faller Field at Middletown High School

Key players: Port Chester — Steven Hernandez, Fr., F; Jose Gonzalez, Sr., GK; Preston Higgins, Sr., MF; Bryan Suertegaray, Sr., D; Alexis Valdovinos, Sr., D; William Ribiero, Sr., MF. Fowler — Abdulkareem Abdulkareem, Jr., F; Abdullah Abdulkareem, Fr., GK; Vincent Ndabaruta, Sr., MF; Jean-Paul Mboyo, Soph., F; Yahiya Donzo, Jr., D.

Outlook: Both of these teams come in relying heavily on freshmen. For the Rams, that would be Hernandez, who has scored the go-ahead goal in each of Port Chester’s five playoff wins. For the Falcons, that would be Abdullah Abdulkareem, who has been tremendous in goal. Abdulkareem’s older brother, Abdulkareem Abdulkareem, leads the team in goals with 22, including the tying goal in Fowler’s 2-1 comeback win over Troy Catholic in the regional final. Whichever team can bottle up its opponent’s top striker more effectively will have a decided edge.

“We’re going to try to shut him down,” Suertegaray said. “We’ve always been able to with Byram Hills and guys like (Jon) Berry; we try to adjust our defense to their top striker.”

The Rams made a defensive adjustment in their regional final against Maine-Endwell, moving Suertegaray from stopper to sweeper. They pitched a shutout in that game, and are hoping for similar results on Saturday.

“I think it worked out well,” Suertegaray said. “Josiah (Marin) is really quick as the stopper – he’s probably a little faster than me – so with him marking the top striker, I was able to cover for him in the back. I’m good at thinking and reading the play, and that helps when you’re playing sweeper.”

While coach John Cafaldo said that he hasn’t had a chance to see Fowler play (noting he felt more comfortable against Maine-Endwell because he was able to scout them in the regional semis), everything that I’ve heard about the Falcons is that they play a similar style to Port Chester – fast, and creative. Fowler is a very diverse group, with players on the roster from eight different countries, including Congo, Burma, Thailand, Iraq, Yemen, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Kenya. The Section 3 champs won a section title in shocking fashion, advancing on PKs against favorite Christian Brothers Academy. This sounds like a unique group that is coming together at the right time.

One benefit that the Rams should have is familiarity with one another. Neither team has played on this stage before, but as I wrote about last night, most of the Port Chester players have been playing together since a young age. Most of the Fowler players speak different languages and have only known each other for a few years. At this stage, every little advantage counts.

Of course, the common theme for the Rams at practice on Thursday was stepping up to take some of the pressure off of their super freshman. If they want to win a state title, they will almost certainly need scoring to come from more than just Hernandez.

“We need somebody to step up this weekend – it can’t always be Steve,” Gonzalez said. “Everybody knows who he is now pretty much everywhere, so they’re going to be man-marking him, no doubt.”

Next up: Winner plays the Williamsville East (Section 6)/Jericho (Section 8) winner Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

The post Scouting report: Port Chester vs. Fowler appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

“It’s soccer all over,” freshman forward Steven Hernandez said. “Everywhere you go.”

With the Rams reaching the Class A state semifinals for the first time since 1995, the town has rallied around them. The team is known for attracting large crowds, and they have been following the Rams all over the state.

“We feed off of their energy,” senior defender Bryan Suertegaray said. “Port Chester is a large Hispanic community. Since we were little, a lot of these kids I’ve been playing with since I was seven years old.”

The family ties throughout the team are evident. Hernandez is a shining example, as he has emerged as Port Chester’s go-to scorer in these playoffs by scoring seven of their nine goals. His older brother Victor once starred for the Rams, and his cousin Brian Coyt was the team’s leading scorer last season.

“It runs in the family,” Hernandez said with a smile.

Hernandez has been drawing headlines recently with his knack for clutch goals, but this team is littered with talent that has been bred from a young age. In order to get past Section 3 champion Fowler on Saturday and reach the state final, the expectation is that someone else will have to ease the scoring burden.

“Never before have I ever seen that from a freshman,” senior goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez said. “It’s just incredible, but he’s been playing soccer his whole life. He’s been stepping up big, and he’s doing what he does best.”

Here are some notes from my visit with the Rams during their practice today at Purchase College:

• Port Chester has been practicing at Purchase all week to prepare for the large turf field at Middletown HS. The Rams usually play on a grass field at home, but coach John Cafaldo felt that it was important to adjust to playing on such a wide surface. PC’s unfamiliarity with such a big field could be viewed as a disadvantage, but Hernandez seemed to think it could work in their favor. “The more space, the better,” he said.

• There was nothing groundbreaking about what the Rams were doing – at this point its not like Cafaldo is teaching them anything they haven’t already seen – but most of the drills focused on getting creative in space. They ran through breakaways, starting with one-on-one, and then adding another guy every so often. Defenders were working on closing gaps when they were outnumbered and recovering, while the midfielders and forwards worked on making the right touches and reads as they approached the goal. At the end, the team broke into a full field scrimmage.

• A few of Port Chester’s key cogs have been banged up recently, but everyone seems like they’ll be good to go for Saturday. Gonzalez, who has been nursing a laundry list of ailments, said, “A couple of days rest is helping me recover and get ready for states. We’re going all out this weekend.” Suertegaray, who had stitches in his head after a collision during the section final, was sporting a pretty serious bandage, but he said he has no hesitation going after balls in the air. “If I play scared, then it’s going to affect my game, and I don’t want to do that to my team,” he said. And finally, senior midfielder Preston Higgins didn’t practice today as he continues to nurse a stomach virus.

• One question that I had for a few of the guys is how hungry they are now that they’ve accomplished most of their goals. That question was dismissed pretty quickly. “We’re still hungry,” Suertegaray said. “We want to get that state title. I told my teammates, ‘We can’t be satisfied with a section title, or a regional title. We made it this far, we might as well win the state title.’ ”

• I’ve been doing some research on Fowler, and will be back tomorrow with a scouting report. Not many people have seen them play, but I have some notes on their top players and style of play.

The post Port Chester: Where soccer is more than just a game appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

For my observations from practice, follow me on Twitter @vzmercogliano. I’ll be back later tonight with a recap of my visit.

The post A visit with PC this afternoon appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

The Section 1 champion Admirals rolled past Section 9 champion Washingtonville 5-0 in a state Class AA regional final on Tuesday at Middletown’s Faller Field.

Arlington (20-1) advanced to this weekend’s state final four in Middletown and will face Section 3’s Utica Proctor on Saturday at 4 p.m. The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to Sunday’s 1 p.m. championship game in Middletown.

“Amazing,” Arlington senior captain Collin Illiano said. “It’s what I’ve always dreamed of … can’t wait.”

After buzzing for several minutes with a number of opportunities by Arlington’s Stephen Jennings, David Verdis got Arlington on the scoreboard 21:51 into the first half. Christopher Shea played a deep ball and passed to the left where he found Verdis, who converted the pass with a left boot past Thomas Ogrodnik.

The Admirals padded the lead at 23:49 when Illiano headed in a Matt Povall pass to give Arlington the 2-0 lead it held at halftime.

“We thought (Washingtonville) was going to come out strong,” Illiano said. “They did, but we came out stronger. We held all possession throughout the game.”

Eric Eastman boosted Arlington’s lead to 3-0, converting a Jeff Greblick pass 7:38 into the second half. Greblick then scored on a Verdis pass at the 17:20 and on a penalty kick at 21:25.

“I thought we played really relaxed today and it showed in our play,” said Arlington coach Craig Sanborn, who was an assistant coach under Gary Montalto on Arlington’s 2006 state title team, but never won one as a player. “It’s a hard-working group. Defending is hard work. These guys bought into that. Not just the 11 on the field, but the guys on the bench too.”

Verdis said once the chances started going in the net, Arlington was hard to stop.

“We played defense and were able to finish our chances. We’re fortunate to get to the final four,” Verdis said. “We had trouble putting (goals) in at the beginning. We were fortunate to get one in. After the first one, they just kept coming and it was a great team effort.”

Sanborn laughed and admitted he didn’t yet know much about Utica Proctor (17-3).

“You know what? We’re going to go out there and have some fun,” Sanborn said. “That’s what I’m going to tell the boys. Keep doing what we’ve been doing, take it all in and have some fun. We haven’t changed anything we’ve done regardless of who we’ve gone up against. We’re not changing the way we play. We’re still going to defend with 11, we’re still going to press and our defense is going to create our offense.”

Verdis said the chemistry among the Admirals comes from years of playing in youth leagues all the way up through the Arlington system.

“We’ve been playing together forever, since we were young kids,” Verdis said. “That’s big this year for us. We’re family and that’s how it’s been all season. We hope to carry that into this weekend.”

Phil Strum: pstrum@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4847, Twitter: @PJStrum

The post Regionals: Arlington routs its way into the state final four appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

In a similar exercise to what I did last season, I reached out to the coaches from all of the team’s who made it to the semifinals or further in their respective classes and asked them for nominations. Based on the opinions of those coaches and my own observations, I came up with All-Tournament teams for each class (combining Classes B and C). These teams are made up of the players who came up big when it mattered most, with no consideration given to regular season performance. Just to note, I took some liberties with positions to get the most deserving guys mentioned.

CLASS AA
GK – Steven Hegner, North Rockland
F – Joseph Iraola, Mahopac
F – Jeff Greblick, Arlington
MF – Will Lopez, North Rockland
MF – Justin Dorazio, Carmel
MF – Evan Hendel, Scarsdale
MF – Jake Goldberg, Horace Greeley
D – Rafael Aguilar, North Rockland
D – Jason Henderson, Scarsdale
D – Josh Kriss, Mamaroneck
D – Collin Illiano, Arlington

Honorable mention: Mike Bernardi, Mahopac; David Kalaj, Mahopac; Blake Kozloski, John Jay-East Fishkill; Austin Mayhew, Carmel; Ryan Miller, Arlington.

CLASS A
GK – Jose Gonzalez, Port Chester
F – Steven Hernandez, Port Chester
F – Jon Berry, Byram Hills
F – Aidan Murray, Pelham
MF – Wendy Jean, Nyack
MF – Gonzalo Prando, Lakeland
MF – Harold Ayree, Somers
MF – Kei Matsumoto, Keio
D – Sam Ganeles, Byram Hills
D – Andrew Mitgang, Lakeland
D – Alexis Valdovinos, Port Chester

Honorable mention: Joshua Beinhacker, Byram Hills; Chris Cruz, Yonkers; Nick Fecci, Somers; Charlie Livingston, Pelham; William Ribiero, Port Chester.

Class B/C
GK – Ben Seguljic, Blind Brook
F – Joe DiBerardino, Blind Brook
F – Tom Cole, North Salem
F – Tom Young, Edgemont
MF – Ari Leffell, Solomon Schechter
MF – Kevin Zajc, North Salem
MF – Joe Lovecchio, Valhalla
MF – David Villalobos, Edgemont
D – Zach Streichler, Blind Brook
D – Nicholas Oliveira, Valhalla
D – Arthur Kaufman, Briarcliff

Honorable mention: Ross Elmaleh, Blind Brook; John Enkler, Lourdes; Michael Franklin, Solomon Schechter; Karl Jamiolkowski, Albertus Magnus; James Rubino, Haldane.

Photo by Tania Savayan/The Journal News

The post Sectionals: All-Tournament teams for each class appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Next, Port Chester (18-1-2) will play in the state semifinals at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Middletown High School.

“They tripled team him with three guys over 6-1, 6-2,” coach John Cafaldo said. “He just keeps stepping up big. We had two or three other opportunities, but he’s the guy that finishes.”

Defender Kevin Londono found Hernandez early in the second half for the only score of the game.

“He got the ball and just crossed into the box,” Cafaldo said. “It got through, and Stevie got it on his left foot. The keeper came out on him and Stevie just chipped it over him.”

Cafaldo said the game was back and forth, with each keeper making 10 saves.

“It was a pretty up tempo game,” Cafalo said. “They played the long ball at lot and they had a lot of big guys. (PC goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez) came up with some huge saves.”

The Rams got a big effort from Gonzalez, who has been playing through ankle and hip injuries.

“(Gonzalez) came up with some huge saves,” Cafaldo said. “He’s a little banged up right now. They were going right at him, and he got hit a few times, but he’s fighting through it.”

The post Regionals: Hernandez leads PC to state final four appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Hall of Fame Fields in Oneonta. I’ve arranged to have PC coach John Cafaldo call me after the game, so I’ll have a recap posted as soon as possible. The winner will earn a spot in the state final four at Middletown HS this weekend.

The post Port Chester to play in Class A regional final today appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Conference I League A
League Champions:
JOHN JAY EAST FISHKILL HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Neil Williams Brewster
Austin Mayhew Carmel
Diogo Antunes John Jay Cross River
Blake Kozloski John Jay East Fishkill
Brian Vigorita John Jay East Fishkill
Joseph Iraola Mahopac
Tom Cole North Salem
Jake Keller R.C. Ketcham
Nick Fecci Somers

ALL SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Andre Antunes John Jay Cross River
Ryan Kaplan John Jay East Fishkill
Mike Bernardi Mahopac
David Kalaj Mahopac
Connor Murphy North Salem
Kevin Zajc North Salem
Ian Warren Somers

Conference I League B
League Champions:
ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Jeff Greblick Arlington
Collin Illiano Arlington
Ryan Miller Arlington
Kevin Davis Beacon
Kyle LeClerc Beacon
Hyun Kyo Jung Kennedy
Gonzalo Prando Lakeland
John Enkler Our Lady of Lourdes
Ryan Roche Yorktown

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Alex Fazio Arlington
Matt Minniter Kennedy
Timmy O’Driscoll Lakeland
Patryk Seweryn Lakeland
Andrew Mitgang Lakeland
Jared Dalleo Our Lady of Lourdes
Marlon Martinez Walter Panas

Conference I League C
League Champions:
HENDRICK HUDSON

ALL-SECTION
Ciaran Dillon Haldane
Aidan Datene Hendrick Hudson
Steven Pinske Hendrick Hudson
Mateo Piragua Peekskill

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
James Rubino Haldane
Dennis McKeever Hendrick Hudson
TJ D’Ottavio Pawling
Gent Berisha Putnam Valley

Conference II League A
League Champions
WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL

ALL SECTION
Ari Leffell Solomon Schechter
Rob Marovic Tuckahoe
Henry Avendano Woodlands

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Michael Franklin Solomon Schechter
Prince Kermue Woodlands
Alberto Sanchez Yonkers Montessori

Conference II League B
League Champions:
WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Zach Aller Mamaroneck
Josh Kriss Mamaroneck
Joel Arevalo New Rochelle
Alex Gaujean Scarsdale
Jason Henderson Scarsdale
Daniel Murillo White Plains
Alejandro Romero White Plains
Derlis Zayas White Plains

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Emmet Lafney Mamaroneck
Jon Velez Mamaroneck
Matt Ellman Scarsdale
Vincent Gandolfo Scarsdale
Shiloh Alexander White Plains
Omar Figueroa White Plains
Christian Vergara White Plains

Conference II League C
League Champions:
IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Mike Frasca Dobbs Ferry
Ben Ovetsky Irvington
Matej Sis Irvington
Kevin Ortiz Sleepy Hollow

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Lee Owen Hastings
Ben Steiger Hastings
Jon Goldreich Irvington
Jack Schnog Sleepy Hollow

Conference II League D
League Champions
BRONXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL & PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL

ALL SECTION
Jack Connors Bronxville
Brewster Warble Bronxville
Tom Young Edgemont
Aiden Murray Pelham
Otavio Basso Pelham

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Sam Aherne Bronxville
David Villalobos Edgemont
Charlie Livingstone Pelham
Max Sorice Pelham

Conference II, League E
League Champions:
YONKERS HIGH SCHOOL

All-Section
Thomas McGonnigle Lincoln
Alban Uneshta Saunders
Chris Cruz Yonkers
Mateo Galindo Yonkers

All-Section Honorable Mention:
David Calixto Lincoln
Augustine Mfatwo Saunders
Anthony Tovar Riverside
Caesar Cruz Yonkers
Aidan Tansey Yonkers

Conference III League A
League Champions:
BYRAM HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Jon Berry Byram Hills
Ryan Golden Byram Hills
Josh Kogan Horace Greeley
Felipe DaSilva Ossining
Jose Gonzalez Port Chester
Liam Harris Rye

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Joshua Beinhacker Byram Hills
Justin Pollack Byram Hills
Jake Goldberg Horace Greeley
Harris Pollack Horace Greeley
Abdul Byabusha Ossining
Winston Arroyo Port Chester
Bryan Suertegaray Port Chester

Conference III League B
League Champions:
KEIO ACADEMY

ALL-SECTION
Ben Seguljic Blind Brook
Melvin Huaman Hamilton
Kei Matsumoto Keio
Kengo Sawada Keio
Alex Barreto Rye Neck

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Jake Starr Blind Brook
Hidenori Takahashi Keio
Shota Yamamoto Keio
Joseph Lovecchio Valhalla
Nicholas Oliveira Valhalla

Conference III League C
League Champions:
BRIARCLIFF HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Jon Cabeca Briarcliff
Arthur Kaufman Briarcliff
Ryan Clarke Croton-Harmon
Erik Johansen Harrison
Nick Kyriakidis Pleasantville
Leandro Curran Westlake

ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Luke Van Asselt Croton-Harmon
Gavin Menchel Harrison
Billy Stapleton Pleasantville
Paul Stapleton Pleasantville
Edgar Solis Westlake

Conference IV League A
League Champions:
NORTH ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL

All Section
Steven Hegner North Rockland
Will Lopez North Rockland
Cristian Diaz-Rosales Ramapo
Anthony Quintana Spring Valley
Nick Laurent Clarkstown South
Mike Dolce Suffern

All Section Honorable Mention
Rafael Aquilar North Rockland
Christian Obernesser Clarkstown North
Hunter Quilty Clarkstown South
Dave Wolfson Suffern
Nathan Frigge Suffern

Conference IV League B
League Champions:
NYACK HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-SECTION
Ben Dirocco Nyack
Anders Fleming Nyack
Gabe Rivera Nyack
Alex Castillo Pearl River
Giovanni Galvano Pearl River

ALL SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
Matt Dale Albertus Magnus
Karl Janiolkowski Albertus Magnus
Wendy Jean Nyack
Chris Coughlin Pearl River
Austin Maggilio Pearl River

The post 2012 All-Section team appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

The scoreless game went to penalty kicks, where the two-time Class B section champs were eliminated, 4-2.

“We completely controlled them,” Blind Brook senior Zach Streichler said. “There are just some days where we can’t finish. We went into the season knowing that scoring was going to be the hardest part. We’re a defensive team, and today was just one of those days.”

The Trojans did everything but score in the game, outshooting Spackenkill 26-6, but they only put 38 percent of their shots on goal.

“We were creating chances; we just couldn’t find the frame,” junior forward Joe DiBerardino said. “Their defense was either right on our foot when we were trying to put it away, or we weren’t getting the right look.”

The only quality opportunity for Spackenkill (13-5-2) came in the 11th minute, but Blind Brook keeper Ben Seguljic made an incredibly athletic save. The Providence-bound senior charged the ball and tried to smother it, but it slipped past him. Somehow, Seguljic managed to sprint back and fully extend to reach from behind and stop the shot with one hand.

“The goalie hit it long and we had trouble with it,” he said. “I came out and got to it right as it was at the top (of the box). I didn’t want to drag it out of the box with me, so I sort of let it go a touch. It got behind me, so I just turned around and did my best to get back. I got it, thank God.”

That was one of only four saves that Seguljic had to make, as the Trojans (15-3-3) were able to bottle up Spackenkill’s top scorer Alex Lanza.

“We knew he was their player,” Streichler said. “We spoke to teams that had played Spackenkill before, and they said ‘Listen, just watch out for that guy.’ ”

Blind Brook’s best chance to score came in the first overtime period when DiBerardino shook free in the Spackenkill box. He managed to get off a shot, but a charging Blake Kawalski cut it off quickly.

“I saw the ball getting through, and I turned to get the ball on my foot,” DiBerardino said. “The keeper was on me in a hurry, and I just did what I could to put it on frame. He made a nice stop.”

The game went to penalty kicks, with each team making its first two shots. But Kawalski stopped the Trojans’ final two shot to shock Blind Brook and send Spackenkill onto the regional final.

“I guess the goalie is supposed to get one, and I couldn’t get one today,” Seguljic said. “Coming down to PKs sucks for whoever loses, but it’s great for whoever wins. That’s why we play.”

There is still much to be proud of for this Trojans’ team, who were able to repeat as section champs while overcoming some major hurdles.

“I’m so proud of the team,” Streichler said. “Going into the season, many people didn’t have high expectations – not even on our team. In general, we lost one of the best strikers in Class B history in Lucas (McBride). We went in saying, how are we going to do this? How are we going to be a team? But we’ve bonded, and we’ve come so far.”

The post Regionals: Blind Brook dominates, gets eliminated on PKs appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Solomon Schechter’s season ended abruptly Saturday at the intersection of sudden victory and sudden death.

Brandt Slayton tapped in the golden goal with 4:25 left in the first 15-minute overtime session at Middletown High to give Section 9 champ Rhinebeck a 2-1 win over the Lions in a Class C regional semifinal.

“It’s tough,” said Mike Franklin, the senior midfielder who played the second half with a painful right shoulder injury and scored their lone goal. “I’m just proud of my team. It’s been an amazing three years.”

The Hawks (17-2) will play in their first-ever regional final, a game against the still-to-be-decided Long Island champion Tuesday or Wednesday on Long Island. The Lions went home at 11-4-2 record. They had made program history by winning a first-ever Section 1 title.

“The guys, they leave everything on the field,” coach Bryan Lamana said. “Every time, they take the field, they just give it 110 percent. … Just the chemistry, the energy, the heart they play with, it’s probably going to be unparalleled in the future. Just the way these guys play for each other and care for each other, it clearly shows on the field.”

Solomon Schechter goalkeeper Ben Burton was really the star of the game. Rhinebeck had many more chances (Hawks goalkeeper Will Burns only made one save) but Burton made 11 stops, including five in a scoreless first half.

“We played good defense,” Burton said. “That made it easier for me. I played well. I came out on breakaways when I needed to. As a team, we played really well.”

Franklin landed awkwardly on his shoulder late in the first half and went to the locker room. He had to get taped and missed the start of the second half. Then he returned and headed in an Ari Leffell corner kick 1:13 in, Franklin’s team-high 12th goal of the season and only the 10th Rhinebeck had allowed all season. Lamana said the shoulder would have to be evaluated.

Alex Rosenzweig tied it from inside the box off a rolling corner kick from Seth McClenahan with 27:04 left in the second game.

The Lions almost won it in regulation, but Rafi Dodo sent a header off the left post.

In OT, Burton got his hands on blasts by McClenahan and Rosenzweig before the golden goal.

“He was magnificent,” Lamana said. “This is probably one of the games all year that we’ve been tested the most. He’s made great saves in the past, but probably not this many in one game alone.”

Burton and Leffell are just two of several sophomores that have Lamana optimistic about the future.

The post Regionals: Schechter loses to Rhinebeck in OT appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.

Class B
Blind Brook (15-3-2) vs. Spackenkill (13-5-1), 1 p.m.

Class C
Solomon Schechter (11-3-2) vs. Rhinebeck (16-2), 11 a.m.

The post Regional semifinals schedule appeared first on The LoHud Boys Soccer Blog.