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so which division is better? If I have a B2009 team and one team pays in Managed by NYCS and the other is in North Atlantic Conference, what is the difference in level of play???

Any changes and surprises in this age group so far for the season?

so true but there is a bunch of parents that need this program to fee their ego's. East Coast love these people and will keep serving the drinks. Nothing wrong with it if want to waste money.
Love the idiot that commented on someone posting on Saturday evening, and then did it him/her self

We will see Northport plays North Babylon and West Islip this week should both be good games. Smithtown west should always be in the mix. Northport has big senior contingent. Northport gave away the Commack game but have to give credit to Commack coming back from a 4 to 1 deficit with 18 minutes left in the game to win off a corner kick with 1 minute left in double o/t. All five teams have a chance. Along with the other couple of teams from the east side of the conference(Ward Melville, Smithtown East)

By Owen O'Brien
owen.o'brien@newsday.

It was just one victory, but the Hempstead girls soccer program hopes it is a sign of good things to come.

The Tigers won for the first time in almost three years when it beat Westbury, 1-0, on Sept. 12. The team's last win came on Oct. 2, 2019. Coincidentally, that was also a 1-0 victory over Westbury.

Senior defender Jasmin Arias, who scored the lone goal in this season's win, is a four-year varsity starter and has been a team captain for the past three seasons. She said the team's hard work and perseverance is finally paying off.

"This is a beginning of a new era in Hempstead,” Arias said. “I knew we had a purpose for coming to practice and all these games. I knew there were going to be better days in the future.”

Better days indeed. The team has been through a rough stretch these past few seasons. Hempstead played only one game in the 2020-2021 school year due to a COVID outbreak within the program. With a lack of experienced players, the team finished 0-9 in the 2021-22 season.

Arias' goal came on a penalty kick midway through the first half.

“I felt a lot of pressure, but I just told myself to calm down and it was my time to shine,” Arias said. “There was a lot going on in my mind, but I just had to calm myself and say, ‘I got this,’ and this will lead our team to victory. and I just took a deep breath and the ball just went in.”

Arias said that while it was a thrilling moment, there was still a lot of time remaining in the contest and she wanted to motivate her teammates to keep pushing for the victory.

“Once we scored that goal, the motivation just went up,” Arias said. “We didn’t feel like we wanted to give up. We just kept fighting until the end, our coach kept motivating us, all the parents, too. They were just telling us we can do this and there’s a purpose to winning this game.”

Coach Eduardo Espinoza, in his second full season as head coach, called it a "dream come true" to see the program record an early-season victory and hopes it gives the players more confidence the rest of the year.

"To get a result like this, in the fashion they did it," Espinoza said, "I couldn't be happier for them.”

Arias conceded it was tough over the last few years to train with the lack of success on the field. But she feels a difference this fall.

“It can be mentally and physically draining because sometimes you can go on the field and you're like, ‘We haven’t won in so many times, this doesn’t have a purpose,' " she said. “But once you win a game ..... you just think, ‘We won this game and if we won this game, we can keep going and win more games. It has a purpose.”

If St Anthony’s and Chaminade wanted to join public schools everyone of you would fight against it saying it is unfair!

Deer Park Fierce GU17 is looking to add 2006 or 2007 girls and will be holding open practices throughout the fall season. We compete in LIJSL Premier division and practice Tuesday and Thursday nights under the lights on a turf field in Deer Park. For more information, please contact Coach Jay: aspirefiercej@gmail.com

By Justin Joseph
justin.joseph@newsday.com


In a tough, tight-knit defensive battle between two of the top soccer teams in Nassau County-- Mike Benfante proved to be the difference.

Benfante’s goal just over nine minutes into the game propelled South Side to a 1-0 victory over conference leading Long Beach in Nassau Conference A Central at the RVC Athletic Complex Friday evening.

“Mike had an unbelievable shot,” South Side coach Patrick Corvetti said. “It was a close game with really good teams.”

In the first half Benfante was active early, racing to get loose balls and chasing down kicks to give his team extra possessions. With 31:30 left in the first half Benfante got control of the ball, saw an opportunity at the goal and buried the shot to give his team the 1-0 lead.

“The defense played really well, we possessed pretty good,” Corvetti said.

Coming out of the half Corvetti had a message to his team. He wanted them to win more 50-50 balls, start using the width of the field and get the ball out of the middle of the field, where all the players were crowding in the first half.

South Side followed its coach’s advice and kept Long beach from finding the back of the net for the rest of the contest.

Jack Phelan made six saves for South Side to lead their defensive efforts.

“That goes to my defense, my defense was lockdown today,” Phelan said.

Last year after earning the top seed in the conference, South Side suffered a gut-wrenching loss in the first round to Long Beach on penalty kicks after two overtimes..

“We knew it was going to be a big game coming in especially off of last year," Benfante said, "so we had this day marked on our calendars.”

“Everyone had a chip on their shoulder going into this and I think that just boosted us,” Phelan said.

Entering the game Long Beach (4-1-1) was undefeated in conference play, so South Side (5-1) knew it would have work to do to avenge last year's defeat.

When asked what it means to hand Long Beach its first defeat in conference play, Phelan said, “it feels great, we’re in first place now. It feels awesome.”

Benfante, showing his jubilation after leading his team to victory, said, “Yeah we are coming for counties.”

Another problem with the lack of creativity is that kids don't go out and play pickup soccer, or any sport for that matter, anymore. How do you become creative???? Go to the park with your friends split up into teams and just play. No parents, no coaches, no referees. Just play. What was more fun then the trying yo humiliate a dear friend by trying to do a rainbow over his/her head and if you screwed it up nobody cared. You laughed and tried to do it again.

The Merrick Cobras GU11 - 2012 are looking for 1-2 dedicated players to join our close-knit, competitive team.

We are a fully professionally trained team, playing in LIJSL Div 2.

The Cobras:
* Practice 2x week during main Fall and Spring season
* Participate in tournaments, cups, etc
* Train during the Winter
* Offer a high-level playing and learning experience with local team prices and culture.

Open Practices are
Mondays, 7pm-8:30pm, Merrick Town Park
Fridays, 4pm-5:30pm, Merrick Town Park

Interested players should reach out to Michael Barath at 917.373.5166 or merrickcobras@gmail.com

Merrick United GU19 - 2004-2006 - are looking for 1-2 dedicated players to join our close-knit, competitive team.

We are a fully professionally trained team, playing LIJSLPremier

United:
* Practice 1x week during High School season, and 2x week through the rest of Fall and Spring
* Participate in local and regional showcases, cups, tournaments, etc
* Train during the Winter
* Offer a high-level playing and learning experience with local team prices and culture.

Open Practices are Monday's from 8:30pm-10pm at Merrick Town Park

Interested players should reach out to Michael Barath at 917.373.5166 or merrickunited@gmail.com

HBC Wildcats G2010, are looking to add more girls to the team. If interested please contact Setona Armstrong at setonaarmstrong@yahoo.com or 646-645-0291 for the practice schedule.

By Owen O'Brien
owen.o'brien@newsday.com

Kaitlyn Tung knew when the ball was at the foot of Hailey Metzger in the closing minutes of a tied match where she needed to be. The senior midfielder charged the goal.

“I know her mindset and I knew she was taking the shot,” Tung said. “I knew there could be a rebound and I was going to be there.”

Her intuition paid off.

Metzger played a ball toward the goal from about 35 yards out and Tung corralled the rebound and scored with 1:40 left in the second half as MacArthur defeated South Side, 1-0, at Darcy Field in Rockville Centre in Nassau Conference A-I girls soccer action Thursday.

“I knew I had to kick it in and get a nice service and someone had to be there,” Metzger said. “And Kaitlyn was there.”

“Just finish it,” Tung thought. “I knew I had to (shoot with) one touch. If I did two, they’d be on me.”

MacArthur (5-0-1) and South Side (2-2-2) played to a scoreless tie in the first game of the season. This game had all the makings of the same result before Tung’s goal as Avery Testa had nine saves for South Side and Lexie Thompson stopped seven for MacArthur.

None of Thompson’s saves was bigger than her final one. After punching out a corner kick in the final 30 seconds of the contest, Thompson fully extended her arm to save a rebound and send the ball out of bounds with seven seconds left as the clock ran out.

“A little bit of nerves, it was really tight and we really wanted the ‘W,’ ” Thompson said. “I was telling myself I had to save it. The last few seconds, that would really hurt to let that in so just had to give it everything you got for that last one.”

MacArthur has yet to allow a goal all season, led by the strong goalkeeping of Thompson along with a backline including Ava Angiuli, Caitlin Barry, Hallie Bray and Meghan Wetzel.

“It’s a team effort in getting these shutouts,” Thompson said. “Not just me, not just the backline but definitely a good feeling to stay scoreless.”

Coach Steve Costello continues to be impressed with the tenacity of Tung in his first year as coach. He wasn’t surprised she was the one near the net to finish the goal.

“The next morning when I watch the film, the one thing that always jumps out at me is Kaitlyn Tung is tough as nails,” he said. “She’s skilled and she’s flashy … but she’s so tough and that’s what toughness gets you.”

But MacArthur was determined to exit with the victory over the defending Long Island Class A champions and state runner-ups. South Side has won the last two Nassau Class A titles, including defeating MacArthur, 2-0, in the final in the 2020-2021 school year.

“They took it from us once,” Tung said. Metzger added, “Not again. It wasn’t going to happen again.”

Atletico has room for players in the Girls 2013 and Boys 2010 age groups.

If interested contact CJ Orlando at cj@kkathletics.com for the practice schedule.

The NYSSWA boys and girls soccer rankings are posted.

JJS or JSS.
sounds like you have a few and are trounced.

600 views on this post and not a single response.

Why? Because its good news. And all of you sick pieces of [****] dont have anything good to say because its not drama or toxic. When there is something positive announced you all dont know which direction to go in because you are wired to HATE.

Cowards.

By Roger Rubin and Brian Heyman
roger.rubin@newsday.com,brian.heyman@newsday.com

PETER AGELIS, Longwood, M, Sr.

Agelis had four goals and three assists as a junior. The third-year varsity starter and a team captain has quality passing skills and field vision.

JUSTIN ALVES, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

Alves is a returning starter, and the center back makes his presence felt. “He stands everybody up,” said coach Don Corrao, who also praised his play on balls in the air and his ability to trigger the offense from the back as well as his work on set pieces.

SHANE ANATO, New Hyde Park, GK, Sr.

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Anato made 111 saves in 12 games in 2021 for a team that struggled to score. In 10 games, he allowed no goals or one goal, and this year has drawn Division I interest.

CRIS ARIAS, Riverhead, D, So.

Arias played three years with New York Red Bulls Academy and three years with NYCFC Academy, so he’s embarking on his first varsity season until he signs with an MLS team, according to coach Evan Philcox, who says that two are interested. The plan is to use the 15-year-old Riverhead native at right back to strengthen the defense and allow him to take advantage of attacking chances with his strong left foot.


CHRIS ARRIAZA, Brentwood, M, Jr.

Arriaza is a second-year starter and captain coming off a seven-goal, six-assist season. Coach Ron Eden praised Arriaza’s skills as a distributor, finisher and leader, calling him “a total package” and Brentwood’s “best all-around player.”

JOSUE ASCENCIO, Baldwin, GK, Jr.

Ascencio posted six shutouts as a sophomore and was named Nassau Conference AA Goalie of the Year. The third-year starter allowed one goal or less in 14 of 15 games last season.

TYLER BEHR, MacArthur, GK, Sr.

Behr started as a freshman for the team’s final two playoff games and has been the top goalkeeper since. Coach Andy Atkins evaluated Behr, who had 11 shutouts as a junior, this way: “Huge punt, dramatic shot saver, very skilled with his feet, vocal.”

CHRISTIAN BLANK, Sachem North, D, Sr.

Blank sees the field well and is a skilled distributor. The defender chipped in with three goals and four assists last season.

OWEN BURKE, Sayville, M/F, Sr.

Burke scored 13 goals, including three game-winners, and assisted on seven others last season. Coach Cory Santangelo sees him being a “very skillful player in the attacking end,” someone who’s excellent in one-on-one situations and is a “great passer and great finisher.”

LUKA BUSLJETA, Manhasset, M, So.

He was the engine that powered the Manhasset offense to the Nassau A quarterfinals with six goals. “We go as he goes,” coach Mark Giardino said, adding that Busljeta has "unbelievable vision and skills.”

JAMES CASTORO, Garden City, GK, Sr.

The last and best line of defense for the Trojans as they captured the Nassau A championship. He allowed 15 goals and posted 11 shutouts as the team went 16-2-1.

DAVID CHAVEZ, Roosevelt, D, Sr.

Chavez started all 12 games last season and rarely came out. He is a very difficult center back for strikers to get around, and has great vision and passing ability. He’s also the kicker for the varsity football team.

JAKE CHRISTEL, Oceanside, D, Sr.

His physical style of play was central for a team that rode its defense to the Nassau Class AA semifinals last season. He anchored a defensive unit that allowed 18 goals in 16 games.

COLE CONBOY, Babylon, D/F, Sr.

Conboy has been a key contributor in a variety of positions on two Suffolk championship teams, including last season's Long Island Class B title winners. Coach Dennis McGovern felt he was that team’s “most dangerous player up top” after previously excelling as a defender and a midfielder.

RICKY CORBETT, Northport, D, Sr.,

Corbett, a three-year starter, is a center back who possesses the ball well and controls the game, and he’s exceptional in the air. He also contributed four goals and three assists last season.

MARCELO CORREA, Hampton Bays, D, Jr.

Correa is a returning starter and a captain. Coach George Carney said his center fullback is “a great leader,” a player who’s good at surveying the field and communicating, and is “kind of like a mini-coach on the field.”

CHRIS COSTA CONNORS, Hicksville, M, Jr.

An electric player with an arsenal of moves and great turning ability, Costa Connors had two goals and three assists last season. “In my 16 seasons, he has the best skill level of any player I’ve had,” coach Scott Starkey said.

SEBASTIAN CUENCA, Lynbrook, M/F, Sr.

Intellect and creativity are his hallmarks, but “his drive sets him apart,” coach Joshua Berlin said. “He is ‘on’ every minute of every game.” Cuenca scored eight goals and assisted on three as the Owls reached the postseason.

GIANCARLO DIFAVA, Commack, F, Sr.

One big reason the Cougars will apply pressure to opposing defenses is his tremendous speed.

CRISTIAN ESCOBAR, Brentwood, M, Jr.

Escobar is a second-year starter and captain who played on defense last season. Coach Ron Eden said Escobar’s “engine is incredible,” and that he’s fast, strong and very good on the ball.

FRANKLIN ESCOBAR, Portledge, F, Jr.

Escobar scored both goals in a 2-1 victory to become the MVP of the Panthers’ PSAA championship run. He scored 20 goals in 15 games last season.

ZACH FAWAZ, Commack, D, Sr.

The top returning scorer from a playoff team that returns seven starters, Fawaz had five goals and four assists . “A five-tool player who dominates balls to his feet and in the air,” coach David Moran said.

CONNOR FERNANDES, St. John the Baptist, D, Sr.

Fernandes has been a very strong player in the back, especially with his ability to read what’s going on. Coach Nick Gallagher described the fourth-year starter as the “heart and soul of our team.”

DIEGO FLORES, Smithtown East, GK, Jr.

Flores allowed just 12 goals over 16 games and posted 10 shutouts as the Bulls finished 12-4-1 last season. He was at his best against the best, twice beating a West Islip team that went on to win the state Class AA title.

WILMER FLORES, Whitman, M/F, Sr.

With dynamic moves and great technical skills, Flores is tough to stop one-on-one. He totaled six goals and three assists in leading the Wildcats to the postseason.

RILEY FOWLER, Lynbrook, M, Sr.

Charged with controlling the pace and the action, Fowler is “tough on the ball and hard to displace,” coach Joshua Berlin said. He was a key part of a defense that allowed 13 goals in 13 games.

MAX FRANZ, Cold Spring Harbor, M, Sr.

Draws the assignment of marking the top opposing player and returns to lead a team that was the Nassau B regular-season champion and a county finalist. He has a high soccer IQ, and coach Christian Lynch described him as “quick and fearless.”

AIDAN FRIEL, Connetquot, D, Sr.

Friel combines shutdown defensive skills with the ability to get the team going the other way and help offensively. The fourth-year starter also contributed two goals and an assist last season.

JOEL GARCIA, Longwood, D, Sr.

Garcia is a center fullback with “great foot skills” and the ability to “always be calm on the ball no matter how much pressure he is under,” coach Vin Giglio said. The third-year varsity starter has drawn interest from Rhode Island, NYU and Princeton, and has been selected to play in events in front of MLS and international scouts as part of the Alianza de Futbol program.


NICO GIAMMARINO, Babylon, M, Sr.

Giammarino is a fourth-year starter who scored 12 goals and had 14 assists last season for a 17-3 team that claimed the Long Island Class B championship.

DEREK GILDARD, West Islip, D, Sr.

Gildard was a strong defender on last season’s 20-2-1 Class AA state championship team. Coach Dennis Mazzalonga thinks the fourth-year varsity starter and captain’s “will to win, paired with his will to do whatever it takes to help the team, illustrates his value.”

TYLER GLASSBERG, Half Hollow Hills East, M, Sr.

He played academy soccer for the first three years of high school and opts to spend his senior season with the Thunderbirds. Glassberg will play soccer at Northwestern next fall. Coach Tiziano Carcone called him “the kind of player you dream to have a chance to coach.”

GAVIN GOODLAD, South Side, F, Sr.

Quick and technically sound, he scored 10 goals and assisted on three more to help the Cyclones go unbeaten in conference play and reach the postseason.

ANTHONY GUILINO, Plainedge, M, So.

Guilino was a leader as a freshman and finished with five goals and six assists in 14 games. “[He] has the versatility and technical skills to [thrive] as a playmaker, finisher and shutdown defender,” coach Jason Cinelli said.

JOHNNY GUILLEN, Locust Valley, M, Jr.

Guillen helped Locust Valley win its first Nassau championship. The third-year starter and second-year captain had six goals and three assists.

LOGAN GUZIK, Patchogue-Medford, GK, Jr.

Guzik is a commanding presence in the box who’s one of Suffolk’s top goalkeepers and will be one of the best in program history in the view of coach Tim Trava. Guzik made 115 saves as a sophomore, his first season as a starter.

RYAN HARDING, Comsewogue, M, Sr.

Harding is a captain who’s described this way by coach Justin Seifert: “Fantastic on the ball, incredible field vision, attacking mentality.” The third-year starter led his 12-1-1 Suffolk V title team with nine assists last season, and he scored three times.

LIAM HENSHAW, West Babylon, M, Jr.

Henshaw had six goals and four assists as a sophomore. Coach Frank Ging described the fourth-year starter and second-year captain as “a playmaker and a facilitator” and praised him for being able to distribute with both feet, for being difficult to knock off the ball and for his “very strong soccer IQ.”

IAN HUSSELBECK, Huntington, M, Sr.

Husselbeck is integral in controling the pace of the game.. Husselbeck, a second-year starter, finished with four goals and eight assists last season.

KIERAN HUSSELBECK, Huntington, M, Sr.

Like his twin brother, Ian, Kieran Husselbeck is a second-year starter and crafty midfielder. He posted four goals and eight assists for a Huntington team that reached a Suffolk final for first time in 57 years.

MICHAEL IEMMA, Plainedge, M, Jr.

The three-year starter improves every season since cracking the starting lineup as a freshman. After tallying six goals and assisting on 11 more in 14 games last season, Iemma will be a centerpiece player this season.

JUSTIN JEAN-LOUIS, Baldwin, M, Sr.

Coach Christopher Soupios praised the fourth-year starter and D-I prospect for his “unbelievable touch on the ball,” adding that he’s an “incredibly skilled dribbler who sees the game quicker and at another level than most of his peers.” This center midfielder contributed one goal and four assists last season.

ANDREW JOHNSON, Connetquot, M, Sr.

Johnson contributed nine goals and six assists last season. Coach John Zambriski labeled the third-year starter as a “possession-heavy [center midfielder] with the versatility that enables him to be a dynamic playmaker [and] strong finisher,” and added that he can be a shutdown defender.

KONSTANTINOS KAROUSIS, Mepham, M, Sr.

With a high soccer IQ and great vision for the unfolding play, he was the main playmaker for a Pirates team that went 12-1-4 in 2021. He scored three goals and assisted on eight.

MATTHEW KATZ, Amityville, GK, Sr.

Katz is 6-3, instinctive, technically sound, vocal, hardworking and one of the top five goalkeepers on Long Island, according to coach Mike Abbondondolo. Katz has drawn interest from Stony Brook and Mercy.

AIDAN KOLBE, Northport, F, Sr.

Kolbe begins his fourth year on varsity and third as a starter. He provides a big, physical scoring threat from anywhere around the box. He’s a full-time striker now after playing mostly center midfielder last season when he had six goals and six assists.

DARIO LEIGHTON, North Shore, F, Sr.

Leighton showed how impactful he could be from the midfield a year ago by scoring six goals. After a strong offseason, he returns to take a spot on the front line and be “a focal point of our attack,” coach Mike Bishop said.

RYAN LEVY, Hall Hollow Hills West, M, So.

Levy, the first eighth-grader to start in the program's history, is now a third-year starter. The center midfielder, described as a “playmaker” by coach Doug Gannon, had five goals and nine assists as a freshman.

AIDAN LODIE, West Islip, M, Sr.


Last year, Aidan Lodie was Newsday’s Player of the Year after contributing 21 goals and 11 assists for his 20-2-1 team that won the program’s first Suffolk, Long Island and state titles in boys soccer. Lodie looks to repeat the performance in his senior year, Newsday TV's Carissa Kellman reports. Credit: Anthony Florio

Lodie was Newsday’s Player of the Year after contributing 21 goals and 11 assists for his 20-2-1 team that claimed the program’s first Suffolk, Long Island and state titles. He posted a combined total of 13 game-winning goals and assists, and he delivered six of his goals and five of his assists across seven Class AA postseason games.

JOSEPH LOPEZ, Uniondale, M, Jr.

A sophomore with “huge potential,” according to coach Cohen Nelson, Lopez played in an adult league this summer to improve his toughness, strength and quick decision-making. He has the potential to be a dead ball specialist.

DESHAUN MAITLAND, Mepham, F, Sr.

As challenging as any player on Long Island in 1-on-1 situations, Maitland was the leading scorer for a Pirates team that scored 42 goals. He had nine goals and six assists.

PETER MANDERY, Jericho, M, Sr.

Mandery is a third-year starter and a captain. Coach Dani Braga has high expectations for him, feeling he will be the “engine” in the middle and that he “will carry the team.”

ANTHONY MARIANI, East Islip, F, So.

Mariani is already a third-year starter. He had an impressive summer league season as a goal scorer, and coach Ray Lang expects big things, saying, “I think he’s going to be one of the top goal scorers in our league [Suffolk III].”

ANDREW MAROTTA, Chaminade, GK, Jr.

Marotta spent time in goal for the Catholic state champion Flyers when the starter was ill. Coach Michael Gallagher said he proved to be “a prolific shot stopper … with good range and distribution skills.”

EDUARDO MARROQUIN, Floyd, M, Sr.

Marroquin is a skilled player with good tackling ability and a high motor.

JACK MAZZIOTTI, Lindenhurst, D, Sr.

Mazziotti brings solid play at center back. The second-year starter features speed and strength and “can quietly change a game,” coach Joe Riemma said.
Nick Nowak of Shoreham-Wading River.

LIAM MCDERMOTT, Center Moriches, M, Sr.

McDermott was the team leader in goals with 19 and assists with 15. The fourth-year starter is described by coach Chris O’Brien as a hard worker who “will be our engine.”

ERIK MCKENNA, Mattituck, M, Sr.

Runs the midfield with aplomb for the Tuckers. The senior totaled five goals and nine assists as Mattituck (15-3-1) reached the Suffolk Class B championship game.

RYAN MCNICHOLAS, South Side, F, Sr.

A four-year starter for the Cyclones, McNicholas has totaled 32 goals and 21 assists over his previous three seasons. Coach Patrick Corvetti said that “he’s a smart, crafty goal-scoring threat.”

JEAN MEJIA, Freeport, F, Jr.

Highly skilled and crafty, Mejia had three goals and four assists to help the Red Devils reach the postseason. Coach Craig Klasson called him a “dangerous forward … with game vision, quickness, power and intelligence.”

BRANDON MILLER, Longwood, M, Sr.

Miller is a third-year varsity starter and a captain who had five goals and eight assists on his way to being team MVP. Miller has superior foot skills and finishing ability.

TYLER MOORE, Connetquot, GK, Sr.

Moore is one of the best goalkeepers in Suffolk from coach John Zambriski’s perspective. The third-year starter, who posted seven shutouts last season, will be playing Division I lacrosse at Saint Joseph’s University.

KEVIN MORALES, Hicksville, F, Sr.

Few play as strong in the air as this 6-2 leaper, who scored nine goals and assisted on two others. Coach Scott Starkey described him as “dangerous, and lethal close to the goal.”

TYLER MORMANDO, MacArthur, D, Sr.

Mormando was a big contributor in MacArthur posting 11 shutouts last season. The sweeper, who’s a third-year starter and a captain, is described by coach Andy Atkins as “smart, physical, very strong, instinctual, equal with both feet.”

LOGAN MOTT, Friends Academy, F/M, Sr.

Blossomed into a top performer and team leader as a junior, scoring five goals and assisting on three others. Coach Edgar Posada said he was an effective team captain because “he demands of his teammates as much as he demands of himself.”

KADE MURPHREE, Westhampton, M, Sr.

Murphree is serving as a captain and moving up from defense this season to help contribute on both sides. Coach Cody Hoyt said the third-year starter lends a “strong physical presence on the ground and in the air,” and that he’s “skilled with the ball at his feet and [has] great vision on the field.”

NICK NOWAK, Shoreham-Wading River, F, Sr.

Nowak is a versatile player who has been a big factor for Shoreham-Wading River the past two seasons. The captain and third-year starter had eight goals and five assists last year.

JOHN OUALAALOU, St. Anthony’s, M, Jr.

Oualaalou, who started as a sophomore, brings great vision and ability as a distributor. Coach Don Corrao said he “came into his own” in the Friars’ double-overtime loss to Chaminade in the CHSAA title game last November, adding, “I thought he was one of the best players on the field.”

AIDAN OVIEDO-TORRES, St. John the Baptist, M, Sr.

Oviedo-Torres is a fourth-year starter who’s a playmaker who “makes the whole team better,” as coach Nick Gallagher put it. Oviedo-Torres totaled nine goals and 15 assists.

Jack Pendrick of Syosset.
RON PALILLO, Ward Melville, M, Sr.

Palillo is a third-year starter who’s 6-3 and capable of dominating as a center midfielder. The returning captain is good at winning 50/50 balls and distributing, and has “a rocket of a shot,” according to coach Rocco Vetro.

ANDY PANZA, Southampton, GK, Sr.

The Mariners’ formidable last line of defense. A three-year starter, he posted eight shutouts as they finished as co-champions in Suffolk VII and reached the county semifinals.

ROBERT PATRISSI, Garden City, D, Sr.

Patrissi was a force on offense from a defensive position, totaling four goals and 15 assists for the Nassau Class A champions. He has committed to play soccer at Scranton next fall.

JACK PENDRICK, Syosset, M, So.

Moves into a primary role after a strong freshman season. Pendrick becomes the main decision-maker and playmaker for Syosset. “We want the ball on his foot,” coach Brett Waxer said.

JOAQUIN PEREZ, Floyd, M, Sr.

Perez has “amazing skill, composure on the ball and great field vision,” according to coach Paul Paniccia. The third-year varsity player can score from long distance or by beating defenders.

ROBERTH PEREZ, Amityville, D, Sr.

Perez, a center back on 18-2-1 Amityville’s state finalist team last season, is “strong in the air, technical and can use both feet,” according to coach Mike Abbondondolo. The versatile fourth-year varsity player also contributed four goals and five assists.

CRISTIAN PEREZ FRANCO, MacArthur, M, Jr.

Perez Franco, a center midfielder, was the Nassau Conference A-I Offensive Player of the Year last season. The three-year starter delivered five game-winning goals.

JACK PETERSEN, Manhasset, D, Sr.

Described by coach Mark Giardino as “the best athlete I’ve seen in a long time,” Petersen's defensive play was essential in holding opponents to one goal or fewer in 13 of 16 games. He also kicks for the football team and will play lacrosse at Harvard next year.

CHRISTIAN PICA, Garden City, M, Sr.

Pica was selected to Newsday's All-Long Island second team after leading the Trojans to a 16-2-1 record and the Nassau A championship last year. He finished the season with seven goals and two assists, and has committed to play soccer for Loyola (Maryland) next fall.

JOSHUA PLATT, Bellmore JFK, F, Sr.

Platt scored a team-leading 10 goals last season. The fourth-year starter has 20 career goals after also topping the team in that category the two previous seasons.

ANTHONY RANDAZZO, Glenn, F, Sr.

Randazzo, now in his fifth year on the varsity and fourth as a starter, scored 15 goals as a junior despite playing on a torn ACL that wasn’t diagnosed until after the season. He underwent surgery and was finally cleared a few weeks ago after missing his winter, spring and fall club seasons.

ETHAN RECCHIA, Oceanside, F, Sr.

Recchia is a three-year starter and key returning component on a Sailors team that reached the Nassau Class AA semifinals a year ago. He tallied five goals and assisted on two others.

HUGO RODRIGUEZ, Amityville, M, Sr.

Rodriguez, who didn’t play last season , is still a fourth-year varsity player and is expected to be a significant piece on Amityville’s attack. Coach Mike Abbondondolo praised his ability to score from all over and his superior vision for passing.

DANIEL SANTOS, Oceanside, F, Sr.

Santos enters his third year as a starter as the top returning scorer from a team that went 10-2-4 and reached the Nassau AA semifinals. Described by coach Patrick Turk as “a playmaker who could outrun anyone,” Santos had seven goals and an assist.

DOMINIC SARACENI, Mepham, F, Sr.

His pace of play and accuracy with either foot around the goal make him a dangerous scorer. Saraceni scored six goals and assisted on two.

JACK SARGEANT, Mineola, M, Sr.

Sargeant delivered 10 goals and assisted on six others. The dynamic third-year starter isn’t only a threat to score, but excels defensively, too.

BRADY SCHMIDT, Kellenberg, M, Jr.

Schmidt contributed 11 goals and three assists as a sophomore starter in Kellenberg’s 13-6-2 run that ended in the NYCHSAA semifinals. Coach Bill Masiulis calls him a catalyst “in building up our attacks against opponents.”

SEAN SCOTT, Mepham, F, Sr.

Speed and guile were the cornerstones of his game as he scored six goals and assisted on five for Mepham (12-1-4).

WESLEY SECAIDA, Mattituck, F, Jr.

The three-year starter shapes up as the offensive engine for the Tuckers. He scored eight goals and dished 11 assists for a Mattituck team that lost the Suffolk B final in penalty kicks.

GARRETT SMITH, Chaminade, D, Sr.

He was one of the linchpins in a strong defense that helped the Flyers win the Catholic state title. He is expected to use his considerable on-ball skills to lead the defensive unit.

KYLE SMITH, Sachem East, M, Sr.

Smith established a strong reputation for playing well on both ends of the field. He could be central in the offense this season.

ANDREW TAPIA, Patchogue-Medford, M, Jr.

Tapia is “one of the craftiest center midfielders in Suffolk County,” according to coach Tim Trava. The second-year starter who had three goals and four assists as a sophomore has playmaking skills and the ability to control the midfield.

JAKE TRAMA, Smithtown West, F, Sr.

Trama was injured for about half of last season, but he still finished as one of the team’s top scorers. Coach A.J. Gercke expects the third-year varsity player to be one of Suffolk’s best strikers.

CARLOS TURCIOS, Westbury, M, Sr.

This multitalented playmaker moves into the starting lineup and will be central in the Dragons’ effort to defend their Nassau AA championship. Coach Chris Valentini said “it won’t take people long to see he’s exceptional.”

FORTUNE UZO, Valley Stream Central, M, Sr.

A truly high-octane scorer for two seasons, coach Bill Miller says Uzo combines “incredible ball skills and control with speed and quickness.” Composed and unselfish, he had nine goals and seven assists in 14 games last season when he was the Nassau Conference AA-I co-Offensive Player of the Year.

TOMMY VENEZIA, Carle Place, M/D, Sr.

Strong and willful, Venezia was what coach Conor Reardon called “the heart and soul” of the Frogs team that won the Nassau C championship.

BRANDON VILLANUEVA, Locust Valley, F, Sr.

Villanueva was the MVP for the Nassau Class B championship game last season after scoring the winning goal, just like he had in the semifinals. The third-year starter and second-year captain finished with 10 goals and six assists.

DANIEL WALTER, South Side, M, Sr.

Walter makes a lot of winning plays that don’t always show up in a box score, but he also tallied two goals and five assists. “He’s a hard worker with nonstop energy who does all the little things on the field,” coach Patrick Corvetti said.

VINNY WEBB, Kings Park, GK, Sr.

Webb is the leader of this team, a captain who was the Suffolk V Goalie of the Year. Coach Tom Nally feels the third-year starter “gives the team a chance to win every game."

LONDELL WHEELER, Glen Cove, M, Sr.

His versatility – passing, scoring and controlling a game between the boxes – is a huge reason why expectations are high for a Knights team that reached the Nassau Class A championship game. Coach Brian Smith praised his control, vision and game awareness and added that “his ability to operate in tight spaces separates him from everyone else.”

WILLIAM ZELAYA, Baldwin, M, Jr.

Zelaya has started every game since entering Baldwin and was voted as a team captain as a sophomore. He had seven goals and two assists for last season’s Nassau AA conference title team.

by Paul Kennedy

MLS's Homegrown Player Rule was introduced in 2008 to incentivize teams to sign players from their academies and reward them for their investment in player development.

Homegrown Player policies are controversial. Players who come through MLS academies can only sign with the MLS team that developed them, and territorial rights prevent teams from signing young (non-college) players who grew up in the designated player markets of other teams.

MLS teams invest millions of dollars each year in player development and have built massive player complexes to operate their academy teams. Many teams also operate on-site residency programs or high school programs to house and educate young players, following the model of clubs in major soccer nations around the world.

But what return are teams getting for their investment? How many first-team regulars are they using and how many players are being sold or traded?

In the long term, MLS teams will only be able to compete on the field with teams from around the world if they can develop their own players to fill their lineups or sell them and invest the proceeds to buy other players. The alternative is to stock (at great expense) players acquired on the international player market.

A few teams have hit the jackpot with the sale of Homegrown players abroad and used the proceeds to fund other moves. After the sale of Ricardo Pepi to Augsburg, FC Dallas went out and acquired Argentine winger Alan Velasco from Independiente for what the club said was a record transfer fee and Paul Arriola from D.C. United for a record amount of allocation money. Philadelphia sold young stars Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie after the 2020 season and spent more modestly on Daniel Gazdag, Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza, who have combined for 45 goals and 24 assists in 2022.

But Homegrown Players still make up a small percentage of players MLS teams are playing regularly. Of the players who played 1,000 or more minutes so far this season, less than 16 percent -- 59 players in total -- were Homegrown players or players whose territorial rights were held by another team when they entered MLS.

In 2021, NYCFC became the first team to win MLS Cup with two of its own Homegrown players in its starting lineup. But of the top five teams in the current MLS standings, only two have Homegrown players whom they developed and who have played 1,000-plus minutes.

Philadelphia, the Supporters' Shield standings leader, had four academy stars on the USA's Concacaf U-20 champions, but only Jack McGlynn has gotten regular playing time since their return from the 2022 Concacaf championship in Honduras. But the Union is in a unique situation. Jim Curtin has a set lineup that is breaking offensive scoring records just about every week and could also break an MLS season record for the stingiest defense.

It shouldn't be easy for young players to get significant playing time, especially as MLS sign players at younger ages, but just 17 Homegrown Players signed in the last three years have played 1,000 or more minutes. Four of them are in their first seasons: American Caleb Wiley with Atlanta United and Canadians Luca Petrasso, Deandre Kerr and Kosi Thompson at Toronto FC.

There are plenty of other domestic players MLS are using: almost 40 percent of players who have played 1,000 or more minutes are Americans or Canadians. Most are older players who spent time in college, were developed abroad and moved back home or didn't qualify for Homegrown status when they entered MLS. And that doesn't include foreigners who attended U.S. colleges. Going forward, fewer MLS players will have had any college experience, though.

Of Europe's big 5 leagues, France's Ligue 1 and Spain's LaLiga probably have the best reputation for developing homegrown talent with the percentage of Frenchmen in Ligue 1 and Spaniards in LaLiga exceeding 60 percent in recent years.

That should be MLS's goal. Needless to say, teams have a long way to go if they want their investment in player development to pay off.

Meghan did not leave. She has been promoted to the GA League President. It is a secondary role to what she does at LISC.

Registration fees, and other costs that a team has some of which is retained by the clubs and academies. If you believe these businesses are in for your kids you need to think again. If you have the balls, and you are with a not for profit club ask to see the checkbook and find out how many board members, coaches, and trainers might have a club credit card like we saw at East Meadow. Former board member Tom Alio sure loved his club credit card.

If you are with a for profit academy they will not share, and they dont have to share their financial info with the parent so you will never know....