The boys soccer team has embarked on yet another season here at Schreiber.  The team is coming off a solid season, with a quarterfinal appearance in last year’s playoffs.  The group is led by head coach Mr. Donald Fish, assistant coach Mr. Stefan Broussard, and senior captain Savvas Christoforou and junior captain Jack Friedman.  The team is hoping to make yet another playoff run, and outdo last years quarterfinal finish.

“The team’s goals for the season are to work hard to get first place and win the county’s,” said sophomore Jason Vinciguerra.

This is a consistent winning mentality the team has had for years, but what is making this season unique compared to ones in the past is the camaraderie and sense of brotherhood amongst the players.

“We do not like to be classified as a team, but as a family. We’re a very talented team and I believe that we will make it far together as a family,” said sophomore Andrew Sichani. “Not only is our coaching staff great, the team’s talent and heart for the game is just incredible.   Playing alongside Savvas and Jack is amazing, they are two very skilled players who tend to give us motivation during our talks.  I love the boys just as much as I love the game.”

The team’s skill, relationship, and chemistry has sparked a great start to their season.  In their first six games they have four wins and two losses. Every player has contributed and left everything on the field to help the team win.  With their talent, the potential for this group of athletes to succeed is through the roof. However, what will propel this team over opponents is their love for each other and the game.

“For the three years I’ve been at Schreiber, the team may never have been as hopeful and close as it is this year.  The team has gotten to a point where we all feel like this is more than a team.  We started on a very negative note where we lost 4-0 to Westbury, but since then the entire mentality of the team has changed and everyone knows that we can go far together as a team,” said junior captain Jack Friedman.

The coaches and captains have promoted mental toughness, hustle and the significance of sportsmanship on the team; surely important values that represent Port Washington in a positive way. This year they are looking to work even harder than ever and break through tough teams, such as Syosset and North.

“Some may say that our first loss against Westbury was tragic, but we looked at it as a wake up call and decided to work harder.  That has put us in second place currently. For the rest of the season, our goal is to be the AA-2 conference champions and go on and win playoffs. There is no doubt in my mind that we can do this, but it won’t be easy,” said senior captain Savvas Christoforou.

With many new players this season, the coaches are looking at a team of young players who are willing to work hard. There are many sophomores this season that give the team depth this year and in the years to come. Port soccer is looking strong now, and they are likely to continue being a threat to other schools’ teams in the upcoming years.

Despite a tough loss to Westbury to open the season and another loss to North Shore, the team has beaten East Meadow, Hicksville, Long Beach and Friends Academy, proving to other teams in the Nassau Conference A-2 that they are here to stay.  Junior Jose Lima-Sagastume has been vital to the teams early success, with eight points, ranking sixth in the conference.  Players such as Friedman, Christoforou and junior Warren Sanger have greatly contributed to the teams winning. While these are just a few players, it should not go unnoticed that every player on the team has given they’re everything and done important things that may not come up on a stat sheet, such as chasing every ball.

“Whenever there is a game we all walk on the field knowing that we will do anything for the win, putting our body’s on the line for tackles and giving all our heart to keep us going no matter what the score is,” said Sichani.

In less than a month, the players have labeled themselves as brothers and family.  Every time these athletes take the field, our community is being served and represented through a respectful and positive light.  The hard work and spirit of this group is unleveled.  This will do justice to the Vikings as the season proceeds.