The varsity boys soccer team, led by Coach Brossard, is approaching the end of its regular season with only one game left and the playoffs rapidly approaching.  The soccer team finished 9-3-2 and the third seed overall, making them one of the elite teams in the AA1 Conference and a strong playoff contender.  They play sixth-seeded Baldwin in the opening round of playoffs, and will look to make a deep postseason run.

An integral part of the team’s performance has been the team’s chemistry, as they have had a number of seniors that have played together for many seasons.  

“The program has always done a great job integrating new members of the team and making them feel comfortable with the coaches and the rest of the team,” said Coach Brossard.  “This has undoubtedly been one of the main reasons year after year we are constantly challenging for a county championship.”

A big reason for this has been from the captains Jesse Schiff, Sean McClellan, Sean Ernst, and Roberto Lopez.  They are leaders on and off the field, have consistently led this team through its ups and downs, and bring their all to practice every day.  

  The team’s success can also be attributed to great individual player performances.  Sean Ernst is the leading goal scorer for the team with eight goals while Derek Suarez has the second most with four. Felix Rubinstein and Raiga Sawada have tallied two goals a piece and multiple assists each which have greatly benefited the team’s success.  Jesse Schiff, Roberto Hernandez, Davin Rabman, Sean McClellan, and Charles Cifarelli have all played great on defense, and goalie Ben Stein has been a brick wall in net making some world class saves with several clean sheets.

  Everyone on the team has contributed and made an impact to the Vikings’ success.  In their final game of the season, Port Washington defeated Uniondale 3-0 to secure a home playoff game under the lights.  The team is approaching the playoffs, which is the start of their run towards the Nassau County Championship which the team is hoping to win.  

Although the starters have played a massive role, the bench is another big reason for the team’s success and knowing how to manage who goes in and out is crucial.

 “It is always difficult on who should start matches because we have such a deep group skill wise that our training and recent form in previous matches help determine who will see minutes.  There is always an opportunity for surprises in the lineup and rotation due to injuries and fatigue and from players working hard in practice and showing the coaches they deserve to play,” said Coach Brossard. 

The team is ranked the three seed in the playoffs and plays a formerly ranked team in the state, Baldwin, whom they defeated in the regular season, 2-0. The boys are riding high and are looking to make a statement.

“Our expectations are to do what we’ve been talking about since summer and that is to bring home the county championship. We’re all excited and ready to make a run,” said senior Sean Ernst.