The boys varsity soccer team is coming off a great season and they are looking forward to improving even more this year. Last year, the team had seven wins, four draws, and three losses in the regular season. Then, the Vikings traveled to play Syosset High School in a thrilling playoff game that the Vikings won 1-0. The boys then went on to play Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School in the semifinals. Unfortunately, the Vikings could not overcome Plainview-Old Bethpage in a heartbreaking defeat.
“I believe that our team this year is arguably the most talented varsity team that I have been a part of. Every player is quality and I think if we continue to play well together, we will bring home the County chip like we should have last year and the year before,” said senior captain Felix Rubinstein.
The Vikings are ready for the new season and any challenges that may come with it. The team started the year strong, with two wins and one tie to start the season. The boys opened the season with a 3-0 victory against the Massapequa Chiefs with goals from Rubinstein, junior Rey Reynolds, and a header by sophomore Sam Adler.
The team continued their great start after a 1-1 draw against Hicksville High School by beating Academy Charter 7-0 on Thursday, Sept. 12. In a semifinals rematch against Plainview-Old Bethpage on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the boys earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw. In another playoff rematch against Syosset High School on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Syosset, the Vikings suffered a tough loss 1-0. The team also has important upcoming matches against Oceanside High School on Monday, Sept. 30 and against Farmingdale High School on Tuesday, Oct. 8, who are both high in the standings. The boys are gearing up and getting ready for their big matchups that are coming up.
“We have to defend well and score our chances to beat Plainview Old-Bethpage. We have to play simply, but that is easier said than done,” said junior Matthw Kokklakis.
The boys are excited and looking to get revenge on the team that ended their season last fall.
The Vikings roster is filled to the brim with great talent this season. They have defenders like Kokkalakis and junior Nico Lopez. Other defenders, including seniors Bryan Duran, Ryan Regan, Gianluca Sausa, junior Henry Babaian, and sophomore Gavin Neville, will be looking to secure more playing time this season. The midfield group includes talent from last season like senior Abram Freilich and juniors Luke Magali and Luke Mchaughton, and new talent from sophomores Sam Adler, Austin Vaezi, and Peter Russo. McNaughton was awarded an All Conference spot last year and is the Vikings junior captain.
Rubinstein returns as captain of the team for a third straight year and led the attack last season after scoring a team-leading nine goals last season, five of which were game winners. Rubinstein’s amazing goal tally earned him an All County spot last year. Rubinstein was also named to Newsday’s top 100 Long Island Boys Soccer players. He is already back at it this season with an amazing goal from long distance against Academy Charter. Other players in attack include seniors Leo Herman and Jackson Weinstein.
The Vikings goalkeeper for this fall is senior Owen Jarrell, who started 15 games last season, while making 75 saves and having six shutouts. Jarrell’s work in net earned him an All County honorable mention last season. Jarrell’s performance also landed him a spot in Newsday’s Top 100 Long Island Boys Soccer Players. Jarrell’s senior season is already off to a hot start with two shutouts in the first three games. Rubinstein, Jarrell, and McNaughton will look to lead the Vikings to a deep playoff run this season, with help from Magali and Sausa, who will be looking to have breakout seasons.
The Vikings will look to continue their amazing start to the season as the year progresses.
“We will need to stay strong and simple throughout the season to make the playoffs and go deep into the playoffs,” said junior Magali.
Magali and other players are motivated for the season and ready for any challenge that comes their way this year. Overall, this Vikings team looks to be something special, with a brick wall in goal, an impenetrable defense in front of him, a midfield that can distribute the ball, and an attack that knows how to take their chances and score goals. They certainly feel that they have a shot at the conference championship and can make a deep run in the playoffs.
My goal is to establish myself and build a good rapport with the student-athletes, parents and school personnel. I will always act in the best interest of the student-athlete, and at the same time work with each individual to allow for them the best opportunity to play the sport they love, safely,” said Mr. DeSimone.
“We will need to stay strong and simple throughout the season to make the playoffs and go deep into the playoffs,” said junior Magali.
“We have to defend well and score our chances to beat Plainview Old-Bethpage. We have to play simply, but that is easier said than done,” said junior Matthw Kokklakis.