Submitted by Elizabeth Sobel.
Faced with a record of
0-25-5 during the previous two seasons, the MacArthur boys soccer team was determined to turn things
around this year.
The boys attended early morning weight training sessions in the spring and
continuing with soccer training throughout the summer. It was evident early on
that the group had grown close, which helped them to overcome numerous
adversities throughout the season.
For the first time since
2007, the Generals won the AA Conference. The team finished the regular season
with a record of 10-1-2, led the conference with 10 shutouts (second in Nassau
County) and received their highest seed in the playoffs (No. 3) in over 10
years before losing 1-0 to Plainview in the quarterfinals.
Sophomore Greg Baumstein and senior
Matt Norcini received All-County awards, while junior Frank Micieli received
All-County Honorable Mention. Junior goalkeeper Kevin Mayer and seniors Rob
Bennet, Pat Newins, Ryan Palusko and Chris Pappas also received All-Conference
awards.
Justin Perez was the recipient of a Scholar-Athlete Award and Anthony
Rocchio was the winner of the “Unsung Hero” coaches award.
James Barrett, Matt Bascelli and
Christian Kennedy were integral parts of the Generals’ defense, while Joe
Giammarusco, Patrick Hurley and Ben Zilka proved pivotal in controlling the
midfield. Nick Butcher, Matt Gino, James Lafrance, Chris Lara, Diego
Rodriguez and Diego Sanchez provided key game moments as well.
The future is
bright for MacArthur soccer, and this year’s team will not be forgotten.
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