Baldwin clings to playoff hopes

The postseason fate of the Baldwin girls’ soccer team is still to be determined.

Yet, what the Bruins have accomplished this season certainly is nothing short of amazing.

Despite playing every game on the road through last weekend, Baldwin has lost but twice en route to a 4-2-5 overall record and a 2-2-5 mark in Conference AAA/AA3.

Because the schools’ athletic fields are under construction, all games, but one, have been played on the road. “As I told the girls at the beginning, this season for us is going to be about road warriors," Rogers said.

The Bruins have been conceding only 12 goals.

"It says a lot for the girls and team spirit, that we can go out there and push other teams on their own field,” Rogers said. “Everybody wants to play at home. You end up with a lot more parents, the whole aspect of cheering the team on, encouraging them from the sidelines."

Still, there is room for improvement. Baldwin’s attack (15 goals) could use a boost.

While the Bruins have avoided losses, they could have secured a few more victories.

Through the weekend, Baldwin had a seven-game unbeaten streak (2-0-5). Rogers was hopeful his team was over the hump.

"If it weren't for those ties, we'd be right at the top of the table," he said. "We get caught up being in a position to beat teams and just coming up a little bit short. But hopefully we're at a point now where we're starting to turn that around."

Rogers noted that Baldwin defeated New Hyde Park, 2-1, last Friday, a rematch of a 3-0 loss on Sept. 19. Eighth-grader Malia Robinson scored the winning goal off an Anna Wehr assist nine minutes into the second half. Robinson set up Wehr's first-half goal. Each player has four goals this season.

"It was very gratifying, especially at this point in the season," he said. “This is a time of year when you want your form to be on because you're coming into the playoff season. That's when ideally you want the team to peak."

Annabelle Lopez leads the team with five goals, plus two assists.

Goalkeeper Dee ikechukwu has been outstanding, having made a conference-high 114 saves.

“She comes up time and again with incredible saves,” Rogers said. “Even the other coaches from the other teams have said, ‘Wow, you some keeper out there.’ “

Other key players include defenders Jordyn Faria and Amanda Aguiluz. A third backline player, Haiti Vann, hasn't played since she fractured her foot earlier in the season.

After hosting Hicksville on its lone home game of the season on Senior Day on Monday, the Bruins close out their conference schedule at Jericho and at Port Washington.

"I'm hoping that we can make the playoffs," Rogers said, adding that Baldwin could “be drawn against a one or two seed. Anything can happen. We're just starting to get to that point where we're progressing. Hopefully, we can do well."