Carey off to impressive start

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After a memorable run to the Nassau County Class A semifinals, last fall, Carey is back and looking for more on the boys’ soccer pitch in 2016. With much of the nucleus back and a healthy lineup, the Seahawks will be one of the teams to beat in a very strong Conference A1.

Carey, which had to get through an outbracket game just to earn a spot in the round of 16, had an injury-riddled regular season in 2015. Along with Great Neck South, Jericho, and Garden City, the Seahawks figure to be in the mix for league supremacy.

After last Friday’s 7-0 win at Elmont, Carey improved to 3-0-4 overall (2-0-3 in league play). Vince Matozzo scored three goals and added an assist to lead the way. 

Carey coach Matt Princi has seen his team carry the momentum of last year’s march through the playoffs into the new season. “Losing in the semifinals left a bad taste in our mouths,” Princi said. “There’s definitely a feeling of unfinished business. Early in the season, it’s all about meshing and getting everyone on the same page. If we stay healthy, we should be a dangerous team.”

One thing the Seahawks won’t do in is sneak up on opponents. With the bullseye squarely on its back, Carey opened its league schedule with a major test when perennial power Jericho came to town. The Seahawks passed with flying colors as attacking midfielder Nick Acquafredda scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

Matozzo, who earned All-County Honorable Mention recognition as a junior when he scored 10 goals and assisted on nine others, has picked up where he left off. He has found the back of the net six times over Carey’s first seven games. Junior Andrew Higgins, a three-year varsity performer, joins Matozzo on the front line. Higgins has scored three goals.

Acquafredda, a returning All-County honoree, does it all for the Seahawks. The hard-working senior is excellent on 50/50 balls and finishes well. He has four goals and two assists for the season. The game moves through center defensive midfielder Christian Viti. Physicality and ability to mark tightly make Viti a presence.

Juniors Corry Brinken and Steven Lopez form a solid tandem at outside midfield. Both are experienced players who have speed down the flank. Junior Chris Maggi is a very skilled player who has a knack for winning his one on one battles. 

Keeper Gianclaudio Arboleda returned in goal for the Seahawks. Arboleda, who is great at coming off his line and with his feet, had eight saves in the Jericho win. Senior Carlos Llamosa is as imposing as it gets on defense. Llamosa is the backbone of the defense. He’s joined by senior Adam Fields, one of the county’s fastest players, and Vito Lombardo, a player with speed and the ability to distribute the ball. Arboleda and the members of the defensive unit all handle the ball well.