Future looks bright for VSN

With 12 sophomores, freshmen or eighth-graders on its roster, the future is bright for Valley Stream North’s girls’ soccer program but wins have been few and far between in 2010.

“I don’t think any team we’ve played would say they had an easy time with us,” Lady Spartans coach Geoff O’Connell said after a hard-fought 3-1 Conference VII loss at Seaford last Friday night. 

“The way the new alignment was built by enrollment, we’re in with a lot of teams that used to be in higher conferences,” he added. “The schedule has challenged us physically, but the scores haven’t been indicative of how competitive we’ve been.”

The Lady Spartans are 3-8-1 overall with games against Clarke, Roosevelt and Mineola remaining. “It’s possible we can win out,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got a close-knit group of girls. They’ve kept their heads up all season and come into every game wanting to do their best and win.”

Nagging injuries to several players have forced O’Connell to use others in unfamiliar positions, thus compromising the team’s chances to be successful in terms of wins and losses. “We really haven’t had the same lineup all year,” he said. “None of the injuries we’ve suffered forced anyone out for the season, but things keep popping up.”

Though the roster is stocked with underclassmen, senior Nicole Moneta leads the way in terms of leadership. The five-year varsity player is one of the keys to the midfield from the center spot. “She’s our vocal leader and the glue that keeps the team together,” O’Connell said. “She picks everyone up when they’re down.”

Senior forward Samantha Staffa is another veteran. The fourth-year varsity performer tied for the team lead in goals in 2009 and ranks tied for high points this fall with five —three goals and two assists. “She’s energetic and always gives 100 percent,” O’Connell said.