V.S. North develops new rivalries

After stringing together back-to-back double-digit win seasons and reaching the quarterfinal round of the Nassau Class A boys’ soccer playoffs each time, Valley Stream North will look to keep its run of success going under the county’s new alignment.

The Spartans, who went 11-4-1 overall in 2012 and were co-champions of Conference ABC-IV with Island Trees, are now part of a 12-team Conference A-II. They’ll play each of their 11 conference rivals once, and the top six finishers will qualify for the playoffs.

“It has good points and bad points,” VSN coach Dave Aguado said of realignment. “We’ve built some strong rivalries in recent years and we’re going to miss playing teams twice. If someone beats you the first time, you won’t get an opportunity to avenge it unless you see them in the playoffs.”

North’s conference rivals are Island Trees, Lawrence, Bethpage, North Shore, Floral Park, Valley Stream South, Great Neck North, Roslyn, Glen Cove, Lynbrook, and Manhasset. “There are no easy games and it’ll be nice to play Valley Stream South,” Aguado said of the Oct. 18 regular-season finale. “We’ll also renew some older rivalries.”

Aguado expects the Spartans to boast a balanced lineup featuring mostly experienced varsity players. He said returning to the playoffs and challenging for the conference title are some of the team’s goals. “We’ve had a pretty good run in recent years and want to keep it going,” he said.

The defense will have a much different look than a year ago with four new starters, but Aguado believes the group can jell quickly given its overall experience. Senior Quentin Sathasium returns to the program after concentrating on club soccer in 2012. Two years ago, he started every game at sweeper. “He’s small, but he plays big,” Aguado said. “He’s a very smart and excellent defender. If we’re desperate for a goal, we can move him forward late in games.”

A pair of starting midfielders last season — Edwin Hernandez and Andres Salcedo — switched positions to bolster the defense. Both are solid defenders and leaders, Aguado said. Another key to the back row will be junior Christian Cruz, a varsity reserve last year who is strong on the ball and wins most 50-50 battles.

Both goalkeepers will see time, Aguado said. Senior Alec D’Aulisa has an edge in the experience department entering his third year on varsity. He shared the workload in 2012. Senior Alex Piccirillo is up after serving as the JV starter. 

In the midfield, senior Danny Cossu will set the tone at center. “He wins battles, can score and distribute,” Aguado said. Senior Juan Rivera, who has six goals last fall including two in the playoffs, is dangerous with and without the ball. Senior Fritznel Pierre steps into a bigger role, while talented freshman Luciano Cirelli looks to be a factor after starring on JV.

Up front, senior speedster Roody Derineau and junior Kevin Aquino lead the way after scoring four goals apiece as reserves last season.