Offense to propel Long Beach

Bolstered by an influx of young club players and the return of eight starters,  Long Beach girls’ soccer coach T.J. Burke is banking on offensive firepower to bring the team to challenge for a playoff spot after a 4-8 finish in 2009.

“This is the most offensive talent we’ve had since I started coaching here four years ago,” Burke said after the Lady Marines opened with an impressive 5-1 victory over Conference III rival Great Neck South on Sept. 15. “I knew we had a lot of club players in the sophomore and freshmen classes, and they’re head and shoulders above the JV level,” he added. “Between this game and scrimmages, they’ve proven capable of playing well on varsity. I just want them to go out and not play scared.”

Based on Long Beach’s performance out of the gate, maybe opponents should be concerned. Three of the team’s goals came off the feet of freshmen Shannon Horgan, Melissa Rubin and Jessica Shreck. Also scoring were juniors Lauren Dionisio and sophomore Shannon Romig, and sophomore goalkeeper Cathryna Hughes made six stops.

“It’s a nice way to start,” Burke said. “Great Neck South is a competitive team and we responded well after they came out strong.”

Though Hughes will be the less-experienced keeper in most games, she trained hard over the summer and will benefit from a defense led by Horgan. An All-Conference selection in 2009, Horgan is a physical player with a powerful shot and tremendous all-around skills. She’ll move to midfield when Burke wants to pick up the offensive pace. “Nobody’s getting past Shannon one-on-one,” Burke said. “She’s something special.”

Sophomore Lisset Sanchez steps into the stopper position after a strong year at the JV level. “Her job is to lock up one forward,” Burke said. Lending support will be junior Aileen Denis, who brings speed and athleticism. Junior Emily Cerda and sophomore Hayley Kosiner give the Lady Marines a solid tandem at fullback, and Rubin is a defensive-minded midfielder who can help control the center along with sophomore Emily Agudelo.

Burke said Agudelo will be one of the highest-skilled players on the field every game. “Her feet are like glue with the ball,” Burke said. “She can beat defenders one-on-one and always distributes to the right spot.” Junior Virginia Gillespie, another returning starter to the midfield, is a steady contributor with a wealth of varsity experience.

A number of players will see time up front,  led by Shreck, Dionisio, junior Caitline O’Connell and sophomore Brianna Posada. The coach said Shreck “reads plays better than anyone we’ve had at forward in a long time,” and is happy to have Dionisio back in the program after she spent 2009 at Holy Trinity.

“It’s a very young team, but we’re talking playoffs,” Burke said. 

The top four finishers in the eight-team Conference III will qualify for post-season play. Kennedy, Mepham and Calhoun figure to present the stiffest challenges for the Lady Marines, who play home games at Long Beach Middle School.