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A Few Clouds Owls look to compete for title
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Lynbrook senior Antonio Condoleo, right, works against Hewlett's Idan Sasson during a scrimmage.
Kathy Leistner/Herald
Despite losing most of its offensive production from a team that advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Nassau Class A playoffs a year ago, Lynbrook expects to be in the hunt for a conference title. With a senior-laden roster, the Owls and coach Josh Berlin expect to earn a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season, and to make some noise in the postseason.
“The conference should be pretty balanced, but we may have a little more horse power than the others,” Berlin said. “We will challenge for the conference championship.”
Lynbrook must replace Gino Cipriano, who had 17 goals to lead the conference in scoring in 2008. Senior captain Folnetti Alvarez, who found the back of the net twice in the Owls’ season-opening 5-1 win over West Hempstead, will be one of the players expected to help fill the void. Also returning at midfield is seniors Brian Brethel and Antonio Condoleo. Brethel had seven assists as a junior. Juniors Rich Bellusci and James Kirby, senior Adam Solow and sophomore Mike Millilo round out the midfield unit.
Senior captain Andrew Malordy (seven goals, four assists last fall) is Lynbrook’s top returning scorer. He scored the lone goal in the Owls 3-1 loss to Oceanside in the championship game of last week’s Mineola Mustang Cup tournament. Junior Angelo Messina and senior Tim Hand will both contribute at striker.
On defense, Lynbrook has a good one in senior captain Jordan Zides, an All-County honorable mention recipient. Zides is a highly skilled player who is very strong to the ball and distributes well. Joining Zides on the back line are senior Kevin Alonge and junior Andrew Marks. Senior captain Ralph Bilotta is injured, but hopes to return before the end of the season. The defense is rounded out by senior Jake Nachmias and junior Gonzallo Andreani. In goal, the Owls have the athletic Matt Patick.
The Owls, who compete with Carle Place, Great Neck North, Wantagh, New Hyde Park, Roosevelt and Island Trees, could be the team to beat. “With 14 seniors, we have a lot of experience, but a different mix of personalities and skill sets,” said Berlin, who is assisted by Chris Caramore. “We hope to mesh as the season progresses, and find the balance and symmetry that we need to be successful.”
Lynbrook hosts Roosevelt at North Middle School on Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000, ext. 204.
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