Calhoun driven by midfield, defense

If Calhoun’s start to the 2015 boys’ soccer season is any indication, the Colts (0-1-1) are going to find themselves right in the thick of the Nassau County playoff hunt.

After putting together a strong summer league campaign, Calhoun hit the ground running in early September, fighting for a 1-1 tie with Uniondale in its non-conference season opener, and giving MacArthur, the defending Nassau Class AA champion, a run for its money in a 2-0 Conference AA-IV-opening loss.

“The biggest thing is chemistry,” coach Jim Cantley said. “We have good practices and everyone is on the same page. They’re listening and coachable.

“Against Uniondale, you’d never know it was a preseason game. [Both teams] were very physical and it was a hard-fought battle. [Our guys] might be soft-spoken, nice guys but when gametime comes they’re ready to go.”

Built around a strong defense, the Colts have a pair of goalies who saw action in the first two games, senior John Speciale and junior David Futterman. The varsity backup last season, Speciale has size and strength and a knack for making tough saves, while Futterman is in his first varsity campaign after starting for JV. He is vocal, excels with the ball at his feet and has a quick first step.

Senior Brian Hendrickson, an All-Conference returnee at stopper, is joined on defense by senior James Forte and junior Ryan Elliott on the outside, with junior Dylan Jainchill in the mix for time at sweeper. Will Clarke, a junior, is a physical presence at stopper, and the unit will also get contributions from junior Cole Haile. “We always like to have a good defense,” Cantley said. “I think the defense looks good and the midfield is working together nicely.”

Led by a pair of returning starters and playmaking passers at center midfield—juniors Michael Harten and Joe Thomann—the unit also has speed and depth on the outside where Cantley hopes to continuously rotate in fresh legs. The group on the outside includes senior Donovan Reed and juniors Eddie Krezminski and Shane Sanders. And if Calhoun is making a rush, Hendrickson can also slide up. Senior midfielder Stephen Dobre has already scored, tallying the team’s goal in the tie with Uniondale when he converted a shot from 30 yards out. “He had a few goals last year and is physical and tough and can win the 50/50 balls in the middle of the field,” Cantley said.

Among the forwards the Colts will be looking at to pump some shots into the net are senior Troy Wade and junior Eric Stewart, though the midfielders are also expected to join the attack and put pressure on opposing defenses. Junior Nealson Gil provides a booming foot on corner kicks and is a strong possession-type player.

“I like the chemistry of the team,” Cantley said. “They’re all friends and encourage each other. There’s no negativity.”