High expectations for South Side

With four appearances in the last five Nassau Class A championship games, including a pair of titles, South Side has enjoyed as much recent success on the boys’ soccer pitch as any program in the county.

Expectations remain high for the Cyclones, who last season went 7-2-2 against Conference A1 rivals and won three playoff games before settling for county runner-up status to Jericho. “We’ve got a pretty good side,” South Side coach Fred Paul said. “The kids work hard and get along well together. I’m happy with the progress so far.”

The Cyclones brought back six starters and will face a schedule similar to 2013. It calls for one game against each of their 11 conference foes, with a few non-league contests sprinkled in. They kicked off Sept. 5 with a non-league 1-1 tie with Baldwin at Skelos Sports Complex. “I think what we’re doing with the schedule is the best of the options,” Paul said of the countywide alignment.

One of the key figures during last year’s run to the finals is back in the fold to lead the way. Senior All-County midfielder Alessandro Pugliese enters his fourth campaign at the varsity level and comes off a season that saw him register 10 goals and assist on five others despite being slowed by a quad injury. He had both South Side tallies in its 2-1 semifinal win over Bellmore-JFK. “He’s an exceptional player who can definitely play at the next level,” Paul said. “He’s gone from a facilitator to a goal scorer, but I think we’ll see a combination of that this year.”

Paul is looking for Pugliese and junior All-Conference selection Matt DiLuccio to be standouts in the middle. Both are captains, and DiLuccio contributed three goals a year ago while holding down the fort defensively. “Matt is the link between our defense and forwards,” Paul said. “He’s good in the air and someone who creates opportunities for others.”

What eventually happens at outside midfield depends on where senior Matt Bohn lands. He could switch to forward, but regardless of his spot on the field he’ll provide grit, smooth passing and scoring ability, Paul said. Early in the season, the coach is planning to use a rotation on the outside with senior Brandon Brower, junior Connor Byrne, and sophomores Chris Romanowski and Charles Silecchia all seeing action.

Senior John Debenedittis, an All-Conference choice, moves to striker from an outside midfield spot. “He’s a very creative player and we’re freeing his defensive responsibilities,” Paul said. “He’s quick, sees the field well and can put the ball in the net.” Senior Marcotulio Clavasquin brings plenty of speed to the front line.

Defensively, the Cyclones return seniors Brian McKeon and Will Murray as the anchors at stopper and fullback, respectively. Sophomore Pat Basile takes over at sweeper. In goal, talented Josh Levine has all the tools and Paul is confident the junior will continue the program’s tradition of strong play between the pipes. “We’ve been blessed with top keepers for a long time,” Paul said.