South Side ready for new challenge

South Side returns the majority of its starting lineup from a team that suffered only one defeat in 17 games last season, falling only to Jericho, 3-2, in the semifinal round of the Nassau Class A boys’ soccer playoffs.

The Cyclones, who still boast a handful of players from their 2014 county championship squad, will compete in Conference A-II after going 7-0-4 in A-I and 11-1-5 overall. “Our goal is the same,” coach Fred Paul said. “We want to win the last game we play. Last season we trailed in only three games. It was a great year, but we found a way not to win the semifinal.”

Among South Side’s new conference opponents are defending county champion Floral Park, Glen Cove, Lawrence and Plainedge. “We’re playing some teams we haven’t faced in a while,” Paul said. “It’ll be interesting.”

Five Cyclones return after earning individual honors in 2015, including senior sweeper Patrick Basile. He was the MVP of the county finals when South Side captured the crown two years ago and followed up with Honorable Mention All-County recognition. “He’s the anchor of our team and one of the captains,” Paul said. “He provides so much offensively, but he’s too valuable at sweeper so he’s staying there.” Basile will take the majority of re-starts and brings excellent field vision, physicality and composure to the back row, the coach added.

A pair of All-Conference selections return at forward, including senior captain Ryan Prendergast who led the Cyclones in goals a year ago with eight. Five of his tallies came in the playoffs. “He’s adept with both feet and we’re looking for consistency, which we know he can provide,” Paul said. Joe Buglione enjoyed an All-Conference campaign as a freshman and works well with Prendergast. “Joe is so full of energy and knows how to finish,” said Paul, who added junior Matt Trencheny and sophomore Matteo Romanello will contribute up front.

Defensively, senior stopper Ryan D’Accordo returns along with Basile and the duo will be asked to set the tone in the middle of the back row as well as ignite the transition game. “Ryan’s like Pat in that he never panics,” Paul explained. “If you get by him once, you’re not going to beat him again.” 

Six players are vying for the starting fullback spots. One of last year’s fullbacks, senior Thomas Doyle, an All-Conference choice, is moving to the midfield. “Thomas is a big, physical kid who’s smart with the ball and strong in the air,” Paul said. 

Senior Charles Silecchia, another All-Conference selection, returns at outside midfield where his speed and creativity make him a dangerous threat. Senior Chris Romanowski and freshman Robert Reis will serve as attacking center middies.

In goal, senior Jake Camaritto takes over the starting position after getting a taste of varsity action in non-league games. “He’s hungry, he has good skills, and it’s his time to shine,” Paul said. “He doesn’t need to be anyone other than the best goalie he can be.”