South Side seeks big finish

After breaking out of the gate with three straight victories against Conference A-1 foes, South Side’s boys’ soccer team is mired in a rare drought with no wins and one tie in its past four outings.

“Every once in a while you hit a rough patch in life,” coach Fred Paul said after the Cyclones settled for a 1-1 tie at Plainedge on Oct. 2. “We’re just trying to right the ship. Our primary goal now is to get to the playoffs. If we do, nobody on the other side of the ledger is going to be happy to see us.”

The top six finishers in the 12-team A-1 are guaranteed a playoff spot, along with any team with a .500 record or better in conference play. South Side stands at 3-3-1 with four games remaining. “I’m confident we’ll fix things, but the only sure thing is we play New Hyde Park next,” Paul said. “We can’t look beyond anyone. They’ve got three ties against quality opponents and a bunch of one-goal losses.”

Senior Marco Tulio Clavasquin scored South Side’s goal at Plainedge in the first half on a fortunate bounce, but Paul said blown opportunities to pad the advantage ultimately cost the Cyclones a couple of points in the standings. The Red Devils earned their fifth tie in seven games when Ripepe found the net in the second half off a restart. “We were asleep at the wheel and they caught us on the restart,” Paul said. “We weren’t ready. We also had plenty of chances to put the game away earlier.”

After opening conference play with back-to-back shutouts of Manhasset and Wantagh, the Cyclones have allowed nine goals in five games. “We’re used to holding teams to no goals,” Paul said. “A typical South Side defense doesn’t give up a goal every game.

“I’m not looking to make any changes,” he added. “I believe in the group we have. It’s just a matter of being accountable for all 80 minutes, not just 78.”

Seniors Will Murray, Brian McKeon and Matt Browne, along with sophomore Patrick Basile, get the lion’s share of defensive minutes. Paul said junior goalkeeper Josh Levine has played well and made a dynamic save to preserve the tie at Plainedge.

Offensively, the Cyclones (3-4-2 overall) produced four goals in a two-game stretch against Great Neck South and Lawrence but suffered shutout losses against Garden City and Bellmore-JFK. Senior Johnny DeBenedittis had both goals against Great Neck South, while senior Matt Diez and junior Chris Bohn tallied in a non-league loss to Lawrence.  

“There are some tactical things we need to do a little better,” Paul said. “We have talented offensive players. We have the weapons; we just have to find another gear.”

After New Hyde Park, the Cyclones get Sewanhaka, Great Neck North, and Jericho.

“It’s one of the most enjoyable groups of kids I’ve been around,” Paul said. “I want them to have fun out there and let their talents shine.”