Seaford strong out of gate

After a disappointing 2-7-1 season last season, the Seaford boys’ soccer team is off to a strong start this fall as it strives for a Conference A playoff berth.

The Vikings opened 2-1 in League ABC-III to already equal last year’s win total and coach Ralph Pascarella is thrilled with the work ethic from his squad. “They are really hard working kids,” Pascarella said. “We started off well.”

The Vikings are led by junior center midfielder Luke Kasulke, who earned All-County honors last season. Entering the week Kasulke, led Seaford in scoring with five goals and three assists. He tallied a hat trick Sept. 6 in a 7-2 win against West Hempstead that featured a score just eight seconds into the game.

“He’s a special kid,” Pascarella said of Kasulke, who is being recruited by Division I colleges. “He’s big time.”

Kasulke anchors an offense that features several other scoring options. Pascarella is utilizing multiple players on the offensive attack including Andrew Schutzman, Tom Diprizito, Joey Ippolito, Colin Ogilve, Nick Diana and Nick Minerva.

 “Whoever is getting it done I rotate in,” Pascarella said. “Everyone knows their role.”

The Vikings have veteran experience on the defensive end of the field led by senior Jake Palmer, who has also registered two goals. Ryan Pearse is also a key part of the backline who has tallied two goals and one assist early on the season.

“These two in the back have been solid,” said Pascarella of Palmer and Pearse.

Alec Castellina has stepped up as first-time starting goalie. The senior net-minder recorded six saves in a 2-0 win against Island Trees on Sept. 13.

“He is working very hard,” Pascarella said of Castellina. “He is playing very well.”

Seaford next hits the road to face a challenging Mineola squad Saturday at 10 a.m. The Vikings next home match is slated for Saturday evening Oct. 1 against Clarke at 7 p.m. The green and white will then be home for the last two regular season matches on Oct. 14 against Friends Academy and Oct. 17 versus Cold Spring Harbor.

Pascarella said he hopes the Vikings strong start continues, but that beyond the wins and losses he wants to see improvement throughout the season. Seaford dropped overtime heartbreakers against the top-seeded teams in 2010 and 2011 first round playoff games and Pascarella hopes his 2016 team can get another shot at postseason glory.

“We’re just trying to continually get better,” he said.  “Hopefully along the way get some wins and make the playoffs and once you get there anything can happen”

Pascarella is enthusiastic about the word-ethic of his 2016 team and also excited about the results of the JV squad led by coach Eric Orsari. He credits Orsari for how he has developed the JV players and getting them ready for the varsity level.

“He is doing a great job with that group,” Pascarella said. “The future is bright for the program.”