Offense fuels Carey's turnaround

The 2014 boys’ soccer season was one to forget for Carey. The Seahawks suffered a myriad of injuries, dealt with one of the most difficult schedules in the county, and the end result was a disappointing 2-11 overall finish.

With some key returnees, a deep roster, and most importantly, a healthy lineup, the Seahawks hit the ground running this year. Carey lost just once over its first seven matches, and, after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to first place Garden City, stands at 6-3-3 (3-3-3 in Nassau Conference A1). 

With just a pair of matches to play, the Seahawks should be on their way to securing a postseason berth. The first five teams in each conference are assured of a trip to the playoffs. Carey is currently in fifth place, a point behind Hewlett. 

Carey coach Matt Princi believes his team’s best soccer is yet to come. “We’ve been banged up again, this year, and haven’t been at full strength all season,” Princi said. “When we’re healthy, we’re a dangerous team. We lost three games, each time by a goal, to the top teams in the league. If we have everyone back for the playoffs, we’re not only talented, but we’re deep.”

Following a year where goals were few and far between, Carey announced its presence in a big way in its first two games. In an opening day 6-1 win over Clarke, the Seahawks got a pair of goals from senior captain Sean Reddy, and a goal and an assist from junior Adam Fields.

Carey followed up the rout with a 5-1 victory at Herricks. Andrew Higgins, who has been injured for nearly all of the season, scored a pair of goals to lead the way. Princi expects to have the talented sophomore back for the last match of the season and the playoffs.

Unlike teams that have a lone go-to player to mark, the Seahawks have a balanced attack. Three players, Reddy, and juniors Nick Acquafredda and Vince Matozzo, are among the top 10 in both goals and assists in the conference. Each found the back of the net in a key 3-0 home win against intra-district rival Sewanhaka.

Carey’s play at midfield has been one of the keys to the team’s resurgence. Acquafredda, sophomore Christian Viti, and junior Carlos Llamosa, another player who has missed considerable time due to injury, have controlled play. Fields, Higgins, sophomore Corey Brinken, and seniors Dan Mancini and Andreas Perdios give Princi a world of talent at midfield.

Senior captain Nick Sivilli is the heart and soul of Carey’s backline. Sivilli, a four-year varsity player, and seniors Dan Rosini and Greg Matzelle, form an excellent line of defense. 

Princi has gone with two keepers. Senior Dom Brusca and junior JC Arboleda have done a nice job of keeping the ball out of the net.

The Seahawks close out the regular season when they travel to New Hyde Park on Thursday for a 4:30 p.m. start.