Rousing start for Lawrence

Down a goal after 36 minutes and still not satisfied with pulling even by intermission, Lawrence’s boys’ soccer team put together its finest half of the season to win its fifth straight out of the gate, 6-1, at Valley Stream South on Sept. 17.

The Golden Tornadoes, who got a hat trick and an assist from senior Francisco Quintanilla, scored three times in the first five minutes of the second half to take command. Junior Carlos Martinez added two goals and an assist, and senior Franklin Hernandez chipped in a goal and two assists. 

“At halftime, the kids had looks on their faces as though we already lost,” coach Patrick Leary said. “That kind of mindset is what you want. They knew they could play better, and they proved it in the second half.”

Lawrence (3-0 in Conference A2), which has won two straight conference titles and went 11-3-2 overall last season, had to replace the bulk of its starters up the middle. “The puzzle is easier to put together when there’s a lot of talent,” Leary said. “The vacated spots have been filled by experienced players who’ve accepted bigger roles and are running with it.”

After spending last fall as key defensive contributors on the outside, Hernandez and junior Josue Siguenza are two returnees thriving in new positions. Hernandez has made a smooth transition to forward and led the Golden Tornadoes in scoring (six goals, four assists) through five games, Leary said. “It looks like he’s always played up top,” Leary said of Hernandez, who set up two Quintanilla goals in a 2-1 victory over Division. “He’s been phenomenal.”

Siguenza’s tools made him an ideal fit for center-midfield. “He’s a special player who makes solid decisions,” Leary said. “He’s tough and has some wiggle to him.”

Quintanilla hasn’t changed positions after finding the net 10 times in 2013 on the way to earning Honorable Mention All-County status. He’s already at a team-leading seven goals, plus two assists, heading into this week’s action. “Francisco’s a natural goal-scorer,” Leary said. “He’s a known quantity, but the way Hernandez has played teams can’t just mark one of them.”

For the most part, Martinez, senior Chris Monzon, and sophomore Jamie Diluzio are running with Siguenza in the midfield. Martinez, one of few returnees at his previous position, is a hard-nosed player with strong ball skills. Diluzio is a newcomer to the program but not the sport. “Jamie’s fundamentals are off the charts,” Leary noted. “He’s fit in beautifully. He’s smart and has an endless motor.”

Monzon is the team’s most versatile player and has spent time all over the field with the exception of goalkeeper, where senior Chris Chavarria brings a good set of hands and quick feet. On defense, senior Delwin Humpries and junior Louis Rogue are the new outside backs, junior Haris Deljanin is a physical presence in the center, and senior Fredy Ramirez does the sweeping.

“These kids don’t care who gets the credit,” Leary said. “They just want to play soccer and be successful.”