Sewanhaka getting positive results

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After struggling through a fall that yielded just one victory on the boys’ soccer pitch, Sewanhaka entered the 2015 season with something to prove to Nassau Conference A-1 foes. With a versatile and experienced roster, the Indians figured to be much improved, and, thus far, the results have been positive.

After a 3-0 victory over visiting Kennedy on the first day of October, the Indians upped their record to 2-3-1, and stand just two points out of fourth place in an extremely balanced conference. Danny Corado, Rasheed Bryan, and Elijah Kerr each had a goal to lead Sewanhaka. Bryan and Kerr each added an assist.

Sewanhaka coach Peter Burgess is hopeful that the result of the Kennedy game is a sign of things to come. “I’ve had a lot of the seniors since they were in the eighth grade, so I know what they’re capable of,” Burgess said. “We’re starting to play better. It took some time to figure out the right spots to put people in. This was a big win for us. We put everything together, controlled the midfield, and took care of the scoring opportunities that we got.”

The win couldn’t have come at a better time. Over a six-day period, the Indians will face Carey, Hewlett, and Elmont. Carey and Hewlett each have nine points, so the logjam in the standings should break up a bit. If Sewanhaka is going to secure a playoff berth, winning a couple of these matches is essential.

While senior Kevin Gilles (10 goals, two assists) has been the go-to scorer for the Indians, it has been a team effort that has led the team to respectability. Seven players have found the back of the net on the season.

The play at midfield has been the team’s strength. Giancarlo Cano, an All-Conference honoree as a junior, has been a stalwart performer at midfield. Pretty much everything the Indians do runs through Cano. Corado and Kerr, a talented sophomore who has exceeded expectations, have been solid at midfield as well.

When teams try to mark Gilles with one defender, he has been virtually unstoppable. Bryan, who can play both midfield and forward, can set teammates up or finish.

On the backline, it’s been defense by committee. Junior center fullback Erick Cifuentes leads the way with athleticism and leadership. Brian Cano, Danny Sanchez, and Jonathan Gaviria have been solid on defense.

Sophomore keeper Nicholas Gaviria, in his second year in net for the varsity, is a big part of the present and future of Sewanhaka soccer. Gaviria plays the angles well, is a solid ball stopper, and communicates well with his teammates. He had four saves in securing a 1-1 tie with perennial powerhouse Jericho.

“We have a big week ahead of us,” Burgess said. “We have to stay focused and organized throughout the field, and continue to get better at attacking and finishing in the final third.”

Elmont will travel across town to take on the Indians this Saturday at 10 a.m.