Baldwin sets sights on playoffs

A year after missing the Nassau Class AA playoffs with a youthful roster, Baldwin will try to overcome an 0-2 start to finish among the top eight in the 13-team conference this fall to grab a postseason berth.

“Last year was a learning experience,” coach Chris Soupios said after the Bruins came up short at Oceanside, 1-0, on Sept. 11. “We’ve played well in scrimmages and in the first non-league game.

“We have to get on a run,” he added. “We haven’t had our full lineup yet, so hopefully we can compete with anyone when we’re at full strength.”

Baldwin’s offense took a hit in the conference-opening 2-0 loss to Hicksville on Sept. 9 when junior forward/midfielder Jonah Weekes went down with an undisclosed injury after he was dragged down from behind by a Comets’ player who received a red card. There is no timetable for Weekes to get back on the field. “He has the best footwork I’ve seen in a long time,” Soupios said. “He’s explosive with a nose for the net.”

Junior center-midfielder Timo Quane has also missed some action already with a muscle pull, but is expected to return soon according to Soupios. Quane scored the Bruins’ first goal of 2019 on a 30-yard free kick to secure a 1-1 draw with Long Beach on Sept. 4. “He’s a great passer and distributor who can also shoot,” Soupios said.

Though he’s hard-nosed and defensive-minded, senior middie John Padilla, one of the team’s captains, can push the ball upfield and make offensive runs, the coach noted. Sophomore midfielder Anthony Ramos has impressed Soupios in the early going with his field vision and has taken on a larger role. “He’s seeing the field twice as well as he did last year and I think the game is slowing down for him,” Soupios said.

Junior Daniel Ikechukwu is a candidate for a breakout campaign, the coach said, with his ability to dribble at a high rate of speed and beat defenders one-on-one. He’ll primarily play in the midfield but can also be asked to create havoc up front.

In addition to Weekes, senior Rudy Lopez and junior Josh Anderson are returning starting strikers with the ability to find the net. Senior Josh Caicedo is a smooth passer and junior Yaw Bonsu brings lots of energy.

With one of the top keepers in the county and experience on defense, Soupios is looking for the Bruins to limit opposing scoring chances. Baldwin’s last line of defense is senior goalie and captain Michael Paray, an Honorable Mention All-County selection a year ago. “He makes saves that nobody expects,” Soupios said. “He’s a strong communication with great athleticism.”

Senior Sean Campbell and junior Isaiah Bell are the starting center backs. Campbell comes off an injury plagued 2018 but is an important vocal leader with outstanding knowledge of the game. Bell is a physical presence with a high motor and work ethic. At fullback, sophomore Luis Ascensio leads the way with Ashel Santos also starting.