Hewlett's strength is defense

Defense will play a key role in Hewlett’s quest to repeat as Conference ABC-III boys’ soccer champions following an impressive 7-2-3 campaign a year ago.

The Bulldogs, who lost to Roslyn in the first round of the Nassau Class A playoffs, had to replenish a roster cut in half by graduation but return three starters to the back line as well as senior goalkeeper Zachary Feuer. 

“We’re building from the back and if we can match the offensive balance we got last year, we’ll be in good shape” coach Nick Lacetera said. “The biggest reason we were successful last year was our chemistry and the group we brought back is pretty close-knit.”

The defense has what it takes to keep Hewlett close in every game. Seniors Jacob Tobias, C.J. Brady and Idan Sasson bring a combination of size, speed, an array of skills and leadership to the table. Tobias, the starting sweeper, is a solid all-around defender with speed and strength. Brady won’t hesitate to mix it up from his outside back position and can make offensive runs, and Sasson, the stopper, anticipates well and puts a nice touch on the ball.

After having his junior season cut short due to a knee injury, Feuer is 100 percent and raring to go. “We couldn’t ask for more of a solid kid in goal,” Lacetera said. “Zach’s a vocal leader who comes up with a lot of big saves.”

The midfield features a handful of newcomers and has a load of potential. Senior Andrew Chambers is the most experienced player in the group and also the fastest. He’ll start at outside halfback and be someone the Bulldogs will look to for offense. “I think he’s got a bunch of goals in him,” Lacetera said. “He’s got tremendous speed. He not only moves well with the ball but also distributes it well.” Up from the JV to join Chambers is juniors Brett Isaac, Matt Michelson, Spencer Amer and Landon Acriche. The coach was impressed by the varsity rookies in last week’s scrimmage against Lynbrook. “There’s a big difference between the pace of a varsity game and a JV game,” Lacetera said. “All it took was one scrimmage for the kids to realize it. I thought they held their own.”