Oceanside contending for top seed

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In many ways, the Oceanside boys’ soccer team controls its own destiny in its pursuit of the Nassau Class AA championship.
The Sailors have solidified a playoff berth, and their 7-1-3 record has positioned them in second place in the conference, although they have played one less match than first-place Baldwin. A major factor in determining how well they actualize these lofty goals is how well they stay in the present.
“I tell the kids every day we have to take it one game at a time,” Oceanside coach Patrick Turk stated. “It’s the same way we are going to approach things in the playoffs, there is no guarantee of tomorrow.”
A stout defensive unit has been one of the many strengths of this deep and potent roster. In fact, in their past four matches, the Sailors have only conceded a single goal. The impressive defensive showcase has been backed by senior goalkeeper Scott Campuzano, who has been “dynamite in net” according to Turk. Senior Christopher Evans is one of many defenders who’s making Campuzano’s life easier, as he is tied with two others as the second-leading goal scorer. Even though the starting defenders sometimes don’t get in the stat sheet, Turk recognizes their immense value.
“All the guys on the backline have been contributing wonderfully,” Turk said. “Sometimes the guys back there don’t get an individual stat, but when you look at the scores of our game that’s their stat.”

The defensive unit is not Oceanside’s only proficient positional group, which is a testament to the competitive depth of the roster. Its primary starters are senior David Acker, senior Aidan Foley, senior Ryan Profitlich, and senior Sean O’Sullivan, and have given the team the opportunity to be flexible in certain matchups
“Our midfield has been absolutely dynamic,” Turk said. “They have been able to change the shape of the game and adjust to our opponents because of them.”
Their attacking scheme is multifaceted. Senior Spencer Roth leads the attack and has tallied 6 goals, and his fellow running mates junior Dan Santos and junior Ethan Recchia also have three goals apiece. However, they have had 10 others that have managed to find the back of the net, which has led to them having the third most goals in the conference.
“We’re getting everyone involved,” Turk stated. “It’s not just one guys half time show. We are scoring by committee and winning by committee.
The Sailors, who battled Uniondale to a 1-1 draw and blanked Valley Stream Central, 4-0, last week, have the ability to dictate their own path. If they manage to secure victories in their final three matches against Hempstead, East Meadow, and Syosset, they would secure the top seed, and by proxy also garner home-field advantage in their quarterfinal match.
Roth scored off an assist from Evans last Friday against Oceanside. Sophomore goalkeeper Joseph Zweben, who began the season on JV, made six saves against Valley Stream Central in place of the injured Campuzano.