Seaford aims for playoff return

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A shutout victory in their first conference game set a positive tone for Seaford boys’ soccer as the Vikings strive to return to the postseason for a second consecutive year. But consistency will be a key determinant in their success, noted coach Ralph Pascarella, a reality that was evidenced in a lopsided loss in their following game two days later.

The last several years have seen the Vikings routinely in the mix for one of the final playoff spots out of Conference AB4. This year, the team features a mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen, and Pascarella said an early challenge will be striking the right balance to put them all in the best position to succeed.

“We have a lot of veterans who have been around for a few years,” Pascarella said. “We’ll see what happens. Usually the older guys get it a little quicker than the younger guys.”

He pointed to his senior captains, Matt Karounos and Rob Bertoncini, both center backs, as hard workers who set a strong example for the younger players with their hard-nose play. Bertoncini is returning All-County from a year ago. “He keeps things simple and he grinds it out,” his coach said. “You need that.”

His other experienced seniors include defender Matt Meyer, keeper Mark Armano, and forwards Joseph Chiarelli and Damon Daskalaks.

“They play with a lot of heart,” Pascarella said of his senior class. “I’m hoping they nurture these younger players. These are guys who have been tested and been through those grinding games.”

The younger crew is a highly intriguing group, said Pascarella, with kids who have strong ability but still require a bit more development. Topping the list are sophomore Matt Garcia and junior Vincenzo Buffolino, who made All-County last year. “If the younger cans can grow faster than normal, we’ll be in pretty good shape,” said Pascarella.

Another wild card is senior Rafael Martinez, who is new to the team after transferring from Malverne.

The Vikings prevailed 2-0 in their league opener over Academy Charter on Sept. 10, with goals by Garcia and Martinez. Junior keeper Brody Bischoff started in place of an injured Armano and made four saves for the shutout. While Pascarella said he expects the season to have some ups and downs, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to battle every day.

‘We’ll compete in our league,” he said. “We’ll figure it out and get better. Try to make good decisions and be in every game.”

The Vikings played their third league game on Monday at Friends Academy after the Herald went to press. “We’re excited,” Pascarella said. “We look forward to the challenge. Hopefully at the end we will be right in the middle of things.”