South Side wins conference opener

Senior Marco Schaden’s goal with 10 minutes remaining off a direct kick from junior Alessandro Pugliese gave South Side a 1-0 victory over Carey in the Nassau Conference A-I boys’ soccer opener for both teams at Skelos Sports Complex on Sept. 17.

Schaden, a forward who coach Fred Paul said he’s counting on to provide a spark off the bench, is a first cousin to Pugliese. “It was a beautiful goal,” Paul said of Schaden’s diving header that beat Carey sophomore goalkeeper Dom Brusca for his first-ever varsity score. “We were knocking on the door for a while, but in soccer you never know if you’re going to find the back of the net,” Paul added.

Carey was blanked after scoring nine goals, including six by Nassau County leader Gino Scardino, in its first two games. Cyclones senior goalkeeper Thomas Germano, a three-year starter and honorable mention All-County selection last season, made three saves for the shutout. Scardino was held in check by senior Jake Adler, who moved from midfield to fullback.

“Jake was the best player on the field,” Paul said. “He’s the type of player who can do whatever we need. He’s tough and energetic, and he had Scardino frustrated.”

South Side, which went 1-1-1 in non-league games, has a pair of Nassau Class A championships and one runner-up finish — in 2012 — over the past four seasons. This fall, under the county’s new alignment, the Cyclones play each of their 11 conference rivals once. “I like playing everyone twice, however the new alignment is a good alternative to the way it was,” Paul explained. “It doesn’t change our objective. We want to maximize our ability and make a run at the county title.”

The coach expects the program’s strong tradition of goalkeeping to continue with the experienced Germano, who serves as the field general in the back. “He’s a leader and physical presence in the net,” Paul said.

The defense in front of Germano is deep, and Paul said he’s still in the process of figuring out who’ll start and provide quality minutes off the bench. The unit is anchored by senior Brian Hurwitz at sweeper. “Brian plays with poise and doesn’t look to just clear the ball, he’ll look to pass it out of the zone,” Paul said. Through the first four games, Paul said seniors Andrew Whalen, Kevin Santo and Lucas Derkatch, along with juniors Brian McKeon, Will Murray and Matt Browne, played solid defense.

The offense won’t go through one specific player, Paul said, but Pugliese (five goals, 11 assists in 2012) is a target at center-midfield. “He’s our most talented player,” Paul said. “He’s got a tremendous shot, and he’s a creator as well.” Senior Chuck Leone can get involved from an outside midfield spot, and junior Johnny DeBenedittis is a key in the transition game.

Seniors Matt DiLuccio and Jack McKenna start at forward. DiLuccio, who scored in last year’s playoff win over Roslyn, is a tenacious workhorse, and McKenna has the ability to finish around the cage.