VSS seeks successful carryover

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Picking up where it left off last season when it won three straight to qualify for the Nassau Class A boys’ soccer playoffs, and closed with five wins in six games overall, Valley Stream South kicked off 2015 by capturing the Carle Place Tournament.

Sophomore Brian Garay earned MVP honors in the event after scoring the Falcons’ lone goal in regulation off a header against Westbury on Sept. 4. South beat the Dragons in penalty kicks and then knocked off Lawrence, 3-1, the following morning.

“The way we finished last year was great,” VSS coach Rich Boyd said. “We were hoping to feed off it with a bunch of seniors returning, and so far we’re off to a strong start.”

The Falcons, who went 10-7 overall last fall and sent two opponents packing before losing to eventual county champion South Side in the playoff quarterfinals, feature a senior captain in each part of the field.

Boyd said many things will run through center-midfielder Bryant Campbell, a four-year varsity performer coming off an Honorable Mention All-County campaign. Campbell, who scored against Lawrence, sets a positive example and has a strong work ethic, the coach added. “He’s fast and strong with good skills and field vision,” noted Boyd, who is counting on JV call-ups Brian Palacios, a junior, and Liam Tormey, a sophomore, to bolster the midfield group.

Samori Emmanuel covers plenty of real estate from the sweeper position. He’s also in his fourth varsity season and earned All-Conference honors in 2014. “Samori is physically strong and also quick,” Boyd said. “He’s our leader in the back.”

At forward, senior Alex Castano returns on the right side after finding the net a handful of times last season. The All-Conference selection assisted on Garay’s goal against Westbury and also had a helper in the win over Lawrence. “Alex is undersized, but he’s quick and great with the ball at his feet,” Boyd said.

South’s system calls for three forwards, and having Castano and senior Lionel Monsia, another All-Conference choice, back in the fold bodes well for the offense. Monsia recorded a goal and an assist versus Lawrence. “Lionel’s in the middle of the forward line and moves well off the ball,” Boyd said. Senior Will Sarrion, a key part of the playoff push a year ago, is the other starting forward and already has a goal to his credit.

Boyd said he likes the defense surrounding Emmanuel. The coach said Garay is one of those players with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He plays with poise and has a smooth first touch. Senior Donte Robinson moved from midfield to the back where he’ll win 50-50 balls with his leaping ability, and senior Jon Blake, who missed 2014 with a knee injury, brings a combination of size and strength.

Senior goalkeeper Matt Labeck is back after starting the majority of games and playing with confidence. “He’s much improved,” Boyd said.

The Falcons play each of their 11 Conference A-II foes once, including neighboring Valley Stream North on the road this Saturday at 2 p.m.