Falcons rolling into playoffs

A year after missing the Nassau Class A boys’ soccer playoffs for just the second time in 17 seasons under coach Rich Boyd, Valley Stream South locked up a postseason berth more than a week ago and remained in contention for the Conference A-VI title right down to the wire.

“I have no complaints,” Boyd said after the Falcons (8-1-1) bounced back from their lone conference loss with a 6-2 road victory over Malverne/East Rockaway Oct. 20. “The kids have worked hard and really jelled,” he added. “We’ve been scoring a bunch of goals and our defense and goalie are solid.”

Senior forwards Flynn Shanahan (hat trick) and Yves Monsia (two goals) combined for five goals and each had an assist in South’s win over the Rockin’ Mules on Malverne’s new turf field. Sophomore midfielder Angel Freire also scored as the Falcons, who were blanked at Manhasset in their previous game, established a new offensive high water mark for the season.

Shanahan, who ranks among the county leaders in goals with 13, scored twice and also had a helper in a 5-1 win over Malverne/East Rockaway in the first meeting. He’s someone Boyd expected big things from in 2011, and he’s delivered. “Flynn’s having a big year,” Boyd said. “Coming in, he was someone we needed to put the ball in the back of the net. He has good speed and always hustles. He can take guys one-on-one or finish off crossing passes.”

Monsia, a transfer from upstate, wasn’t around for the first four conference games but has made his presence felt for the past six. He has three goals and three assists and continues to develop chemistry with senior Shaquille Hodge. “Yves worked his way into a starting role and is a steady contributor,” Boyd said of Monsia, who scored his first goal in his second game — a 4-1 win over Floral Park Oct. 6. “He’s a natural lefty and brings a different dimension. As he and Shaquille work better, we’re going to get better.”

Hodge and fellow senior midfielders Chris Brocher, Shaquille Richards (three goals) and Jon Hernandez (three goals) are the keys to South’s counterattacks and a major reason why the team is averaging 2.8 goals per game.

The Falcons have been held off the scoreboard only twice — in a scoreless tie at Great Neck North and a 2-0 loss at Manhasset. “We’re thankful the rematches are home,” said Boyd, noting a 75-minute trip to Great Neck North and hour-long trek to Manhasset.

Defensively, junior marking back Brandon Dunn and senior sweeper Stanley Egbuchulam lead the way in front of senior goalkeeper Brandon Garrett, who has four shutouts.

With the playoffs set to begin Friday, the Falcons are looking at a potential first-round bye and at worst a first-round home game. “We have good talent, but to go far in the playoffs you have to play your best and also get some bounces to go your way,” said Boyd, who has guided South to a pair of county championships during his tenure.