Wantagh sets sights on playoffs

Wantagh’s boys’ soccer team kicked off the 2016 season on the right foot as it seeks a return to the playoffs for the first time in three years.

Wantagh raced out to a 3-0 start in Conference A-II including a 1-0 win over defending county champion Floral Park on Sept. 12. The Warriors dropped down from A-I because of a drop in enrollment, but still face stiff competition in the 13-team league as they try and punch a postseason spot by placing in the top six or achieving a .500 or better record.

“We have a very difficult conference,” said Wantagh coach Tom Liguori of the league that includes schools with deep soccer traditions such as Floral Park, South Side and Glen Cove. “There are a lot of good teams.”

Wantagh’s drive for its first playoff spot since 2013 is led largely by senior defenseman Michael Quigley and junior midfielder Nick Cerasi, who were voted co-captains by teammates. The veterans were part of the 2013 team that earned the number one seed before falling to Bellmore JFK in the Class A quarterfinals.

“They are the only two players on the roster with playoff experience,” Liguori said. “They have been playing together a long time.”

Cerasi earned All County honors last year along with junior forward Liam Ireland, who tallied a hat trick in Wantagh’s 5-2 win over Division to open the league schedule. Ireland has drawn plenty of attention from opposing defenses since that breakout game, but Liguori said his versatility and ability to play in all ends of the field makes him a constant offensive threat.

“He can also play midfield but we like to put him up top and let him do his thing,” Liguori said of Ireland. “He is also a great distributor.”

The Warriors were dealt a blow when senior midfielder Cole Conlon suffered a season-ending knee injury. Senior Paul Roemer has stepped up in Conlon’s absence and Liguori has also pleased with play from sophomores Nick Celli and Brendan Harrington, who scored in Wantagh’s 2-1 win against Roosevelt on Sept. 9. Senior Steven Forman is an additional offensive threat who scored the lone goal in the Floral Park victory.

Quigley helps anchor Wantagh’s defense with junior Charlie Mazzer. Liguori has been impressed with the leadership of Mazzer on a backline that also features contributions from seniors Vincent Testa, Chris Wetzel and Chris Zozzaro.

“He has a quiet, calm, smooth way about playing,” Liguori said of Mazzer. “He has a calming presence about him.”

Senior Miguel Garcia has stepped up as starting goalie early in the season and recorded eight saves and posted eight saves in the 1-0 shutout of Floral Park. Senior Dan Arena can also rise up in front of the net if needed.

“Both of them are very capable,” said Liguori of his two net-minders. “Both of them bring different attributes to the table.”

Wantagh next hosts Lawrence on Thursday for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff before traveling to Bethpage this Saturday.