Defense the key for West Hempstead

West Hempstead comes off a boys’ soccer season that saw it finish with a respectable record of 6-7-1, including a loss to Mineola in the opening round of the Nassau Class A playoffs. 

The Rams take a step up in competition in 2012, playing in Conference 7A among the likes of Island Trees, Mineola, Clarke, Seaford, Valley Stream North, and Roosevelt. All but Roosevelt qualified for the postseason a year ago.

Rams coach Chris Van Kovics would like to see his team perform competitively against very tough league foes. “This year will be a big challenge,” Van Kovics said. “The size and strength of some of our opponents may be a little daunting for us. We have to stick to the blueprint, play strong defense, and take advantage of our opportunities. The key will be keeping teams off the scoreboard.”

Sweeper Marco Flores returns to a defensive unit that will be one of the team’s strengths. Flores, who earned All-County Honorable Mention recognition as a junior, is the leader on the backline, and a player who has tremendous soccer IQ. Fellow senior Alex Martinez joins Flores on defense. Martinez is a versatile player who will also see time at midfield.

Kevin Macario, a senior who picked up All-Conference honors as a junior, is one of the most versatile players on the roster. He’s a solid defender who does a ton more than play defense. Expect Macario, who is strong in transition and is an excellent leader, to see time at both midfield and forward. Senior Darwin Yates is a guy who can run all day, likes to mix it up, and serves as an excellent complement to Macario

Returning in net is All-Conference keeper Luis Palomo. Despite playing goalie for the first time as a junior, Paloma was one of the keys to the Rams success in 2011. One of his highlights was an eight-save effort in a shutout win against a solid Great Neck North team. Sophomore Bobby Smith will serve as Paloma’s backup.

Senior Luis Escobar will be one of the top scoring threats. Van Kovics expects to see Escobar in front of the keeper making things happen. A couple of strong playmaking sophomores, Robert Grogan and Carmine Fuschetto, will be looked upon to give Escobar, junior Woodie Cheu, and senior Alonso Maldanado the opportunity to find the back of the net.

Van Kovics is set for the challenges that await his team. “We’re going up against perennial playoff contenders nearly every game, so it will be tough,” Van Kovics said. “Strong defense, senior leadership, and sticking to the game plan are going to be very important if we’re going to be competitive. There are only so many opportunities to score in a soccer game, so we need to protect our end, and be opportunistic in the offensive zone.”

West Hempstead hosts Clarke this Friday at 4:45 p.m.