Bulldogs display early bite

Coming off a 12-win campaign that brought a second straight conference championship and trip to the quarterfinal round of the Nassau Class A boys’ soccer playoffs, Hewlett versatility was on display during the first week of action.

The Bulldogs blanked visiting Long Beach, 1-0, Sept. 14 behind a combined 10 saves from goalkeepers Ronie Morales and Trevor Ellman, and two days later got a hat trick from senior forward Jacob Weinstock in a wild 4-4 storm-shortened tie with visiting Valley Stream Central. Both non-league opponents compete in Class AA.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen,” Hewlett coach Nick Lacetera said. “Last year most of our goals were created from the back. This year we’re working the ball up the field a lot better.” 

Senior forward Max Mena picked up the lone goal in the Long Beach game when he converted a throw-in pass from junior Harrison Brenner in the 25th minute. Turned out it was all the support the defense and keepers would need. Morales, a sophomore, made six saves and Ellman, a junior, stopped four shots.

Goals weren’t nearly as tough to come by Sept. 16. Despite severe weather forcing officials to halt the game with 23 minutes remaining, Hewlett and Central each found the net four times. Two of Weinstock’s three goals came off headers. Junior Stephan Pierre also scored and junior defender Coby Mor picked up three assists.

“Soccer isn’t a sport you can count on scoring a lot, but we have the tools to put the ball in the net,” Lacetera said. “The offense seems to be in good shape and we’ll continue to figure out the defense as we go.”

With Mena and Weinstock up front, the Bulldogs possess as strong as a 1-2 punch as any team in Conference V, including defending county champion South Side. Mena has become more physical, Lacetera said, and “has the ball bouncing his way, which is nice.” Weinstock is a handful to contain due to his tremendous burst of speed and size.

Seniors Brett Isaac and Matt Michelson return to lead the midfield. Isaac is a quality playmaker sure to rank at or near the top of the assist category, and Michelson is an unselfish workhorse who pushes the ball on offense and gets back quickly on defense. Joining them is Pierre, who spent last season on JV. “It looks like he grew six inches,” Lacetera said of Pierre.

In addition to Mor, the defense features seniors Landon Acriche and Michael Taft. Acriche and Taft will start at sweeper and stopper, though the coaching staff has yet to determine which player he prefers at which position. “They can both do the job and take charge in the back,” Lacetera said.

The Bulldogs face a stiff test on Thursday when they hit the road to face South Side at Skelos Sports Complex at 4:30 p.m.