Carey signs on for success

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Maybe getting it in writing was all it took to spark a revival at Carey.

New girls’ soccer coach Chris Posillico drew up papers for his players to sign as he took up the reins in summer, committing each Seahawks signatory to regular practice attendance as the club sought to distance itself from a 2-7-3 sixth-place finish in Nassau A4 last spring.

Validating Posillico’s hunch that a bit of devotion would go a long way, Carey – in good faith – has broken out as a contender, starting 3-1-1 to sit a half-game out of second place in A4, largely due to a defense that has gone from worst (in spring) to almost first, allowing 0.8 goals per game (second in A4).

“They were happy to sign the agreement,” Posillico said. “I wanted players to know what’s expected of them. I knew they’d struggled. I felt they deserved more, and could be a great team. But it takes dedication. I think it’s paying off.”

Dividends certainly seem to be flowing from system tweaks under Posillico. All-Conference junior Brianna D’Orsa has ridden herd through Carey’s shift to a flat back four formation, with sophomore goalie Vanessa DeCastro – whose 34 saves are second-most in A4 – becoming weaponized as a sweeper keeper in the outfield.

“Brianna’s our unsung hero in the midfield,” Posillico said. “Everything runs through her. Vanessa’s great at reading other teams’ passes and getting out to clear the ball. Our defenders are also confident passing back to her, instead of just kicking out of bounds.”

Carey youngsters Kristen Devito (sophomore) and Gabriella Jacob (freshman) have not shrunk from the outsize demands thrust on center backs in the Seahawks’ new, aggressive scheme. “You need great soccer sense to play our defense, and those two have been incredible,” Posillico said. “Kristen’s so smart in the back. Gabriella has shown she’ll go toe-to-toe with anybody. To have such young players step up is outstanding.”

All-Conference bellwether Evangeline Giannikios (third in A4 with three assists) and fellow junior forward Giulia Spinzo (team-leading three goals) have resumed familiar roles spearheading Carey’s offense, while sophomore surprise Olga Fernandez – who tallied twice and had an assist in a 4-2 win at home over Hewlett – has perhaps permanently relinquished her spot on Carey’s bench.

“Evangeline gets herself into great position to give defenses lots of trouble,” Posillico said. “She’s very fast and makes great runs. Giulia’s our workhorse out wide; she just goes and goes, always wants what’s best for the team. Olga, for the last few games, has been an absolute monster and we’ll look to get her involved more. She has a bright future here.”

Two early October tests could decide whether Carey keeps roosting in A4’s top tier, as the Seahawks host second-place Clarke (3-1) and try to even their season series at home against conference leader Mineola (5-1). “This group is talented,” said Posillico. “As a new coach you’re nervous, but they give me all the confidence in the world. I have no doubt they can beat anybody.”