Clarke boys’ soccer finished its week on a high note last Friday, earning a hard-fought victory over Island Trees as the Rams (3-5-1) continued their push toward a playoff berth.
The 3-1 win showcased two goals from junior center midfielder Leon Goxhufi and one from sophomore forward Mike Flores.
“Island Trees played well,” Clarke coach Nick Espinosa said. “In the first half, both teams were very even and both had moments where they were dangerous. In the second half, we made some adjustments and I thought we dominated. We kept the pressure on them and had more opportunities on goal, which was the difference in this game.”
Platonas Demosthenous, the senior forward and Bruno Tylutki, the senior defenseman, both recorded assists last Friday. Senior and goalkeeper Bryan Araujo made five saves in the win. Araujo has had four games where he’s allowed one goal or fewer, rocking a .803 save percentage.
“Bryan is one of our captains,” Espinosa said. “He’s been all-conference and all-county the last couple of years, and he’s a true leader. Having him back there gives us a lot of security, especially against some of these tough teams that are very good when it comes to finishing and scoring goals.”
Other players who have made an impact for the Rams include senior center midfielder Daniel Guevara, senior center back Adrian Ramirez, sophomore forward Chizitere Eze, sophomore defenseman Xhevdet Dalipi and sophomore forward Sebastian Espinosa.
“About nine of the 11 seniors this year actually started varsity their freshman year,” Espinosa said. “So they’ve been playing together for four years. It’s very important to them. They’re playing very hard because they want to make this something to remember.”
Espinosa said Eze has a knack for scoring goals, as he’s recorded two in six games, including an assist.
“This is his first year on varsity, but he’s an awesome kid,” Espinosa added. “He has a really great personality, is hardworking and always listens. He’s very fast and strong. He’s able to hold off defenders and get into the right position to score. As he gets older, I think he’s going to really help the team. Even this year, he’s already helping.”
It’s been a long process, but the results are starting to come together. Clarke has gone 3-1-1 in its last five games, after starting the season 0-4.
“It took us a little while to get going,” Espinosa said. “We’re more of a possession-based team and that type of style definitely needs some time because you need players to start learning how to play together. We’re really starting to gel here. Even though we tied [1-1 against Lawrence], we had more possession than the opponent. We were controlling the game; we just didn’t capitalize, and they did a good job coming back.”
The lone goal against Lawrence came off the foot of Tylutki.
“Plat drove into the box and made the cross to Bruno, who was able to finish it off,” Espinosa said.
Last Saturday’s game was postponed due to the nor’easter, but Clarke faces off against Valley Stream South on the road on Thursday at 5 p.m. and then heads to Friends Academy on Saturday at 3 p.m.
“Always good to end the week on a win,” Espinosa said. “All very difficult teams coming up; however, we will compete and our focus is to move closer to our stated goal of making playoffs.”
