Plainedge seeks deep playoff run
As AJ Gulino goes, so goes the splendor of Plainedge’s boys soccer season.
Gulino, a senior who will play Division I soccer, has racked up 18 goals, third-most in Nassau County.
Plainedge, after beating top-notch Lawrence 1-0 on Oct 10, is a sterling 9-2-2. Though that won’t be good enough to win the regular-season conference title, the Red Devils of North Massapequa could be a beast in the postseason.
Gulino, who is weighing offers from St. Johns and LIU, is that dangerous. “He just has a nose for the ball and for scoring goals,’’ longtime coach Jason Cinelli said. “He’s nearly impossible to defend on a 1-on1. He has multiple moves. He’s always double and triple teamed. If he’s not zoned, he’ll beat you 1-on 1.
A two-time All-County and twice named Offensive Conference Player of the Year, Gulino’s best trait is converting headers in the box.
Gulino wants to end his high-school career in style. Cinelli said he’s still hopeful this squad can make the Class A semifinals at SUNY Farmingdale after a first-round defeat last year.
In his 20 seasons, Cinelli has never won the whole county enchilada, just a handful of semifinal berths.
Getting there again is doable, says Gulino.
“I think we can make it to the semifinals – or even the county finals.’’ Gulino said. “The way we’ve been playing lately… We were very slow at the beginning of the season. We didn’t have the heart to want it. Topward the end of season, we got more chemistry and play more as a team.’’
Gulino can’t do it alone and senior goalie Henry Villeda has emerged as another star. He has 8 shutouts and was fabulous in the 0-0 tie against top-ranked North Shore, making 14 saves.
“He saved us against North Shore – they took it to us,’’ Cinelli said.
Entering the season, Cinelli wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. The Red Devils had lost two premier players who went on to play in college in striker Michael Iemma (Methodist University) and center back Christian Alvarez (Five Towns College.)
But the coach is getting enough contributions, especially from senior center back Matthew Barry, a two-time All-County Honorable Mention.
Barry is reputed as an expert throw-in guy, generated scoring with his hands. Barry has 7 assists – third in the county. It’s no surprise Barry plays on the basketball team in the backcourt.
“He’s a true leader in the back,’’ Cinelli said. “He controls our entire defense.’’
Juicing the offense is midfielder Jake Hobi, who is only a sophomore. “He’s our distributor, has got great vision and toughness,’’ Cinelli said. “He’s an up-and- coming player – a future all-county who will be a college player.’’
His brother, senior Sean Hobi, has also been a good influence at midfield.
It’s about getting hot in late October. “We’re playing very good, we’re working together,’’ said Gulino, an All-State candidate. “In practices, we’re going hard and it’s translating into the games. We have a heart and determination to win.’’
Without Gulino next season, it could be a tough road for Plainedge, so Cinelli wants to cash in now. “We’ve gotten knocked out a couple of times in the first round so we want to get some victories and make it to the semifinals,’’ Cinelli said. “And ultimately, we’re trying to win a championship.’’
