Uniondale breaks in new turf
There’s plenty of excitement surrounding all of Uniondale’s outdoor athletic programs, starting this fall with soccer and football breaking in the new turf field facility.
Numbers are up for girls’ soccer, which comes off a .500 campaign and is set to tangle with Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Malverne/East Rockaway, Roosevelt, Sewanhaka and Westbury in Conference AAA/AA 5.
“More girls showed up for tryouts and we’re stronger than we’ve ever been at the JV level,” Knights coach Kevin Daly said. “More girls in the area are playing club ball and we’re excited for the season.
“We have a beautiful new facility that is really well put together,” he added. “No excuses for bad passes on this surface. I think we’ll have quite a balanced team with a strong defense, solid midfield and speed up top.”
Uniondale remains super young at striker but sophomores Brianna Marquez and Kimberly Gaitan have a valuable year of varsity experience under their belts. Both hit the scoresheet a number of times in 2023 and Daly is expecting an uptick in production.
“Their similar players in stature and talent,” he said. “Both are very quick and hard workers. They should create plenty of scoring chances. If we can hit some through balls, they’re going to benefit the most from the new surface.”
One of the connecting pieces to lead Uniondale’s transition from defense to offense is senior midfielder Angie Jaime, who also serves as its spiritual leader. “Angie is very athletic and a very good teammate,” Daly explained. “She keeps everyone pumped up and positive. She can play outside or in the middle and is technically skilled with a nice first touch.”
Jamie and junior middie Maydelin Hernandez are captains. Daly said Hernandez has a strong, accurate leg and a brilliant shot. “She’s does a ton for us,” he said. “She’ll take corner kicks and set pieces and she’s dangerous in the box. I think she’s going to have a big year.”
At center-midfield is senior Karla Martinez, who brings as solid a two-way game as anyone on the roster. “Her all-around game stands out,” Daly said. “She’s very aggressive and has the speed to get by defenders on the dribble.”
There’s no shortage of experience in the defensive zone, including a potential four-year starter in goal. Sophomore Ashley Bonilla is the returning starting keeper, and Daly is looking forward to her improvement. “She’s a good shot-stopper who played well last year,” he said. “She’s committed to the sport and gaining confidence.”
On defense, senior Kimberly Calderon and juniors Sarah Chavez and Emily Ramos will lead the effort. Calderon anchors the unit at center-back and brings excellent cover and anticipation skills. “She was coming off an injury in 2022 and got her feet back under her last year,” Daly said. “She covers a lot of ground and is tough to beat one on one.” Chavez enjoyed a big preseason and has outstanding distance on clears, and Ramos is a fearless tackler who wins the large majority of 50-50 battles.
