Thursday, October 1, 2026
Coach Nelson Cohen described Uniondale boys’ soccer as a “new/old” program, one that will ask a great deal from its veterans while creating a path forward for those still developing.
“Grit is still the underlying premise, but I think it’s more a collective emphasis on communication now,” Cohen said. “That’s been the theme for this entire preseason. We have to get used to our habits. We have to embrace our strengths and stay away from our weaknesses. So as for expectations for this year, foremost, it's a championship or bust. Are we there yet? No. Can we get there? It’s quite possible.”
The Knights are coming off a somewhat unlucky 2025 campaign, in which they went 8-5-2 and lost four games by one goal. After winning five of their first six games, they lost or tied five of their last seven, including a 1-0 loss to Syosset in the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals.
“I'm actually relying on a couple of the seniors to show some leadership,” Cohen said. “After the Syosset game, I looked at all of them and told them to embrace this moment. It's not a loss. It's a lesson. Remember what this feels like under the bright lights.”
Cohen acknowledged Uniondale has three captains before quickly clarifying that the Knights have no captain — not yet. To him, the armband might be given before the season, but it is not earned until play begins. Of his senior leaders, he said he had especially high expectations for senior midfielder Kelvin Rosales, who has approached preseason training with intense focus and dedication.
“He trains as if it's the game, and I think everybody has to copy that mindset,” Cohen said.
Rosales will lead a talented midfield that also includes the likes of seniors Anthony Alvaranga and Derian Martinez, along with the talented junior Joshua Martinez. Cohen said the level of play has been good, but he is still looking for improved communication.
Cohen believes leadership could make or break the Knights and has implored his rising seniors to be more vocal. Along with Rosales, goalkeeper Chris Galvez and defensemen Angel Rodriguez and Diego Mejia will be expected to answer the call.
As part of a new philosophy, Cohen will allow a large core of playmakers more leeway, allowing them to make better use of their versatility to create chances. The center back Rodriguez, for instance, prefers to advance far inside the opponent’s area for scoring opportunities, an aggressive style Cohen has learned to embrace.
“Let me capitalize on his strength and try to limit his weakness,” Cohen said. “That might be one of the greatest revelations this year is giving them the reins to see where they're most comfortable and then apply that approach.”
Among Uniondale’s sophomores, midfielder Exar Quijada and forward Oscar Gomez have been especially impressive ahead of their debut varsity campaigns. Cohen said he had “high expectations” for Quijada, while Gomez has worked hard behind the scenes and could contribute right away as a striker.
