V.S. Central excited for fresh start

As the leaves change color and summer turns to fall, Valley Stream Central’s boys’ soccer team gears up for what it hope is a bounce-back season.

Following a 3-7-1 campaigh in 2023, coach Bill Miller is looking for the Eagles to right the ship. Entering his eighth season as coach, he’s using his experience to do just that.

“I’m a big believer in reflecting on previous seasons,” said Miller. “I have come into this year with a different perspective. I think with the veteran group we have, it’s important to put more responsibility on the players to hold each other accountable.”

The veteran leaders include center back Chris Melgar, an All-County Honorable Mention last season, center-midfielder Adrian Ayala, somoeone Miller calls “a motor in the middle of the field” who may not put up big numbers but can distribute the ball well and is one of its most valuable players, and Justin Wilson, a versatile defender who can play both left and center back.

Kyle Campbell returns after emerging late last season as a goal scorer. “He developed very well,” said Miller. “He has a great soccer IQ and can control the ball really well.” Center midfielder, Anthony Cisneros, has looked good in summer camp, according to Miller. “He’s a guy that you rely on to do all the dirty work in the middle of the field.”

Goalkeeper in soccer is not an easy position to play. Miller knows that and is excited for the goalie group his team has to offer this season. “It’s a very competitive group,” he said. Led by starter, Isaiah Smith, the junior netminder is expected to have a big year. Both Damian Rosado and Stephen LaTouche are great options, however, if one of them is needed to step in.

White it may be a veteran led team, there are still some newcomers. Junior Matt Obregon and senior Jose Pinto have both transferred in. “We added two guys who are very speedy and are magicians with the ball,” said Miller. “I’m looking for a lot from them offensively this season.”

Playing as a team is the best way to build success. Miller feels they did not do enough of that in 2023. “I want the guys this year to focus more on playing as a team,” he said. “We got away from that last year with guys worried too much about themselves. We’re a team and we have to be in this together.”

Despite the team’s struggles in recent years, Miller still loves getting the opportunity to coach. “We love being able to provide an opportunity for the kids,” he said. “We have a very passionate soccer community so it’s rewarding for me and my coaching staff.”

Valley Stream Central is part of a new-look Nassau Conference AA-1 which includes former Class AAA schools East Meadow, which won the county title last season, and Baldwin. MacArthur, Long Beach, Great Neck South, Jericho and Mepham are also part of the deep group.