Experienced MacArthur thinks big
Two years removed from winning a Long Island title, MacArthur girls’ soccer returns plenty of players from that 2022 championship team fueled to lift another trophy.
The MacArthur roster features 11 players who captured the Long Island Class A title against Shoreham-Wading River two seasons ago before falling in the county semifinals last season to South Side.
“There's a lot of players from the Long Island championship team of two years ago and most of them are now seniors,” said third-year MacArthur coach Steve Costello. “There's definitely a sense with the team that it is a place where we should get to.”
Senior Bella Calabro, who was a big part of that 2022 team, leads the offense as an attacking midfielder. The versatile Seton Hall commit is capable of playing multiple positions and earned All-State honors as a junior largely playing a defensive midfield role.
Junior Ysabelle Perillo is also a key component of the offense as a central midfielder. Perillo, who scored in the state semifinals as a freshman, is described by Costello as an “elite athlete” who is a county champion in the 400-meter dash. She was also conference defensive player of the year with the Generals' girls basketball team.
Sophomore forward Gina Iannuzzi is back after starting up top as a freshman and may see time at outside back this fall. The Generals’ offense will be bolstered by the addition of forward Mia Rodriguez, a transfer from Our Lady of Mercy who earned All Catholic League honors last season.
Amanda Lora and Alexa Coppola are also potential scoring options in the midfield.
The backline is anchored by senior center back Caitlin Barry, who has started since her freshman season.
“She never comes off the field because her fitness level is spectacular,” said Costello of Barry. ”She is a really smart, tough and physical center. Back.”
Barry leads a defense that also includes returning starters Gianna Winkler at center back and Nikki Magnozzi at outside back. Senior goalkeeper Jocelyn Cleary is also back to patrol the net.
For the second straight season the Generals will compete in Conference I comprising every Nassau County Class AA and A champion from the last four seasons and are guaranteed a top four seed for the playoffs.
Costello said the key for a successful postseason run is remaining healthy to have as deep a roster when the matches matter most in late October.
“The league is an absolute battle every day and everybody gets nicked up at some point,” Costello said. “It’s so physical and so demanding.”
The Generals opened the season with a 3-2 loss to defending Class AA champion South Side on Sept. 5 that featured goals from Calabro and Perillo. Barry tallied an assist while Cleary recorded six saves in net.
MacArthur travels to Syosset Friday for a 5 p.m. kickoff followed by road matches at Oceanside on Monday and at Manhasset on Sept. 20. The Generals will return home to host Calhoun on Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.
