Tweaks have impact for Baldwin

A few tweaks to the alignment went a long way for Baldwin in a 2-1 win over East Meadow on Oct. 11. Taking a more offensive approach by adding a third forward to the mix, the Bruins evened out their Conference AA-II record at 4-4 (6-5 overall) on the soccer field.

Senior D.J. Hunter, No. 2 in the conference in goals, booted his ninth in the first half, and senior John Francis added a score in the second half. “The offense had slowed so instead of a 4-4-2 alignment we went with a 4-3-3,” coach Mike Palumbo said. “I think we became too predictable in our lineup. We were hoping that change would help a little bit.”

After 80 minutes, the mission was accomplished. Junior Peter Rafferty, the sweeper-turned-third-forward in the new alignment, assisted on Hunter’s goal by placing a perfect thru ball to the senior’s foot.

On the defensive side of the field, the adjustments also included man coverage on Jets senior Billy Walsh, who had scored three goals the first time the teams met, a 4-3 East Meadow win on Sept. 15. Leading by two goals in that game, the Bruins allowed three East Meadow scores over the final 20 minutes. “[The first meeting] was a total collapse by the team,” Palumbo said.

Things were quite different in last Thursday’s rematch, including sophomore Jeremy Hui’s assignment of shadowing Walsh in man coverage from the opening kick. Third in the conference with eight goals, Walsh was kept off the scoreboard by the aggressive play of Hui and the rest of the defense. “He’s smart and physical,” Palumbo said of Hui.

Senior Greg Abrahams, an All-Conference returnee, continues to control the action for Baldwin at center-midfield and assisted on Francis’ goal. Behind the midfielders stands a defense that has taken major strides forward since the start of the season. After allowing seven goals in the first two games, the unit has jelled together. Speedy juniors Malik White and Josh Marin are the outside backs, while senior Andy Daez continues to display solid on-the-ball skills.