Jets a versatile soccer group

East Meadow has hit the ground running with a new coach, Bob Elder, taking over on the sidelines. An assistant to the boys’ soccer team last season under Kevin Regan, Elder takes over a program with strength in numbers and versatility. A strong core of veterans returning up the middle from sweeper right up to the front line have the Jets eager to get rolling on the field.

“The kids already know me from last year and know me from school,” Elder said of the smooth transition. “I am happy with what I’m seeing.”

Kyle Bettex is penciled in as the sweeper with junior Eric Gershoff, the only non-senior on the defense, lining up at stopper. A track runner after soccer season, Bettex’s speed is a big asset and a perfect complement to the more physical style of Gershoff. Senior Jason Garry, a captain along with Bettex and Gershoff, is joined on the back line by classmate Bryan Lehman. “Having the older guys in the back, you can count on them,” Elder said. “They’ve been through it. They realize there’s a certain level you need to maintain. You can’t buy that experience.”

Junior Rui Cunha and sophomore Rudy Miranda were battling for playing time in goal during summer camp.

In East Meadow’s possession-driven offense, senior Ryan Lao stands to be the focal point at midfield. Technically strong and tactically savvy, Lao will get help at midfield from senior John Posillico and junior Josh Mathai, the latter being a creative playmaker. The key for the midfielders isn’t necessarily getting the ball up field quickly, but rather doing it intelligently. “We don’t want it to be a race to the end line and see what happens,” Elder said.

A number of other players are also in the mix, including several who could also log time at forward, including sophomore Billy Walsh, who played varsity last season and displayed a flair for making big plays. Walsh got the season off to a bang with a hat trick in last Saturday’s 4-0 non-league win over Clarke. Of all the attributes the Jets seem to harbor, it’s the overall versatility of the unit that may be the most important. Elder has plenty of options when it comes to setting the lineup and making adjustments on the fly, including moving Gershoff up to midfield and shuffling his deep group of forwards and midfielders. “One of the things I like to see is that [players] can play anywhere,” Elder said.

“You’ve got to be flexible and you’ve got to be ready. The versatility is going to be a good thing. The more I look at the roster, the happier I am, because I see the kids are working hard.”

When it comes to finishing offensive possessions, seniors James Lim and Franklin Flores are both among those likely to contribute.

The Jets get a visit from Baldwin on Friday at 4:45 p.m.