Rams hope win is a springboard

A strong summer camp for Clarke’s boys’ soccer team led to a victory in an early scrimmage that was then followed by a 3-0 victory in a season-opening non-league matchup over West Hempstead last Saturday.

For the Rams, the fast start was a huge confidence boost after last season’s one-win showing and a hopeful sign of what’s yet to come. “We’re very balanced and feel like we can compete with anyone right now,” coach Matt Germaine said.

Senior forward Anthony Zaino scored two of Clarke’s three goals — senior midfielder Michael Stavitsky netted the other — to knock off West Hempstead, and he’s getting some playmaking help from senior Efrain Cruz. “He controls the ball well and is pretty accurate with his shots,” Germaine said of Zaino, who scored one of his goals by beating a defender in crowded space and pushing it into the upper corner of the net. “He can place the ball where he wants.”

Now in his second-year as a varsity starter, Cruz who ranked among Nassau’s leaders with six assists last season, promises to have a bigger impact in the scoring column after sliding up from midfield. Junior Gerry Guida is also expected to log time up front.

Three returning starters are back at midfield, including senior Wilber Romero, an Honorable Mention All-County honoree last season, and Stavitsky, named to the All-Conference team. “He’s not flashy but when he has the ball he’s solid,” Germaine said of Stavitsky.

Sophomore Jose Hernandez is back for his second varsity season alongside Romero and Stavitsky, a pair of four-year starters, and the return of junior Joe Fusco provides some lineup flexibility. Fusco missed most of last season due to injury but is among the team’s fastest players, and the Rams are making good use of his speed at outside midfield. He was [previously a forward. “He’s got a second gear that you don’t see on a lot of kids,” Germaine said.