Hewlett's season ends in heartbreak

A successful 2015 season for the Hewlett boys’ soccer team ended in heart wrenching fashion.

The Bulldogs took fifth-seeded Valley Stream South to the wire in the first round of the Nassau County Class A playoffs before giving up the winning goal five minutes into overtime. A win over the neighborhood rivals would have created a matchup with South Side in the quarterfinals.

“It was a bit heartbreaking,” said Hewlett head coach Nick Lacetera of how the season concluded. “Overall I’m happy with how team performed.” Hewlett coach Nick Lacetera said.

Hewlett finished the 2015 campaign 5-3-4 competing in competitive Conference A-1. After a 0-0 tie with Wantagh on Oct. 5, the Bulldogs won their next two games against Sewanhaka and Bellmore-JFK to clinch a playoff spot. Hewlett gained confidence early in the season with draws against county powers Jericho and Garden City.

“I saw after those games we could compete with the big boys so from that point on we tried to play to our potential,” said Lacetera. “It was a pretty successful season.”

Hewlett’s playoff push was led by sophomore Luca Preziosi, who registered seven points on five goals and two assists including a score in the near playoff upset of Valley Stream South. Other key offensive contributors throughout the season included Sam Bodner, Fredis Aguirre, Brian Petterman, Alexander Vardaro, Joel Caceres and Marc Ziario. Lacetera was impressed with the emergence of Aguirre, who is from El Salvador and ended his Hewlett career on a bright note.

“He was dynamic to watch,” Lacetera said of Aguirre. “He could carry the ball all over the field.”

Hewlett was stout defensively holding opponents to three goals or less in every game with Matthew Gershon recording three shutouts on 53 saves. The defense was keyed by senior center backs Gianni Preziosi and Elliot Rudgayzer.

“They really locked everyone down,” Lacetera said of his senior defenders. “They were rock solid.”

Six Hewlett players received award recognition for their strong play on the field. Preziosi was named to the All-County team with Vardaro earning Honorable Mention All-County honors. All-Conference accolades were given to Preziosi, Aguirre, Rudgayzer and Petterman.

Lacetera is excited about the potential of his eight sophomores who were on varsity this year and especially Vardaro, who is also a standout lacrosse player. He tallied one goal and three assists and was a positive young leader on the team.

“He’s one of those kids you wish you had more of,” Lacetera said. “Every game he gets better.”

Hewlett also boasted a solid sophomore group on junior varsity, who Lacetera expects to add a spark on his 2016 varsity team. Many in the sophomore class play on the same club team with the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club, which helps the group click on and off the field.

Despite returning to the playoffs in 2015 after missing it last year, Lacetera said season could have been even more successful and hopes his returning players will be motivated to go farther.

“We didn’t reach our full potential this season,” he said. “I felt we should have walked off the field victors against Valley Stream South.”