Golden Tornadoes eye playoff spot

Coming off a disappointing season after an impressive 2010 campaign, Lawrence is looking to bounce back on the Nassau boys’ soccer scene and get back to the Class A playoff tournament.

“We’ve got an experienced group returning, and I feel it’ll help us,” coach Patrick Leary said. “Making the playoffs is a realistic goal. We’ve switched conferences and will be facing some teams we’ve played before. We know we have to earn our way in.”

Center-midfielders Carlos Quintanilla and Daniel Reiskin will serve as the catalysts for the Golden Tornadoes, who along with Lynbrook, Valley Stream South, Floral Park, North Shore, Manhasset and Malverne/East Rockaway comprise Conference A-VI. “Everything will run through them,” Leary said of Quintanilla, a senior, and Reiskin, a junior. “They complement each other well. They’re physical and tough and have the green light to attack when they see fit,” he added.

Quintanilla, a four-year starter, earned All-County honors last fall and has great distribution skills to go with a powerful shot. “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Leary said. “He’s a high-end talent and the type of player who makes everyone around him better.” Reiskin brings a tremendous soccer IQ and all around fine skills, Leary noted. Topping the depth chart at outside midfielder are senior Elimilec Martinez and sophomore Francisco Quintanilla, though others will contribute at the position.

Lawrence’s back row is laden with seniors, including returning starter Franklin Perreira at fullback. “He’s a gritty marking back,” Leary said. Junior Dave Ramirez takes over at sweeper after working in the midfield a year ago. “He’s quick, smart and understands what it takes to defend,” Leary said. The coach likes the interchangeable parts on defense, which includes seniors Oscar Barrientos, Brian Cancinos and Brian Guzman.

The last line of defense, sophomore goalkeeper Kevin Cancinos, got a taste of varsity action a year ago and held his own. Leary said he’s already seen improvement and expects the position to be an area of strength. Cancinos posted two shutouts in the Carle Place Tournament last week as Lawrence won it with triumphs over Herricks and the host Frogs. “Kevin looks really good and confident, and he’s got last year’s experience under his belt,” Leary said.

Developing consistent scoring is a challenge for most soccer teams, and the Golden Tornadoes will be counting on a veteran and newcomer at forward to lead the offense along with the center-mids. Senior Harold Ruiz is a talented goal scorer with quickness and an accurate shot, and freshman Carlos Martinez brings a lot of “soccer savvy,” Leary said. Ruiz had goals against Herricks and Carle Place last week.

“Their individual skill sets are great,” Leary said of his players. “They understand what it takes to be successful. They have to work together and trust one another.”

The top four finishers in the conference advance to postseason play. Lawrence won’t face Valley Stream South, the defending conference champion, until Oct. 1 at home. After opening at North Shore earlier this week, the Golden Tornadoes will host Lynbrook this Friday at 4:30 p.m.