Long Beach begins new era

Posted

After spending the past 14 seasons as one of Jim Kaspar’s assistants, Jason Pearl takes over as head coach of Long Beach’s boys’ lacrosse program and got an early taste of success.

The Marines, who finished .500 last spring and split a pair of Nassau Class B playoff games, opened the Pearl era with non-league wins over Class A schools East Meadow and Oceanside.

“I learned so much from J.K. and I wouldn’t be able to do this job without the experience I gained,” Pearl said of Kaspar, who headed to Locust Valley. “The kids are buying into the new system, playing hard and having fun,” he added. “We’re a young team and I don’t want us harping on things too long. If someone makes a mistake, I want him to move on quickly and just go get it the next time.”

Long Beach is ranked fifth in Class B behind perennial powerhouses Garden City and Manhasset, as well as Hewlett and South Side. “One of our goals is to beat one of the teams ranked ahead of us,” Pearl said.

A lot of the Marines’ depth can be found in the midfield. Captains Troy Morris and Trey Sofield are the workhorses not expected to come off the field much at all, Pearl noted. Morris was Honorable Mention All-County in 2017 as a junior and is already thriving in the new system with five goals through two games.

“Troy’s hustle and work ethic are second to none,” Pearl said. “He’s unbelievable at both ends of the field and brings a lot of enthusiasm.”

Sofield, only a sophomore, will be the predominant faceoff choice and brings a combination of size and strength. “He’s a stand-up kid who can do it all,” Pearl said.

Senior Liam Radin is another returning midfielder who dodges well and creates offense on the fly. He’s also tough on the defensive end. Wally Sofield, the twin brother of Trey, is likely to be the first middle off the bench for Pearl, who likes his ability to provide an instant spark.

Junior Kieran Rowley, who recorded three goals and three assists in the first two games combined, could see some time at midfield and brings a lefty stick to the attack. “Kiernan’s skilled and unselfish and a big-time shooter,” Pearl said. Freshman Shane Murphy is fluid and shifty, and he’ll set up office behind the cage. Junior John Spinelli got off to a tremendous start with hat tricks against East Meadow and Oceanside.

In the defensive zone, Pearl is leaning on mostly juniors to get the job done. Luca Salerno will get the toughest assignment on a daily basis, Alex Ramirez is a reliable stay-at-home type, and Ed Heaney moves in close after contributing at long pole a year ago. Senior Aiden Kennedy and sophomore Dan Barto are other defensive keys in front of junior goalie Luke Mignoli. “Luke’s clearing game has really improved and he’s running the entire defense,” Pearl said of the first-year starting netminder.