Mepham has new coach, conference

Two significant changes are in store for Mepham’s boys’ soccer program this year. A drop in enrollment has the Pirates, winners of the Conference AA-IV title in 2015, competing in Conference A-I, while Zachary Gosse takes over as coach.

Gosse, who starred collegiately at Siena and coached at the club level, said Mepham showed dramatic improvement from its season-opening 1-0 non-league loss to Calhoun to its 1-0 non-league victory over Oceanside in a span of 24 hours starting on Sept. 2.

“The kids all get along really well and the chemistry is good,” Gosse said. “After winning their conference last year, the guys are looking to challenge for another title,” he added. “From what I understand, we’re in a touch conference with a difficult schedule. A few goals we’ve set so far are finishing with a winning record and getting into the playoffs.”

The Pirates went 6-3-4 in AA-IV last season (6-6-4 overall) and nosed out Great Neck South for first place. They fell in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs at home against Syosset, 1-0.

“I think we’re very solid in the back row and have some strong senior leadership,” Gosse said.

Senior center backs Christopher Willis and Michael Stutts, anchors of the defense, being voted captains by their teammates came as no surprise to the rookie high school coach. “We’ll rely on them to be leaders,” Gosse said. “Chris is a positive influence and always seems to put himself in the right place at the right time. He’s 6-2, so he’ll help us in the air. Michael is a physically strong player who works hard and never gives up on the ball.”

At fullback, sophomore Christopher Cossu is a natural lefty with club soccer and varsity experience under his belt. “He knows the game well and has good technical skills,” Gosse said. Both senior Jake Brief and junior Matt Spector will see action opposite Cossu at the other fullback spot. Brief plays a physical style, while Spector brings quickness to the group.

In goal, senior Anthony Carrieri had no game experience prior to facing Calhoun in the opener. He totaled 15 saves in the first two games and posted his first career shutout against Oceanside. “He’s just an amazing athlete,” Gosse said of Carrieri, who is backed by senior James McManus. “He has a lot to learn and is working on mechanics and soccer IQ,” he added. “He made some tremendous saves against Oceanside and was the biggest reason why we won.”

The midfield features seniors Jonathan Lainez, Chris Bauer, Andrew Davila and Jesse Wunderman, as well as junior Jack Zaretsky. Lainez and Zaretsky work the middle.

Up front, sophomore Andrew Weiner, who scored Mepham’s first goal of 2016, is a club player with a solid all-around skill set, Gosse said. “He’s quick and puts a great strike on the ball,” the coach noted. “He should be a big contributor.” Junior Gavin Jones is dangerous in the open field, and sophomore Kieran Gilroy has a nice first touch and the ability to finish.