Experience a key for Oceanside

Posted

The 2014 season was considered by many to be a rebuilding year for the Oceanside boys’ soccer program, with most of its key players competing at the varsity level for the first time. This fall the Sailors return to the field with many of the same faces, but with a much more experienced group that will likely be better prepared for what lies ahead.

“I think we’ve had a young team the last two years,” Oceanside coach Joe Pumo said. “But now a lot of these players are juniors and seniors, and they’ve been playing together for a very long time. So I think that we’re going to be competitive in the conference. I expect to be near the top of our conference.”

A big reason why Pumo feels so confident, is the team’s talented defensive unit. In net senior goalkeeper Alec Somerstein has inspired confidence early on, pitching shutouts in the club’s first two matchups. In front of Somerstein and leading the team’s defense is junior captain Joe DiMiceli and senior Nick Triano. Pumo believes that the duo should be very effective in slowing down opposing attackers this fall.

“(DiMiceli) is very strong and physical in the back, and wins a lot of 50-50 balls,” Pumo said. “(Triano) is also very strong and gritty, and he and Joe work very well with each other.”

Other key defenders for the Sailors include Andrew Hawk, Kyle Porcano and Rob Recchia

Oceanside is also confident with its group of midfielders, which includes Joe Mesoraca, Matt Miller, Val Napoli and Mike Briguglio. “With our midfield core, they’re all workhorses,” Pumo said, “They can all run up and down the field and give us a full 80 minutes if needed.”

On the front line, the Sailors will be looking towards forwards Matthew D’Antonio, Zachary Brooks and Shane Monaghan to provide plenty of offense.

When asked about the trio, Pumo said, “They all have their strengths in different areas, and the way that they combine with each other is really going to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.”

Page 1 / 2