Encouraging start for Sailors

Oceanside boys’ soccer coach Chuck Phelan couldn’t be more encouraged by the team’s quick start.

The Sailors, with only two returning starters, won the Mustang Cup Tournament in Mineola and followed with back-to-back Conference AA-I ties against Syosset and defending county champion Massapequa.

“When you lose nine starters there’s going to be question marks and it makes for a major preseason project,” Phelan said. “We’ve come out playing quality soccer. We’re doing all the little things well, which is great to see.”

Second-half goals by seniors Justin Cirasola and Dan Collins allowed Oceanside to rally for a 2-2 tie with Massapequa on Sept. 17. The Chiefs led 2-0 at halftime. Cirasola also scored in the conference opener against Syosset two days earlier, but the Braves got the equalizer with four minutes remaining to earn a 1-1 draw.

“We faced the top two teams in the county out of the gate,” Phelan said. “To play them both even is pretty big.”

Cirasola, a well-rounded midfielder, is a strong defender who also holds the ignition switch to the Sailors’ transition offense. He and fellow senior midfielder Metri Abdul-Karim are the only returning starters from last year’s 9-4-4 team. Abdul-Karim has one goal and three assists through the first four games. “They’re physical play is great and they’re both accurate passers who can also score,” Phelan said of the veteran duo, which has been joined by talented freshman Nick Gaitan.

Junior forward Nick Iadevio, though new to the varsity scene, is providing an offensive spark. He scored three times in the Mineola Tournament, including both Oceanside goals in a 2-1 win over the hosts. “He has a fast, powerful shot and knows how to finish,” Phelan said. “He’s had no problem handling the speed and physicality of varsity.” Iadevio and senior Sam Kirschenbaum have displayed great give-and-go ability according to the coach. Depending on the opponent and game situation, Kirschenbaum could move to the midfield when the Sailors go with a 4-5-1 alignment.