Oceanside opens with a win

Oceanside’s boys’ soccer team gave new coach Joe Pumo a victory in his first game on the sideline when it defeated visiting Elmont, 4-1, in a non-league contest on Sept. 10.

Senior forward Ryan Sicker came off the bench to ignite the Sailors and scored all four goals, set up by a different teammate each time. Seniors Angelo Maffettone, Tom Moran, Mike Palmiotto and Anthony Vitta each picked up an assist.

“Ryan knows how to get into position to score and he’s not afraid to shoot,” said Pumo, who spent two years coaching in Oceanside’s girls’ program before taking over the boys’ helm from Chuck Phelan. “It was a great way to open the season,” he added.

Though Pumo carries a defensive coaching philosophy, he said he’s excited about Oceanside’s offensive potential. Maffettone and Moran are the starters up front, and Sicker has already displayed fireworks off the bench. Palmiotto and senior Jesse Platia bring tremendous speed to the outside midfield spots.

“It all starts in the back,” Pumo said. “But we know we have to score to win games in this conference. We’re looking to possess the ball as much as we can and expose the outside backs of our opponents.”

Maffettone is “one of a kind,” Pumo said. “He’s fast and skillful, and has a strong left foot.” Moran is always around the ball and in defenders’ hair, the coach explained. “Tom and Ryan are pretty similar,” he said of Moran and Sicker. “They’re gritty and drive opponents batty.”

The speed of Palmiotto and Platia along the sidelines will be a key to success, Pumo said. “Those guys have another gear,” Pumo said. “Opponents will have trouble keeping up with them. They’re smart and do a nice job on crosses. They’re going to create a lot of scoring chances.”

Center-midfielders Vitta and senior Kevin O’Keefe are the catalysts to Oceanside’s transition game. “They love to have the ball at their feet,” Pumo said. “They’ll make things happen by getting the ball to the guys on the outside or pushing it up themselves.”

Senior fullback Anthony Longo likes to join the attack as well, but he’s primarily a vocal leader and calming presence in the back. He’s emerged as a starter after filling a reserve role last season. On the opposite side is senior Joe Schindler, one of the team’s fastest players who cleans up mistakes in a hurry. Senior Dillon Lynch and junior Chris Meagher are the center defenders. Lynch is aggressive and strong on the ball, and Meagher is an all-around force, especially in the air.

In goal, senior Robert Tucker is a technically sound keeper with quick reflexes. He turned aside three golden scoring opportunities by Elmont in the opener.

After finishing 3-10-1 last year, Pumo is looking for the Sailors to contend for a postseason berth in Conference AA-I. “Making the playoffs is a realistic goal,” he said.