Oceanside takes defensive approach

Getting a jump on the competition wasn’t a problem for Oceanside’s boys’ soccer team a year ago, but protecting the lead was another story. Despite holding an advantage in eight of 12 games against Conference AA-I rivals, the Sailors finished with a record of 1-7-4.

Coach Chuck Phelan is looking for a new defensive philosophy to bring better results in 2012, but an ultra-challenging schedule awaits. “It’s hands-down the most difficult conference in the county,” Phelan said of AA-I, which includes defending state champion Hicksville, Syosset and Massapequa. “I’m not sure what anyone else thinks of us, but in my eyes we’re a playoff team,” he added.

The top four finishers in the eight-team conference will qualify for the postseason, and Phelan believes the Sailors will benefit from summer workouts and the return of most of the midfield group. “The chemistry and focus we’ve shown so far is on par with the best in 11 years,” he said. “I don’t think scoring will be an issue. Our goal is to build leads like we did last year and not give them up like we did last year.”

Senior Mike Kaniatyn, a four-year varsity performer, figures to be Oceanside’s offensive catalyst but is a tremendous two-way contributor. “He’ll be smack in the middle of everything we do,” Phelan said of the All-Conference center-midfielder. “He leads the attack and also helps our defense with marking and organization. He’s a smooth distributor and has ability to score with either foot.”

Kaniatyn, senior Mike Schmutter and junior Anthony Vitta were appointed captains, Phelan said. Schmutter and Vitta are the starting outside midfielders and bring a combination of speed and toughness to a position sure to be a key to the offense. “Those guys can run all day and are excellent leaders,” said Phelan, who will count on senior Ben Smolarchik and junior Mike Palmiotto to provide solid defense in the midfield.

“We’re planning to use one forward and five middies,” Phelan said. “We have enough experience in the midfield to make it work. The kids played a lot during the summer and have an understanding of the system and positioning.”

Senior Eric Filkowski leads the effort at forward and is no stranger to finding the back of the net. “He’s a big and physical kid who can finish,” Phelan said.

No starters return on defense, but seniors Francis Rapp and Simeon Ilsmunidas contributed last year and climbed the depth chart. Sophomore John Pappas is another starter in front of senior goalkeeper Ryan Guera, who served as last year’s backup and brings reliable hands and a tremendous work ethic to the table.

The Sailors face three major tests out of the gate, going up against a group of opponents that combined for 29 conference victories against only five losses in 2011. They’ve got home games against Syosset, which won AA-I last fall, and Hicksville, which won AA-II, wrapped around a trip to Massapequa, the AA-I runner-up.