Difficult start for Carey

Murphy’s Law has reigned supreme on the soccer pitch at Carey in 2014. Four starters were lost before the first match, the starting goalkeeper was banged up in the Conference A1 opener, and to make matters worse, the schedule-maker was rather cruel to the Seahawks.

The result has been six straight losses to start the season, three of which were shutouts. With matches upcoming against Wantagh, Garden City, Manhasset, and Jericho, a team that has won three consecutive state championships, things don’t get any easier.

Carey coach Matt Princi appreciates the effort he’s getting from his team. “It’s been a real challenge, but to the team’s credit, they haven’t stopped working,” Princi said. “We knew coming in that the schedule was going to be brutal. This is the toughest conference in the county. Losing four starters before the season began made things real tough for us. We’re not giving up, though.”

Despite being winless, the Seahawks have received excellent play in net. Junior keeper Dominick Brusca is a big, physical presence who has kept the team in games with remarkable saves, and has taken his game to another level with his play coming off his line. He stopped eight shots in a 2-1 defeat to perennial power South Side.

Carey’s backline has been affected significantly by the rash of injuries. Losing a pair of starters has put more pressure on captain Nick Sivilli and Greg Matzelle. The junior center backs have done an admirable job in front of Brusca. 

Sivilli, in his third year with the varsity, is a skilled performer with excellent soccer IQ. Matzelle, a first-year varsity player, has unreal speed. Another pair of juniors, Matt Calderon and Dan Rosini, work the outside for the Seahawks on defense.

Senior Anthony Parente is the prototypical defensive midfielder. Parente is a ruthless tackler who has a knack for winning duels. Sophomore center midfielder Vince Matozzo is an extremely skilled player with a ton of potential. His ability to put teammates in position to score is uncanny.

Seniors Steven Mitchell, one of the team’s tri-captains, and Troy Vasilakis, a player who never gets outworked, man the outside midfield positions. Junior captain Sean Reddy, a three-year varsity player, and freshman Christian Viti are counted on to find the back of the net. Viti is the team’s leading goal scorer. Reddy has a pair of assists.

With numerous underclassmen and a talented JV, the future looks rosy for Carey. However, Princi, who is assisted by Kevin Kemp, isn’t writing off the season. “We’re plugging away and getting better,” Princi said. “We’re asking young guys to step into tough roles, so it’s not easy. The guys are playing hard and giving the effort. They’re keeping their heads up, and just trying to get things turned around.”

The Seahawks welcome in Garden City this Saturday at 10 a.m.