Lawrence matches 2022 win total

The Lawrence boys’ soccer team has a new coach, new tactics and new cohesion. They also have a new winning record – 3-1-2. 
Gerard Lagasse, its JV coach the last 15 years, replaced longtime varsity man Patrick Leary, whose final team struggled in 2022 (3-7-1).
“It was a frustrating year for Coach Leary,’’ Lagasse said. “He had higher expectations. The kids underachieved.’’
With seven returning starters, Lawrence is motivated.
“My plan was to change our tactics, change our formation,’’ Lagasse said. “I think it’s worked so far. We are a possession-based team that builds from the back. It’s confused teams with our flair.’’

The English style was preferred by Leary, advancing the ball on long kicks downfield. Whatever the new system, the players have embraced it. 
“Our chemistry is so much better this year,’’ striker/midfielder Jonathan Valiente. “Last season our preseason went by so far and we never got chemistry.’’
Lagasse says Valiente is the “engine in the middle of the field. “Tough as nails,’’ the coach added. “He gets thing done in the middle offensively and defensively.’’
After such a disappointing 2022, Valiente is on a mission to put the Golden Tornadoes back on the soccer map. “I hope we can make it far in the playoffs,’’ Valiente said. “I want to prove a point. I want to make a statement to everyone out there to realize how good Lawrence is.’’
Lawrence hasn’t allowed more than three goals and posted two shutouts, including their most significant victory, 2-0 over Five Towns rival, Hewlett. Forwards Luis Manrique and Joseph Gonzalez netted the scores. 
“Our backline is fantastic,’’ the coach said. 
Lawrence’s backline goes four deep with Benjamin Perez and Emerson Mijango as cornerstones. “As solid as they come as centerbacks,’’ Lagasse said. 
Lawrence’s two outside backs are Gonzalez and Yaxon  Arriaga. Both are potent attacking out of the box. 
On offense, Manrique, a senior, has posted 3 goals and 2 assists. 
He was an expected entity, but junior Kevin Mendoza would win the Most Improved Player Award. The outside left wing leads the Golden Tornadoes with 4 goals and 2 assists.
“He’s really stepped up his game,’’ Lagasse said. “It’s helped him playing recreation soccer with men. He’s come a long way - .a late bloomer who’s technically gifted, good with his feet. If he loses the ball he’s tenacious to get it back.’’
Another revelation is goalkeeper Gabriel Rosales, who wasn’t even on the squad last season. He makes up for his lack of height – 5-foot-7 – with quickness.
“He just showed up out of nowhere,’’ Lagasse said. “The kid has reflexes like a cat, is super athletic, plays the ball with his feet. We like our goalkeeper to use his feet, which starts the offense.’’
Lawrence has no shortage of talent around the pitch. At midfield, Brandon Moran will make attractive plays. “A crafty midfielder, one of the craftiest players in our conference,’’ Lagasse said. “He’s very technical, great touch on the ball. He finds our players. He can pass to player that may not be open but can find them in open spaces.’’
Lawrence’s two ties were impressive also – 3-3 against powerful Mineola and 1-1 versus Lynbrook. Let the Golden Tornadoes roll.