Rams hope offense picks up steam
Posted
Clarke's Chris Goodwin fights to get past a pair of Manhasset defenders, including Joe Mancini, right.
Jeff Wilson/Herald
Clarke has come out with a win, loss and tie in its first three games on the soccer field, filling the columns in the standings and getting closer to filling the nets.
The Rams earned their first victory of the season, a 1-0 decision over Glen Cove last Thursday, on a goal by junior outside midfielder Ryan Martinez. Set up by senior Jonathan Alvarez, the score was all senior goalkeeper Vic Muntean needed to secure the win. “He’s been real good on the ball and good with possession,” coach Matt Germaine said of Alvarez, a first-year starter.
The payoffs from an offseason focus on finishing offensive opportunities are starting to come in the form of goals for Clarke, which fell behind Manhasset by three goals on Sept. 15, then scored twice in the second half. A push for the equalizer never materialized, and the Indians added a late goal for a 4-2 victory. Senior forward Alex Sussman tallied his second goal of the season, while sophomore midfielder Michael Stavitsky scored the Rams’ other goal. “We had a whole lot of scoring opportunities in the second half and didn’t capitalize,” Germaine said.
It was Sussman who helped Clarke forge a 1-1 tie with Seaford in its season-opener, played as part of a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women according to its Web site. The team has already received more than $1,000 in donations and still has more in the process of being collected.
Trailing by a goal, the Rams final offensive rush was nearly cut short by an aggressive Vikings defender, but the referee awarded Clarke a free kick. Sussman, a co-captain, bent the kick over the wall of defenders and into the upper corner of the net with just five seconds remaining. “When he gets the ball on his left foot he has a great touch,” Germaine said.
One of the keys to an increased scoring output is the setup from midfield where Stavitsky and sophomore Wilbur Romero are starting to settle into their slots in the middle and attacking more. Speedy senior Chris Goodwin joins Martinez on the outside.
The speed and quickness at midfield and forward is offset by the strength and size on the back line as seniors Andy Matarita, Alex Pego and Elias Alexandropolous provide the Rams with a veteran line of defense. Muntean, a co-captain and four-year starter in goal, is a returning Honorable Mention All-County honoree. “He’s a leader and the backbone of the team,” Germaine said. “He’s vocal, has great communication, sees the game well and directs traffic.
“He was solid as a ninth-grader but not as vocal and assertive. Every year that’s gone by he’s gotten stronger.”
Following a week-long break, Clarke hosts Friends Academy in a Conference ABC-IV game on Sept. 30, with the opening tap set for 4:30 p.m.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
Report an inappropriate comment
Comments