Surprising VSC wins conference title

The Valley Stream Central girls’ soccer team had a turnaround season and is looking at a bright future.

Following a one-win 2015 campaign, the Lady Eagles rebounded this fall by capturing Conference AA-III with a 7-1 record. The season closed on Oct. 21 with a 6-0 setback to fifth-seeded Syosset in the first round of the Nassau Class AA playoffs, but with the majority of the starting lineup comprised of freshmen coach Mike Caputo is bullish about where the program is headed.

“It was a very surprising year,” Caputo said. “I didn’t think we were going to be as talented as we were.”

After five challenging non-conferences, Central got off to fast start in league play with a 6-0 win against Hempstead on Sept. 21. The Eagles proceeded to shut out Hempstead again 4-0 on Oct. 7 and went on to sweep Freeport and Westbury by a combined score of 21 to 4. Central was unbeaten in conference play before dropping the regular season finale to Uniondale, 3-1.

“We had some holes entering the season and they were filled by many freshmen,” Caputo said. “The younger players really stepped up.”

Among the freshmen which propelled Central to exceed expectations was freshman sweeper Amanda Shaukat. Caputo said Shaukat emerged as a lock down defender who could also generate offense up field.

“She’s an absolute beast,” said Caputo of Shaukat, who scored two goals. “She’s going to someone to look out for.”

Shaukat’s older sister Amber also contributed to a solid Central defense. The junior defensive wing player earned All-Class honors and like Amanda also produced on offense with a goal and two assists.  

The Shaukat sisters were aided on the backline by senior Megan Adams and junior Alesha Gutierrez. The Lady Eagles produced two shutouts and held opponents to a goal or less in four matches.

“We had a very strong defense,” Caputo said. “There were some games where they didn’t give up a shot.”

Junior Rebecca Colgan sparked the offense with a team-leading 15 goals. She was named Conference AA-III Player of the Year. “She really broke out this season,” said Caputo of his offensive star, who tallied two goals in four games. “She is just full of skill.”

Caputo credits much of the 2016 success with younger and older players gelling to the leadership of senior tri-captains Eleni Demas, Isabella Gandasegui and Adams. The seniors were instrumental with guiding the Eagles during matches and connecting on the practice field.

“All three of them gave incredible leadership,” Caputo said. “They are three of the best I have ever had.”

The successful 2016 season means Central will move up to Conference AA-II next fall. While the stepped-up competition will pose a challenge for the Lady Eagles, Caputo is excited to see how they fare with so many starters returning and off a season that laid a solid foundation for the future.