MacArthur thrives in new conference

After more than a decade in Class AA, the MacArthur girls’ soccer team is settling into a new situation this fall.

The Lady Generals marched to Conference AB-II this year due to a drop in enrollment and find themselves near the top of the standings heading into the home stretch of the season. Despite a 1-0 setback to Cold Spring Harbor on Sept. 29, they finished September with a 3-2-4 conference mark and are positioned to earn a playoff berth.

“They are playing very well,” said first-year coach Jamie San Filippo, who took over after leading the SUNY Old Westbury men’s soccer program the previous five years. “They are working hard every day.”

MacArthur is keyed by a strong defense anchored by senior captain Tara Brophy, who leads a backline that also features senior Jenna Skillman and sophomore Samantha Elizi. The Lady Generals entered the first week in October leading the league in shutouts and goals against average.

“She is one of the best defenders in the county,” San Filippo said of Brophy. “She is the heart of the defense.”

MacArthur has depth at the goalie position and has played four goalkeepers early in the season due to injuries. San Filippo said he has confidence in all of his net-minders, which includes sophomore Jess Tolvey, freshman Shannon Killian, junior Hayley Hernandez and sophomore Sarah Andreski.

“We have great depth at the goalkeeper position,” San Filippo said. “We have some very good leaders in net.”

Offensively MacArthur is guided by multiple scoring threats following the graduation of All-State forward Arianna Montefusco, who tallied 13 goals last year and is now playing at Manhattan College. Senior Kaitlyn Politi (two goals, one assist), sophomore Sara Marcano (two goals, four assists) and freshman Kara DiBlaiso (three goals, one assist) have led the charge upfront.

“It’s been a collective effort up top,” San Filippo said. “It’s hard for other teams to stop us because they can’t just concentrate on one player.”

MacArthur returns to the field on Saturday morning at home against Calhoun in a non-league match that kicks off at 10 a.m. The Lady Generals then close the regular season with a road tilt on Oct. 14 at Mepham and then host North Shore on Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m.

The top five of seven teams in Conference AB-II reach the playoffs, which is new territory for MacArthur after years in Class AA where it was all but assured of a postseason spot.

“Every game matters,” San Filippo said. “You have to earn your way into the playoffs.”

In addition to striving for success on the field, San Filippo said there has been a major focus this year to have more of a presence in the surrounding area. San Filippo has arranged for ball girls to help out during games and the team has also held youth clinics as ways inspire future MacArthur soccer players.

“We’re looking to change the culture of the program,” he said. “We’re looking to get everyone in the community excited.”