Injuries plague West Hempstead

After compiling an overall record of 5-7-1 and falling just short of a postseason berth, West Hempstead came into the 2018 boys’ soccer season hoping to make a little noise. The Rams are competing among the likes of Valley Stream South, Clarke, Mineola, Island Trees, and Seaford in Nassau Conference A6.

West Hempstead has played relatively well in the early going, but is yet to find itself in the win column. After last Friday’s 3-2 loss to Island Trees, the Rams have an overall record of 0-3-1. Sophomores Jalen Jean and David Cadet scored in the setback.

While there’s more talent on the roster in 2018, a lack of depth is an issue. The Rams have just 15 players, and a bout with the injury bug has made things dicey.

Head coach Chris Van Kovics believes his team could be on the winning end of matches. “If we’re healthy and getting the same effort from our defense, we can play with any of the teams in this conference,” Van Kovics said. “We don’t have the tremendous size and strength, but we also haven’t had a healthy 11 players on the field thus far. If we continue to play hard and get after it, and get more consistency on the offensive end, there’s no reason to think we can’t win.”

One of the reasons the Rams have been in every match is the play of Cristian Reyes. The senior keeper reads and reacts well, and has a big foot. Reyes stopped 11 shots, many from point-blank range, in a 2-1 loss to Sewanhaka.

Defense has been a strength for West Hempstead so far. Senior captain Terrell Figaro is the anchor of the team’s backline. Figaro, who plays both stopper and sweeper, is a heady performer who challenges well and can make runs. Senior Luis Magana is the fastest defender. Magana marks well and forms a terrific tandem with Figaro.

Senior Matt Perciballi is quick, and can play right or left on the outside. Perciballi handles all of the team’s throw-ins. Junior Danny Torrentes gives the team more versatility on the backline. He plays both the left and right sides, and could transition to stopper or sweeper in the future. Senior Jhon Elias and Clifford Leonard provide depth.

Senior Philip Canelo is a steady player who follows the blueprint. Canelo is a tough center midfielder who crosses well and creates opportunities for teammates. Juniors John and Carlos Lombaida are a big part of the makeup of the midfield. The twin brothers can play either side of the pitch and are strong at winning head balls.

Gerardo Maldonado could develop into a go-to scorer. The fleet-footed junior, who can play midfield or forward, has a nose for the net. Senior TJ Ten-hue is the team’s top offensive threat. Ten-hue has scored a pair of goals, both from outside the 18. Cadet, Jean, and sophomore Ellean Maldonado are a big part of the present and future of West Hempstead soccer.

The Rams travel to Division this Saturday for a 9 a.m. start.