Tough road ahead for Elmont

Rebuilding continues to be the operative word at Elmont.

The Spartans started six freshmen on the varsity soccer field a year ago and picked up just one victory. Elmont matched that mark with a season opening 4-3 victory over Sewanhaka, but a difficult conference schedule awaits.

The return to enrollment-based scheduling will be tough on Elmont. The Spartans compete in Nassau Conference IV with Wantagh, New Hyde Park, Jericho, Garden City, Roslyn and Westbury. 

“There’s no question that playing in the conference with many of the stronger teams in the county is going to be a real challenge for our program,” coach Pat Corvetti said. “We’re still very young and inexperienced. I have a good bunch of guys with great attitudes. I enjoy coaching this team every day. They’re a pleasure to work with.” 

Keeping the ball out of the net will be difficult for the young Spartans. Sophomore Alex Servin, who had three saves in the win over Sewanhaka, is coming along as the starting goalkeeper. Corvetti likes Servin’s work ethic, attitude, and willingness to learn.

Elmont’s defensive unit is also a work in progress. A pair of sophomores, right fullback John Rogers and sweeper Tim Rosario, anchor the back line. Senior Kevin Figueroa and junior George Gordon round out a young defensive group.

At center-midfield, Corvetti has a good one in Richard Robinson. The junior scored 18 goals and assisted on six others at Lawrence Woodmere Academy as a sophomore. Robinson distributes the ball well, and has terrific knowledge of the game. Senior captain Dexton Smith is a nice playmaker and can finish as well. Smith found the back of the net twice in the win over Sewanhaka. Juniors Ramone Robinson and Javid Small both have starting roles for a solid midfield group.

Senior forward Aaron Dennis is Elmont’s go-to guy. Dennis, a four-year starter and three-year captain, has verbally committed to play soccer at Villanova. He picked up All-County honors as a sophomore, and was an All-Conference recipient as a junior. Fleet-footed senior Mikhail Armstrong provides the offense with another scoring threat. 

Corvetti knows he has a special player in Dennis. “Aaron can do it all on the field,” Corvetti said. “He’s like having another coach out there. He has a terrific shot, can take defenders one-on-one, and is a great leader. He has a positive attitude, and is always pushing his teammates to play hard and get better.”

Elmont’s road will likely be bumpy, but Corvetti remains optimistic. “We know the type of competition we’re up against, and know that some games are going to be very tough for us to be competitive,” he said. “It is what it is. We’re going to play hard and look to steal a few games. If we can get a few wins or ties for the program in this conference, it will be unbelievable.” 

Garden City visits on Friday at 4:30 p.m.