Finishing winless in a dozen games a year ago means there’s only one place for Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys’ soccer program to go and that’s up.
And coach Robert Anderson believes the Rockin’ Mules can rise as high as the Nassau County playoffs for the second time in five years after no postseason appearances in forever.
“Everything just spiraled downhill last year after two terrible preseason injuries,” Anderson said. “This is a new season and there’s excitement. When we had all the kids at summer league, we played well and the kids saw what we’re capable of. We have skill and we’re more experienced.”
Defense should keep Malverne/East Rockaway in almost every game. Junior goalkeeper Nick Cornell from East Rockaway emerged last fall and earned All-Conference honors. He brings a huge leg that will ignite the transition game, Anderson said, and serves as the quarterback of a four-pronged back end.
“He’s tall, athletic and in great shape,” Anderson said. “He has a booming leg and his clearing ability is an offensive weapon.”
In the back, it’ll be junior Josh Bernade and senior newcomer Joe Arning in the center and seniors Liam Whitehouse and Ayo Adenike on the outside. Bernade is up from JV but runs like a deer, Anderson noted, and has solid distribution skills. Arning brings incredible touch and smoothness and is great in space, the coach said. Whitehouse is 6-foot-3 and wins most 50-50 balls in the air, while Adenike is a strong, quick and reliable leader according to the coach.
The additions of Bernade an Arning to the defense allows the Rockin’ Mules to deploy senior Johnny Staubitz to midfield. “Johnny is being unselfish and making the move to help our team,” Anderson said. “He’s a run-through-the-ball type of player.”
Also in the midfield is junior Jeremiah Arning, Joe’s younger brother who’ll add the ability to distribute and field vision. High energy comes in the form of junior middie Jose Gomez, who brings a non-stop motor and some nifty moves. “Jose isn’t big but he packs a punch,” Anderson said of Gomez. “He’s a fierce competitor and fun to watch.”
Up from the middle school level is freshman Sebastian Rueda, who’s expected to get a ton of minutes at midfield. “We rarely pull a freshman up to varsity, but he has excellent footwork and knows the game so well,” Anderson said.
The biggest scoring threat on the roster is Malverne senior Jayden Mora, who was dynamic during summer league. “He’s aggressive with the ball and can break through multiple defenders,” Anderson said. “He has a blistering shot.” Also at forward is junior Devin Leicch, the JV’s leading scorer in 2024 with a dozen goals. “He has a natural gift of finding ways to put the ball in the back of the net,” Anderson said.
The first three games — Manhasset, Carey and Clarke — will provide the coach with an accurate measuring stick. “Those early games are going to dictate where our talent sits in the conference,” Anderson said.
