The preseason vibe for the Malverne/East Rockaway boys soccer team is different than any other season coach Rob Anderson could remember.
A year removed from a remarkable turnaround season, in which the Rockin’ Mules went from winless in 2024 to nine wins and the playoffs, expectations and belief are on the rise.
“We have a lot of guys returning, and we really made some noise in the summer league, so I believe that they believe,” Anderson said. “They believe in themselves. They believe that we’re no longer a team, we’re a program. The vibe is, ‘we’re capable, and we’ve done it,’ as opposed to ‘we’re capable and let’s see what happens.’”
The backbone of this year’s team is a defense that returns essentially intact, led by 6-foot-4 center back Liam Whitehouse.
“Massive throw-in, gazelle-like instincts. He looks like he’s stalking prey,” Anderson said. “Opponents’ two strides are equal to his one. He just kind of stalks them and times his move incredibly well. Liam is a guy who’s gonna stand out in Nassau County as one of the best defenders.”
Playing alongside Whitehouse is 6-foot-2 Joshua Bernabe, who moved from outside back. With his physicality and speed, Bernabe perfectly complements Whitehouse.
On the outside is Sebastian Quiroz, a three-year varsity player who brings strength, poise, and smarts to the backline, as well as Tommy Brown, who earned a postseason starting spot as a sophomore last year.
Taking over the role of central midfield distributor is Jeremiah Arning, who replaces his older brother Joseph, who graduated.
“Jerry is the most unselfish player you’re going to get, not big in stature, but by the grace of God and instinct, the kid can see a field at an elite level,” Anderson said.
Jeremiah will also get to play the role of big brother this year, playing alongside sophomore Joshua Arning.
Anderson is hoping Sebastian Rueda can continue his torrid form from the summer, in which the sophomore scored in every 40-minute game, into his second season as a starter.
“His ability to hit the back of the net is elite,” Anderson said. “He can bang them from 30-40 yards, from tough angles. He’s a guy who’s going to either hit the twine, or he’s going to force goalies to make saves.”
On the left side is a three-year starter in Jose Gomez, who is good with the ball at his feet and has a tendency to draw fouls.
Up front, Anderson is pulling up eighth-grade twins Jaiden and Dante Verost.
“We’re blown away by their ability to work together,” Anderson said. “And because I think they're really young and good kids, and egos in check, they distribute well, they communicate. They want to show the varsity team they belong there.”
Just as the Rockin’ Mules want to prove to Nassau County they belong as a Class AA contender.
“I’ve not felt this good about a Malvern East Rockaway team in my career, including the ‘B’ team that went to the first playoff ever that had a lot of talent,” Anderson said. “This one I feel the most confident with it.”
