By Steve Siniski
"We're changing the way we play this year," Gargiulo said. "We're going to pressure and fast break. We call it Fun-and-Gun, and we're going to get after it and challenge defenses, try to take advantage of unsettled [situations]."
To that end, Baldwin (1-1) got off to a strong start, turning back Kellenberg in the non-league season-opener on March 23. Midfielder Edmund Jules punched home the game-winner in overtime, one of his three goals, to seal the 9-8 victory. Junior Zach Rodgers, now entering his third year as a starter, also netted three goals and added four assists, while Brendan Murhpy scored twice.
Rodgers, the quarterback of the offense and team-scoring leader for the last two seasons, isn't afraid to look for his own shot, but his best quality may be his field vision.
"He sees everything," Gargiulo said. "He can beat a guy but if [the defense] slides he can find the open man. He'd much rather the assist than a goal."
Several players continue to vie for time on attack alongside Rodgers, but regardless of who cracks the starting lineup, the overall depth of the unit will be the key. Because of the up-tempo style of play, Baldwin will rely on a number of different lineup configurations.
The midfield, the most experienced unit of the team, welcomes back Murphy and fellow seniors Teddy Murray (a four-year starter) and Tim Clifford. The tandem of Murphy and Clifford combined for three of the Bruins scores in a 9-6 non-league loss to Half Hollow Hills West last Saturday.
Tied after three-quarters, Baldwin was outscored 3-0 in the final eight minutes.
Chris O'Donnell and Donald Clemens return to the back-line, and Kevin Pate's transition from midfield strengthens the rotation.
"He has incredible feet," Gargiulo said of Pate, who's also a talented soccer player. "He's learned so much in only nine days on defense. He's a total team guy. For him to switch positions as a senior, with no questions asked, [for the] coaching staff it's appreciated."
Along with an overhaul in how Baldwin approaches the offensive side of the field, a major change from Gargiulo's normally defensive-oriented approach, there has been an influx of underclassmen to the roster. "We have 10 or 11 ninth and tenth-graders and most will be playing," Gargiulo said. "[We could] have four freshmen on the field at the same time."
Sophomore Danny McHale is the frontrunner for the lion's share of time in net and had seven saves against Half Hollow Hills West. Tom Cuomo got the nod against Kellenberg, and Peter Siegman also figures into the mix. Until the goaltenders become settled, the Bruins will count on the back-liners to take on an increased role.
"The goalie runs the defense," Gargiulo said. "But since [Chris] O'Donnell is a three-year starter he makes sure [everyone's] on the same page and will assume the quarterback position."
Baldwin opens up league play this Friday at home against Calhoun at 4:30 p.m., then hits the road for an April 4 battle with Freeport at 4:30 p.m. at Cleveland Avenue Field.
"There's a new style and atmosphere at practice," Gargiulo said. "The chemistry is just right for something special and that's being dictated by the [seven] seniors."
Comments about this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
