Carey rebuilds after big year

Carey boys’ soccer coach Matt Princi doesn’t think his team will be affected much by Nassau County’s decision to align conferences by enrollment instead of ability.

“Our schedule isn’t too different,” Princi said after last Saturday’s scrimmage against Valley Stream North. “I like that we’re back to playing home and away games against every school. Last year we went to a large conference and played everyone once.”

The Seahawks, who finished 9-3-2 overall in 2009 and lost a Class AA first-round playoff game to Syosset, will face familiar foes Mepham, Kennedy, Valley Stream Central, Long Beach, Calhoun and Great Neck South twice apiece. The seven teams form Conference III, and the top four advance to the playoffs.

With 16 players gone from last year’s roster, Carey has its work cut out. Only two starters return, but Princi is bringing up most of the key contributors from a highly successful JV team. “We’ve still got talent,” Princi said. “The problem is most of our players haven’t been on a varsity field. The JV had just as many wins as varsity last year. It’s just going to be a matter of the kids catching up in terms of experience.”

The defense is a work in progress with three newcomers in the fold, but Princi is glad to have senior sweeper Nick Russo as the leader of the back row. “He’s quick, positions himself well, and is aggressive to the ball,” Princi said. “He’s the glue back there that holds everything together.”

Also returning is senior Kyle Demeo, a versatile playmaker expected to spend most of his time leading the midfield. “Kyle’s probably the most coachable kid I’ve ever had,” Princi said. “He’s a great athlete we can use anywhere on the field. He hustles all over the place and wins the 50-50 balls.”

If the pieces jell together up front, the Seahawks will be tough to keep off the scoreboard. Junior Ted Matozzo returned to the program and he’ll be paired at forward with sophomore Elvis Aguiliz, who starred for the JV a year ago. “Ted’s a fast, strong player who puts the ball in the net every chance he gets,” Princi said of Matozzo. The creativity of Aguiliz could lead to plenty of scoring opportunities for Matozzo to cash in. “We’ve started to see them click in practice,” the coach said.

Lending offensive support from the midfield will be senior Eric Melendez, who steps into a full-time role, and senior John Mejia, a good distributor and possessor of the ball. On defense, junior Scott Liuzzo played well in last Saturday’s scrimmage and brings speed and a strong left foot to the unit. In goal, sophomore Brian Morgan has sound fundamental skills and enjoyed success as last year’s JV keeper.

The Seahawks host Roosevelt in non-leauge action on Thursday, then Long Beach visits for the Conference III opener on Monday. Both games start at 4:30 p.m.