By STEVE SINISKI
The JV coach from 2002-06, Matt Germaine, is eager to work with all of his former players at the varsity level.
In fact, his biggest move may be the reuniting of seniors Christian Lavery, an All-Conference sweeper, and David Siegel at forward. The duo was dynamic when paired together on JV, combining for more than 30 goals in one season, and Germaine is hoping to recapture that magic. Lavery scored the team¹s lone goal in Monday¹s 1-1 non-league tie with Farmingdale. ³They have good chemistry up top,² he said.
The shift also gives Germaine some added flexibility when filling out the lineup. With Siegel sliding to forward, the Rams look toward sophomore Alex Sussman to fill one of the outside midfielder slots after a strong training camp. Senior transfer Jesse Ulloa and senior Yanni Tsiaski are also in the mix at midfield. Mike Curatolo moonlights as the kicker for the Clarke football team, but he¹s got much more than just a booming foot. The senior is a returning All-Conference midfielder with a knack for playing strong on-the-ball defense. Jesus Isla, a first-year senior, is slated to log time as the attacking center midfielder based on a strong preseason of distribution and smart playmaking abilities.
³There¹s definitely a comfort level,² Germaine says of coaching such a large number of players who worked their way through the JV team. ³We joke around a lot in practice, but they know what I expect. We put in a lot of very long hours in the preseason.²
Sophomore Alex Pego can play anywhere on the field, and appears to have earned the top reserve role because of his talent. On the back line, Eric Klein fills Lavery¹s starting sweeper position, while senior Mike Weingartner is penciled in as the right outside marking back. Sophomore Chris Goodwin will log time as the left outside marking back, and Andy Matarita is the sweeper.
An injury to starting goalkeeper Vic Mundean may have dampened spirits, but he was expected to return to the field for the season-opener at home against Sewanhaka. Only a sophomore, Mundean has honed his game with extensive play on a local travel team during the offseason and continues to develop his confidence in net, a major key for success at the position according to Germaine.
The Rams take to the road for their next two Conference IV-ABC games, visiting Plainedge on Monday and Division on Wednesday. ³The chemistry is there,² Germaine said. ³I want to try and give them more ownership of the team and the responsibility that it¹s their team.²
Comments about this story? tbellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
