Cyclones figure to contend again

After back-to-back Nassau Class A championship seasons, South Side took an early exit from the 2011 boys’ soccer playoffs at the hands of Great Neck North.

But rare is the year the Cyclones aren’t part of the title conversation, and this fall is no different despite the absence of field general Mark Romanowski for at least the opening month. Romanowski, a senior and two-time All-County choice, suffered an ankle injury a few days into practice and could miss half of the Conference IV-A season.

“Nobody’s accomplished as much as Mark has in three years,” South Side coach Fred Paul said. “He’s done it all and is one of the best players in the county. We’re going to miss him, but we’ve got guys to pick up the slack.

“When Mark’s ready, we’ll see where our biggest need is and put him there,” Paul added. “He’s mainly been our center-back, but he’s played everywhere and can play anywhere and excel.”

The Cyclones are part of a stacked conference that includes defending county champion Jericho, Garden City, Wantagh, Roslyn, New Hyde Park and Westbury. The top four finishers qualify for the playoffs. “I’m going to do a lot of experimenting early in the season,” Paul said. “The importance of the non-league games will be more about figuring ourselves out and getting comfortable heading into the conference schedule.”

When Romanowski returns, there’s a good chance the defensive corps in front of junior goalkeeper Thomas Germano could boast four seniors. Gerard Mahoney is a tenacious marking back who will be getting the toughest assignment on a daily basis, Paul said, while also serving as a key to the team’s transition game. Angel Arevalo and Mark Brady are the other projected starters, though the latter is also a candidate to play forward. “Gerard has grown a lot the last few years,” Paul said of Mahoney. “He has the ability to stay with any opponent and does more than just clear the ball. He makes quality passes out of the zone.”

Between the pipes, Germano has taken on a leadership role, Paul noted, and has all the tools to succeed. “I think he can have a breakout year and be one of the better keepers in the conference,” Paul said. “He’s vocal and athletic.”

At midfield, South Side possesses a potent tandem in the center with senior Dane Flaherty and sophomore Alessandro Pugliese. Flaherty is a tremendous two-way contributor, while Pugliese looks to build off a solid freshman campaign that saw him lead the team in assists. Juniors Brian Hurwitz and Jacob Adler will continue to provide quality minutes after rising up the depth chart a year ago, Paul said, and senior speedster Stephen Tita is a difference-maker at forward. Depth at midfield and forward comes in the form of senior John Murphy, juniors Marco Schaden, Chuck Leone and Jack McKenna, and freshman Matthew Diluccio.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Paul said.