By ANDREW McCLURE
The Spartans are hoping a senior-laden team, which includes the top player in the county, will be able to put their late-season slide behind them and earn a spot in the 2008 postseason. Patrick Corvetti, in his third season as coach, believes defense will be the key. “Our hope is to be able to put one up on the board and shut the opponent down,” Corvetti said. “We don’t want to get into high-scoring matches; we’d prefer to win 1-0.”
All talk about Elmont soccer begins with senior Ahkeel Rodney, the reigning Nassau Player of the Year. Rodney, a three-year captain, scored 33 goals as a junior, the most on Long Island, and opened 2008 with a goal in last Friday’s 3-2 loss to Sewanhaka. But Rodney’s attributes are not limited to his skills on the field. “I thought it would be a good idea to move Ahkeel to midfield so he could avoid being double- and triple-teamed,” Corvetti said. “Before I could mention it to him, Ahkeel came to me and suggested it. He felt it would be better for the team. He’s completely selfless.” The move to midfield will also enable Rodney to help on defense. The young man, who is being touted as one of the top athletes in school history, has made an oral commitment to play at the University of Virginia.
Joining Rodney at midfield is sophomore Aaron Denis, another vastly talented player. Denis, who started as a freshman, doesn’t have Rodney’s speed, but he’s fundamentally sound and makes excellent decisions. Freshman Rasidi Grant, sophomore Dexton Smith and junior Justin Mathew will all be part of the rotation at midfield. At striker, Corvetti is expecting big things from senior Henk Simson and Marck-Lee Phebe. Senior Anthiny Paul will also see time up front.
Elmont returns senior goalkeeper Jean Alexis, who has made huge improvement and is expected to be one of the conference’s top netminders. Corvetti named Alexis a captain based on his hard work and leadership.
Corvetti wants his defense to set the tone, but he’s going to be asking a relatively inexperienced group to shut down opposing attacks. Senior sweeper Jodell Cherubin and first-year varsity player senior David Victor will lead the defensive unit. Also vying for time are seniors Eric Narciso, Christian Melendez and Eduardo Luna.
To be successful against the likes of Hempstead, East Meadow and other Conference III foes, Corvetti knows his defense will have to get stronger. “We’re somewhat inexperienced on defense, but we’re starting to jell,” he said. “It’s important that we control the pace of the game and cut down on the number of goals we give up. We’re starting to come together as a team. I like what I have seen thus far from the boys.”
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