Thursday, October 1, 2026
There was no shortage of adversity for Freeport’s boys’ soccer team down the stretch, but the Red Devils provided themselves with some margin for error thanks to a 3-1-2 start against Conference AAA rivals.
But a lot of things changed Sept. 25 in a 1-0 defeat to Hempstead. Senior standout Lucca Noboa suffered a season-ending injury and it was also the final game of 2024 for Freeport’s top goalkeeper on the depth chart.
Still, the Red Devils hung around in the playoff chase and had a win-and-in opportunity Oct. 16 but was unable to solve conference champion Plainview, falling 1-0 on a goal that came with 18 seconds remaining in the first half.
“I think the team gave its best effort,” Freeport coach Craig Klasson said. “We were able to develop some scoring opportunities but just couldn’t finish. I’m proud of the boys for all their hard work this season. I’ve coached many of them a long time.”
One of those longtime varsity players was Noboa, who had 4 goals and 6 assists despite missing the final six games. Freeport managed one win, three losses and two draws without him. Also injured along the way were Carlos Bustos, Jefferson Ortiz and Allan Bonilla.
“We’ve had numerous obstacles and Lucca getting hurt was difficult for us of course,” Klasson said. “He’s a captain and a tremendous player and his absence had an impact on confidence. He still remained heavily involved and came to every practice and helped any way he could.”
Junior David Menjivar is someone who stepped up to pick up some of the offensive slack, Klasson said. Menjivar scored in the first game the Red Devils (7-5-4 overall, 4-5-3 in AAA) played without Noboa, a 7-0 victory over Academy Charter that saw senior Angel Nativi net a pair and junior Emerson Molina and register a goal and two assists.
Defensively, senior Kristian Hernandez was the catalyst, the coach noted. “He just played phenomenally today and all season,” Klasson said after the finale. “Kristian and Jose Molina are the anchors back there and we also have Aaron Gomez who’s steady and moved Yorman Villeda to boost the defense as well.”
Junior Carlos Umanzor and sophomore Kleybersson Corado both saw action between the pipes over the last six games and held their own, Klasson said. Corado had the shutout versus Academy Charter and totaled 17 saves on the year, while Umanzor made 7 of his 13 stops against Syosset.
Needing at least a draw against Plainview to keep its playoff hopes alive, Freeport kept the pressure on throughout the first half with Menjivar, seniors Jason Villeda and Bryant Cruz and sophomore Kevin Leon leading the pressure. Cruz was coming off a two-goal game against Hicksville six days earlier.
However, the Hawks (10-1-2) kept the Red Devils off the scoreboard and played the role of spoiler.
“It was a challenging season,” Klasson said. “The conference was tough. Anyone could basically beat anyone. We had a talented team and played the right way.”
