Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Freeport boys soccer team is set to tackle a challenging league schedule as it seeks a return to the playoffs.
The Red Devils are once again competing against Nassau County’s largest schools in Conference AAA and will look to reach the postseason for a second straight season and third time in four years by obtaining a .500 or better record. Freeport dug itself an early hole in its playoff quest with a season-opening 1-0 loss to Baldwin before rebounding in convincing fashion with a 7-1 romp at Hicksville last Saturday.
“We have a young eager group looking to make a mark this year and are excited to get going,” eighth-year Freeport coach Craig Klasson said. “We are playing in a very competitive conference once again and hoping to make the playoffs and make a little bit of a run but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Freeport graduated some key seniors from last year's 6-6-2 team that earned the seven seed in the playoffs and fell to Port Washington by a 3-1 score in the first round.
Senior central midfielder Kevin Leon brings some key leadership to the offense in his second year as captain. The reigning All County player netted a goal and three assists in the Hicksville win.
Junior outside midfielder Jesus Sorto also brings experience to the offensive attack after garnering All-Conference honors as a sophomore. Senior Jon Rodas and junior Josue Amilcar Perez are splitting time up top at striker early in the new season.
The Red Devils produced a balanced scoring effort in the Hicksville blowout featuring two goals apiece from Sorto and Rodas along with single tallies by Leon, senior Roberto Rivera Caballero and sophomore Jose Huete Rivera.
The defense is anchored by junior central defensive midfielder Nick Leguizamon, who is serving as co-captain with Leon. He is looking to build off an All-Conference season last fall.
“I think he ranks amongst the top central defensive midfielders in the league in my opinion,” Klasson said.
Leguizamon leads a defensive unit that also includes juniors Justin Nativi and Sebastian Gonzalez along with senior Brandon Mendez and junior Jencarlo Ortez.
Junior Anthony Stheven Sagastume has taken over the starting goalkeeper duties in his first varsity season on the roster. He recorded five saves in the Hicksville win.
“He's a great shot blocker and can play pretty well with his feet as well,” Klasson said.
Freeport will host Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK Thursday at 5 p.m. before back-to-back road matches at Westbury and Uniondale. The Red Devils will then host Port Washington on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. and visit Hempstead on Sept. 22 for another 5 p.m. kickoff.
Klasson said Conference AAA is shaping up to be a competitive league with Oceanside, Port Washington, Syosset and Farmingdale among the top teams.
“There is going to be some real tough competition,” Klasson said. “I’m hoping we are able to make a push for the playoffs but right now it is too early to tell.”
