High expectations for Baldwin

With a roster stocked with a dozen seniors, including the reigning Nassau Conference AA-III Player of the Year, new Baldwin boys’ soccer coach Chris Soupios isn’t interested in celebrating any moral victories.

“I feel we have a ton of potential and stand on an even playing field with all of our opponents,” said Soupios, who served as an assistant under Mike Palumbo for the past 10 seasons. “We have a lot of experience and we’re not going to be content if we lose a game we felt we should’ve won or tied,” he added.

The Bruins, who went 5-4-2 in conference games last season and eliminated Farmingdale in a Class AA first-round playoff matchup before falling to Hicksville in the quarterfinals, came up with some late heroics to earn Soupios his first win as coach on Sept. 7.

Senior Juan Gordillo, who missed the second half of the 2016 campaign due to a broken arm, scored with just over a minute remaining to give Baldwin a thrilling 1-0 victory at East Meadow in the conference opener. The winning play began with a free kick off the foot of Jimmy Noel that sophomore Andrew Lawrence headed into the box. Senior goalkeeper Malcolm Bell made 12 saves. “There was a huge rainstorm the night before and the field conditions took away some things we like to do,” Soupios said. “It was a battle and East Meadow’s work ethic impressed me. Our guys kept plugging away and found a way.”

The game marked the second of five straight 1-0 outcomes out of the gate for the Bruins (3-3 overall, 2-1 in AA-III) who after falling short against Hicksville defeated Plainview on Sept. 14 when Noel set up senior Paul Guiracocha’s goal in the 25th minute. Bell made five saves against Plainview for the team’s third shutout. Backup keeper Mike Paray, a sophomore, blanked Friends Academy in non-league action with Gordillo getting the game-winner.

“We’re a different team with Juan on the field,” Soupios said of Gordillo, a playmaking midfielder with an outstanding conditioning level. “He has a strong skill set and plays a physical style.”

Senior standout John Gamble, an All-County selection and AA-III’s top player last season, has joined Gordillo in the midfield. Gamble is a four-year varsity starter who anchored the defense a year ago. “John is a gifted soccer player and leader with the ability to play D-I,” Soupios said. “He does a little bit of everything. He has a great eye and can boost our offensive production.”

Guiracocha led Baldwin in goals in 2016 on the way to earning Honorable Mention All-County recognition. He’s usually paired at forward with Lawrence or junior Jhamara Hunter. Junior Ismail Elmengad has made big strides in the midfield.

On defense, senior center backs Christian Gauthier and Kwame Jean Francois bring plenty of size and skill. Gauthier is the vocal leader of the group, while Noel plays a key role in transition along with fellow senior fullback Kourtne Herbert. 

Between the pipes, Soupios said Bell has been “a superstar” in the first three conference games. “Malcolm will do whatever it takes,” he said.