Same old Jets.
It’s a phrase Ilan Gornstein knows painfully too well.
It’s one born out of preseason optimism, followed by in-season agony and futility.
Gornstein, the diehard New York Jets fan, has had that same optimistic feeling at the start of every year for the past two decades as Farmingdale girls’ soccer coach.
And while his Dalers have had far more postseason success than Gang Green, this year, Gornstein’s annual preseason optimism has borne fruit. This Farmingdale team has been different than others.
A year removed from just three wins in 13 matches, Farmingdale is undefeated at 5-0-3 and sits atop Conference AAA/AA-3 with 18 points, one point in front of Bellmore JFK.
The Dalers are a plus-11 in goal difference on the season, and their nine goals against is by far the best among the eight teams in their conference.
A big reason for the success? An infectious positivity throughout the team, which helps when dealing with the ebbs and flows of an emotional sport.
“The atmosphere has been really positive. It’s been really light,” Gornstein said. “The girls seem to enjoy being with each other.”
That was evident when, without urging or suggestion from the coaches, the players met for a pasta party during the Rosh Hashanah break from school.
“There’s no magic explanation for this,” Gornstein said. “It’s just everyone’s been so positive.”
Leading this year’s squad is senior Gianna Racine, a two-year captain and defensive midfielder who has free rein to push forward in attack. Racine is also a set-piece threat with her head.
Goalkeeper Emma Ferraro, who is part of a really talented junior class, is the other captain. She’s been on varsity since eighth grade and has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches.
“She’s a good kid, very even-keeled,” Gornstein said. “None of the highs and the lows, she doesn’t go crazy, she doesn’t get down. She goes in and she does her job no matter what.”
Senior Annalise Ferraro controls the midfield, is maybe the most skilled player on the team, and can score goals from 20-30 yards out.
Junior Juliann Brzeski is a lacrosse star and another player who has been on varsity since eighth grade. The Stony Brook lacrosse commit scored a sensational goal from distance in a season-opening win over Division.
Juniors Lily Cartagena and Anastacia Corr anchor the defense, giving Gornstein and assistant coach Courtney Sorrentino, who Gornstein said has been instrumental to the team’s success, the confidence to switch to three in the back this fall.
Up front, junior Kelsey Brosnan has blossomed in terms of her confidence, and eighth grader Lia Ruotolo isn’t just one to watch for the future.
“This kid, wow, super impressive,” Gornstein said. “She’s going to be something in a couple of years. Her name is going to be around, if it’s not already going around.”
A year after a challenging season, the Dalers believe they can make some noise in the playoffs later this month.
“Why can’t we do some damage in the playoffs,” Gornstein said. “Why not us?”
