Thursday, October 1, 2026
If Oceanside can find the net with consistency, coach Chuck Phelan said, the Sailors should have no trouble battling for a playoff spot in Nassau Conference AA-I boys’ soccer after bringing up the rear last season with a disappointing 2-9-1 mark.
“If there’s an area of need, goals is it,” Phelan said. “We have a tremendous midfield, a strong defense and a great goalie. We struggled to score consistently last year, and I’m challenging the forwards and midfielders to rise up and produce as much as they can.”
Though the Sailors misfired in last Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Mineola in the final of the Mustang Cup, Phelan said he was pleased with the number of scoring opportunities and how they shared the ball.
With a challenging conference schedule on the horizon, Phelan said he’s looking for senior captains Casey Densing, Travis Feinberg and Brian Wolfe to spearhead a playoff push. Densing and Feinberg comprise the center-midfield, while Wolfe returns as the starting goalkeeper.
“They’ve showed great leadership since last season ended,” Phelan said of the captains. “We brought almost everyone back and all the guys dedicated themselves throughout the summer.”
Densing earned Honorable Mention All-County honors in 2010, while Feinberg picked up All-Conference. They were Oceanside’s leading scorers and will be counted on again to spark the offense. “Casey’s a rock and ties our defense and offense together,” Phelan said of Densing. “He’s physical and athletic.”
The coach said Feinberg has the best touch on the ball and knows when to possess or distribute. The midfield has been bolstered by senior Dylan Fonte, who moved back to the area from Florida and brings speed and a nonstop motor to the outside.
In goal, Wolfe took hold of the job midway through last season and went on to earn All-Conference recognition. “He’s not tall, but he’s quick and has an explosive jump,” Phelan said. “He communicates well with the defense and makes good decisions.”
