By Steve Siniski
The loss of an All-
County forward ‹ who led Nassau County in scoring ‹ and an All-County goaltender has changed the complexion of Clarke in 2006. Six starters are gone overall from a program that has won back-to-back Conference championships. Rams opened the year with a 4-1 loss to Division last Thursday.
The wide-open style that was so effective in lighting up the scoreboard has given way to a more deliberate attempt to put the ball in the back of opposing nets. "We're moving the ball more and getting [the defense] committed to one side," coach Fred Graham said. "Then we can try and kick it back [on crosses]."
Returning starters Andreas Kaplan and Nick Sparaccio anchor the midfield, now the expected strength on the team. Mike Curatolo and Eric Cline, a first-year starter up from junior varsity, give the Rams a solid core to build around on both sides of the field.
Replacing All County goaltender Matt Weingartner is Vic Muntean, a 5-foot, 11-inch freshman who has impressed the coaches with more than just his physical skills in the net. "He's got good hands and plays the angles well," Graham said. "And he's not afraid to talk to the defense. Usually [freshmen] are very timid."
Communication with the backline will be key for Muntean, because All-Conference stopper Vinny Monteforte is the only returnee. Christian Lavery has made his presence known during preseason scrimmages and Dave Seigel will act as a jack of all trades. He'll see time as a marking back, midfielder and even forward. Jon Frobart is in much the same position as a midfielder and forward.
Making up for the loss of their top scorer won't be easy for the team. They¹ll be looking at Meno Fernandez and Matt Kersh to help ease the transition at forward.
Lady Rams welcome new coach
The girls' varsity soccer team is undergoing a transformation of its own with new coach Geri Streigold at the helm. Although the Lady Rams have opened the year with three consecutive losses ‹ the last one a 3-1 defeat against Port Washington last Friday ‹ their goal is to turn up the heat on opposing defenses with an up-tempo style of play.
Helping the transition is the return of eight seniors, including co-captains Katelyn Walsh and Kendra Raskopf, who anchor the halfback position. "We want to run the ball," Streigold said. "I don't like the longball, I like more possession and love to push it up the field."
Kassandra Dolan and Kelly Fay, along with Michelle Schwartz, are in the mix at outside halfback. Schwartz takes on the added responsibility of handling corner kicks in the offensive zone.
Not many forwards would be disappointed by a style of play that seeks to create scoring opportunities, rather than wait for one to develop, and Clarke's group is no different. Senior Carissa Giglio and Mariuxi Chavez are the top options to put the ball in the net.
Sophomore Dana Dunwoody has stepped in as the new goaltender, bringing athleticism and an outgoing nature that works well with the revamped defense in front of her. Sweeper Toby Klein and stopper Nicole Brennan return but several outside backs are either first-time starters or varsity newcomers.
Senior Allison Hartman is joined by Sarah Alio, while senior Christina Pietras will split her time at several different positions, including the backline.
"Everyone works hard in practice and gives 100 percent," Streigold said.
