The meeting came last week. There were team-building activities and a new set of goals for the remainder of the season.
Win the conference. Make the playoffs. Play spoiler in the postseason.
That’s what happens when you win the first 10 games you play.
It’s been a better start to the season than expected for Valley Stream Central girls’ soccer coach Steve Sharkey, whose side is a perfect 10-0-0 and sits atop Conference AAA/AA-5, seven points clear of second-place Malverne/East Rockaway.
A year ago, the Eagles were in Conference AAA/AA-4, where they suffered some one and two-goal losses.
“That set us back and bumped us down the division,” Sharkey said. “I think we’re actually better this year than we were last year with the growth of our younger players. I do think we are playing better than we anticipated.”
It’s hard to play better. In addition to an unblemished record, Valley Stream Central has scored 59 goals and conceded just five — three coming against Malverne/East Rockaway.
“Coming into the season, we definitely knew we were returning a large amount of seniors, some who put in the work in the offseason and are playing better than they played last year, and we also have a pretty good cast of young players,” Sharkey said. “Whatever we put out on the field, whether it be our starting XI or some of our bench players, it just seems to be working. We’re meshing.”
Sharkey said the attacking side of the field has been a strength for the Eagles this year, led by super sophomore Joeyce Forero, an All-County selection as a freshman.
“She’s excellent on the ball. She’s got a great shot. She plays both sides of the field. If I need her to drop back, she plays defensive midfield. If I need a goal, she’ll score for me,” Sharkey said. “She’s definitely mature for her age, she communicates well, and she will be one of our captains next year.”
Another threat in the attacking third is Angie James, a speedy junior who has a strong, accurate shot and is a set-piece specialist, as well as senior outside midfielders Bianca Escobar and Alyssa Haughton, and senior Kelsey Pierre, who missed the last two years due to injury but has become a key cog in the attack.
“She’s another girl who plays both ends of the field, she’s got unbelievable ball skills, she’s a great playmaker, scores goals, and has a great attitude,” said Sharkey, who also credited assistant coach Alyssa Picillo for the team’s hot start.
Seniors Victoria Motroni and Gabby Rivera anchor the backline with junior Faith Russell and freshman Isabella Contreras as outside backs.
Motroni, in particular, has impressed through the first 10 games of the season.
“She’s a quiet girl, but her play on the field speaks volumes,” Sharkey said. “She plays hard, she’s maybe undersized for a sweeper, but she works hard, she fights hard, she’s vocal when she’s on the field, but she’s just a good kid and a hard worker, and I think she’s improved every single year since I’ve coached her.”
