By ANDREW McCLURE
However, with a roster filled with underclassmen, things are looking up for the Rams.
Clarke stands at 0-3-1 in Conference ABC-IV through its first four games, but one of its losses was a heartbreaking 2-1 setback to undefeated Valley Stream North last Friday. The Rams also played undefeated Sewanhaka to a 1-1 tie.
Despite the record, second-year head coach Matt Germaine is optimistic. "We have only one senior in the starting lineup and we've been in every game," he said. "The program is moving in the right direction."
At keeper, the Rams have junior captain Vic Muntean. Germaine believes Muntean, a fundamentally sound goalie and outstanding leader both on and off the field, can be an All-County player in 2008. Muntean had a nine-save effort in the loss to Valley Stream North.
The strength of the Rams is in the net and on the defensive end of the field. Junior sweeper Andy Matarita, a two-year starter, is an enforcer. Matarita plays a very physical style of soccer and isn't afraid to make a little contact to gain possession of the ball. Senior stopper Eric Cline, a three-year starter and 2007 All-Conference honoree, is a shut down defender who marks the opponent's most talented striker. Cline is great in the air and attacks well out of the defensive end.
Outside marking backs, junior Chris Goodwin and sophomore Norman Matthews, are solid on-the-ball defenders. Both are coming along very nicely for Germaine. "The defense has definitely been the strength of the team thus far," Germaine said. "We've been dominating the games from a possession standpoint, but haven't been able to find the back of the net."
The Rams are talented, but young, at midfield. Freshman central midfielder Wilber Romero is strong on the ball and has the ability to score. Romero, who also plays forward, is joined by fellow freshman Michael Stavitsky at midfield. Stavitsky is a defensive-minded player who distributes the ball to teammates extremely well. On the outside, the Rams have juniors Oscar Cortez and Elias Alexandropolous who are both in their second year on the varsity.
At attack, junior Alex Sussman is Clarke's strongest offensive weapon. Sussman, who has been moved up from midfield, has a strong left foot and can finish from anywhere. Sophomore Ryan Martinez is a skilled player who Germaine expects big things from. Junior Alex Pego is a versatile player who can play both midfield and forward.
Germaine, who credits JV coach Kevin Sequeira for his role in the positive direction of the program, believes Clarke soccer is on the rise. "We just need to continue to grow," Germaine said. "The boys are fired up for games, and enthusiastic about the present and future of the program. They've bought into the brand of soccer we're playing."
Clarke hosts Sewanhaka on Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
