Thursday, October 1, 2026
Amityville’s boys soccer program has built a proud tradition under longtime head coach Mike Abbondondolo, who is now in his 13th season leading the Tide.
This fall, Abbondondolo faces a new challenge of shaping a younger roster filled with fresh varsity players into a championship contender.
From the moment last season ended, many players committed themselves to training together since December, a testament to the culture Abbondondolo and his staff have instilled. “The expectation every year is to compete for a championship,” Abbondondolo emphasized. “This group has shown incredible commitment, but with a young team comes learning curves. The key is channeling that energy and growing from every challenge.”
The Tide’s season has already been a rollercoaster with an overall mark of 3-3-2. After starting with wins over Southhampton and Mt. Sinai, Amityville was shutout in consecutive games by Hampton Bays and Shoreham-Wading River. After struggling to find consistency early, Amityville has managed to string together some important wins. A statement 2-1 victory over John Glenn Sept. 16 helped swing momentum back in its favor and reminded the group of what it’s capable of when locked in.
Leadership has been a cornerstone, with senior captains Aiden Johnson, Anthony Salvador, and Justin Mendez setting the tone. “Johnson provides steady composure, Salvador energizes the group with his drive, and Mendes has emerged as a vocal leader both on and off the field.,” said Abbondondolo. Together, the trio balances responsibility with mentorship for their younger teammates.
Johnson scored both goals in the win over Glenn.
The underclassmen, meanwhile, bring a spark of talent and potential. Juniors Xavian “X” Jackson and Alex Ayala are key contributors in the midfield and attack, while junior goalkeepers Christian Araque and Cesar Hernandez anchor the back end. “Christian has taken the starting role, but both keepers have proven capable and dependable between the posts,” Abbondondolo said.
Depth continues with juniors like midfielder Jimmy Sanchez, sophomores Nico Annunziato-Green, Ricky Washington, Osahon Ojo, and Kevin Vanegas, all players Abbondondolo expects to grow with experience. Perhaps most exciting is the presence of 8th grade forward Bautista Moreno, who represents the program’s future and has already impressed by competing at the varsity level.
As the season progresses, Amityville’s growth will depend on how quickly the younger players adapt and how effectively the seniors guide them through adversity. The win over John Glenn served as a reminder of the group’s ceiling when playing together as one, a glimpse of the Warriors’ true potential.
For Abbondondolo, the formula is clear: hard work, accountability, and family. If this youthful roster can continue to embrace those values while maturing through each test, the Tide has every reason to believe it can go far.
