V.S. South part of wide-open race

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A year after a strong regular season earned Valley Stream South boys’ soccer a first-round playoff game at home, the Falcons are looking for more of the same and are eager to play on their new turf field.

“The kids are excited to play on the turf and we’re hoping it’s ready for the last two or three home games,” coach Rich Boyd said. “We always have playoff aspirations. We need all hands on deck and to play together as a team to go where we want to go.”

Under Nassau’s new conference alignment, enrollment numbers landed South (8-3-1 in Conference A4 last season) in a wide-open A6 along with Seaford, Clarke, Mineola, Island Trees and West Hempstead. Only the top three finishers are guaranteed a playoff berth. “Mineola might be the team to beat, but I think it’s anyone’s conference to win,” Boyd said.

The Falcons split their first two conference games, defeating West Hempstead, 2-1, while falling to Mineola, 3-1. South also managed a pair of 2-2 non-league draws (Great Neck South and Malverne/East Rockaway, as well as a 3-2 non-league victory over Elmont.

Tightening up the defense in front of junior goalkeeper Joe Correa is important, Boyd said. Senior center-back Nick Shapiro was used primarily as a marker a year ago and stepped into a bigger role. “He’s a grinder,” Boyd said of the returning starter. Junior Jesse Orozco took over sweeper responsibilities and brings a combination of speed and field vision. Varsity newcomers Denilson Palacios, a junior, and Alex Rosales, a sophomore, are a pair of hard-working fullbacks and Boyd said they’ve been “up to the challenge” so far.

Correa is a first-year starter after serving as the backup in each of the past two seasons. “He understands the position well and trains hard,” Boyd said. “He’s made big saves so far and is very vocal.”

The offense has been doing its part, with All-Conference senior forward Keyshawn Newman leading the way. “He’s big, strong and fast, and he has a physical presence that adds to his ability,” Boyd said. A captain, Newman had a goal and two assists through five games.

Junior Chris Camacho is a quick striker with the ability to finish as well as create scoring opportunities for others. He has two goals and two assists. Freshman Stephane Maurice got a taste of varsity in two games in 2017 — the regular-season finale in which he scored against Seaford and a 2-1 playoff loss to Wantagh — and is showing he belongs. He’s tied for the team lead in goals with three along with junior forward Sebastian Sarrion.

In the midfield, senior All-Conference selection Mike Martinez leads the way. “A lot of things run through Mike in the center and everyone feeds off him,” Boyd noted. Junior Luciano Moena is tough to beat when the ball is in the air, and sophomore Chris Gutierrez is a hard-nosed middie with a solid skill set.

The Falcons will try to avenge their loss to Mineola in the rematch on Oct. 3. It’s at home and could take place on the new turf.