MacArthur fueled for extended season

Following three straight straight seasons of early round playoff defeats, MacArthur boys’ soccer is seeking a far longer postseason stay this fall.

The Generals began the 2022 season with a seven-match unbeaten streak before falling to Plainedge 1-0 last Thursday in a rematch of last year’s Class A first round heartbreaking loss on penalty kicks. Eleventh-year MacArthur head coach Andy Atkins said his team has made strides since a season-opening 1-1 tie and is hopefully poised for an extended playoff run.

“I really believe we're getting better every day and we typically get better as the year goes on,” said Atkins, who led MacArthur to a county title in 2014 just two years after taking over a program that had endured back-to-back winless seasons. “We're starting to come together offensively a little more.”

Leading into the Plainedge game, MacArthur posted back-to-back 4-0 wins against North Shore on Sept. 23 and at crosstown rival Division two days later. Austen Roth scored two goals in both of the wins.

Roth is one of 11 different goal scorers this season for an improved offense led by junior forward Christian Perez Franco, the reigning offensive conference player of the year who had three goals and two assists despite opposing defenses marking him closely each game. Senior James Eden, another returning All-Conference starter, is also shining with three goals and two assists. center midfielder Kieran Weber, who also earned All-Conference accolades last season, has been an effective distributor with eight assists.

MacArthur’s early season success has been led largely by its defense, which achieved five shutouts in its first seven games. Senior goalie Tyler Behr, who was an honorable mention All-County player last season, is continuing his strong play from his junior year he recorded 11 shutouts.

The backline features returning All-County honorable mention senior sweeper Tyler Mormando, stopper Jack Longobucco, left back Gianni Ninno and right back Liam Dunleavy. Junior Joey Mahoney, who has been on varsity since eighth grade, anchors the defensive midfield along with fellow junior Nolan Tordy, who also plays some stopper as well. 

The Generals are next in action at neighborhood rival Wantagh Friday at 5 p.m. before traveling to Friends Academy Wednesday for a 4:45 p.m. kickoff. MacArthur closes the regular season at home against Bellmore-JFK on Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m. 

MacArthur entered the week in contention for the league title in Conference A East, which would assure the team of a top three seed in the upcoming Class A playoffs. Atkins said a high seed would boost his team’s chances  of a deep postseason run, which is a big goal for his many veteran players who have experienced past playoff disappointment in the opening round. 

“We just have to focus on what's in front of us and keep winning the games in our conference because that's what we can control as far as seeding,” Atkins said. “We're really focused on correcting the wrongs of the past and getting where we think we deserve to be.”