Lynbrook Boys Soccer Looking for Conference Title in 2011

The Lynbrook Owls boys soccer team fell just short of a Conference VI title in 2010 with an 8-1-3 record and a 9-4-3 overall mark -- the team's last conference title came just five years ago in 2006.

The Owls then fell to Bethpage in double overtime of the playoffs as a fifth-seed. But this upcoming fall, Lynbrook is looking to take a step forward, as well as make an attempt at a deep run in the playoffs.

“We have a nice core of veterans coming back and it is going to be a different type of team,” Owls head coach Josh Berlin said. “This year, we are really looking at our midfield to control the pace of the game and be patient out there.”

Lynbrook must replace its top goal scorer from last season, Angelo Messina, an All-County forward, as well as a pair of All-Conference players in Rich Belusci and James Kirby, who top a list of seven graduated seniors from 2010.

Senior Mike Milillo, an All-Conference midfielder from last year, will look to take charge of the team this upcoming season. He will receive help from junior Damian Andreani, who earned All-County Honorable Mention last year, as well as juniors James Cullen and Juan Nilsen, who are both competing in their second year on the varsity squad. Sophomore Brendan Tedaldi will be looked upon to provide solid playing time as well.

“We have a lot of guys coming back. We have a young team, but a lot of them were pulled up early last year,” Milillo said. “We all work well together in the midfield because all of us are returning, so we’re looking good so far.”

Junior Ian Reid will be called upon to lead the defense. Playing behind him will be one of three goalkeepers, all of whom are up to the task according to Berlin. Senior Evan Foley is in his third year on varsity and senior Jake Goldbaum, as well as sophomore Pat Doody, round out the keepers. 

“We’re looking really good. A lot of these young guys are stepping up and stepping into these positions and showing us that we can win,” Foley said. “It’s looking like our defense could be equally as strong as last year.”

Lynbrook will compete in-conference with defending champion Manhasset, as well as Valley Stream South, Great Neck North, Floral Park, Malverne/East Rockaway and West Hempstead.

The Owls competed in the Mustang Cup on Sept. 9, where they dropped an opening-round game to host school Mineola by a score of 3-1.

“We’re looking forward to some of the new additions to contribute this year,” Berlin said.