Hatzopoulos Poised For Great Season

It was a day Alex Hatzopoulos had been waiting for since last year. For the first time since last June the defending Nassau class 'A' champion Syosset Braves were set to take the field against Garden City.

For Hatzopoulos, the 2013 season comes with especially high expectations. After all, the senior midfielder plays for a Syosset team that has emerged into one of the top programs not only on Long Island but in the nation.

Hatzopoulos, who scored 22 goals for Syosset last season, committed to the Rutgers this past summer.

Here are some thoughts from Hatzopulos on the 2013 season.

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?

I decided to spend my winter in the weight room to add muscle. I think that is going to make me a much better player. I also participated in a lot of conditioning drills to help with my speed and agility.

What games are you looking forward to the most?

Our division has proven to always be competitive and arguably one of the best divisions on Long Island. We have to prepare for every game as if we are playing for a county championship.

I am looking forward to our matchup against Massapequa [April 30]. It will be our first game against them since the county championship game and we have to go out there and play a great game to beat them.

What players on your team do you think will have a great year?

What’s good about our team this year is that we are all very experienced and have key players at every position.

At attack, look for Alex Concannon to have a breakout season. He committed to Johns Hopkins over the summer and is primed for a great year. I think his partner in crime Anthony Carchietta is also going to play well for us at the attack position as well.

At midfield,  Andrew Keith [Cornell] and John Diaz [NYIT] are going to be a big-time point scorers for our squad. Both of those guys are really experienced and have been playing great in our scrimmages.

In the net, Ryan Feit [Johns Hopkins] will anchor our D and be huge again for us. Ryan was an All-American last season and will have another great year. 

Kyle Haber, will also have a breakout year. He’s a very physical, very athletic defensemen. Kyle has missed some time over the past few season's because of injuries but now that he is healthy he is going to really contribute for us. He’s great in transition and helps turn defense into offense.

What are your thoughts on your head coach John Calabria?

He's a great man. He does a great job running our team and helping us try to become the best team possible. I think that we all really respect the type of coach he is.

What do you guys have to focus on in order to repeat as county champions?

We’re focusing on finishing every play and doing the little things correctly. If we keep this mentality, I feel we will have a very successful season.