Seaford Boys Soccer Has Playoff Aspirations

On the heels of a tough 2009 season the Seaford boys soccer team has high hopes for a playoff appearance this year.

With an experienced team of nine seniors and 11 juniors Seaford head coach Ralph Pascarella expects the Vikings to be right in line for a three or four seed in the Conference VII. The top four teams in the conference will reach the playoffs. The frontrunners in Conference VII are Mineola and Island Trees and Pascarella expects Seaford to be vying with Valley Stream North and North Shore for those two remaining spots to the postseason.

“I could see any one of those teams creeping in there,” said Pascarella of how wide open Conference VII is.

Expected to be major senior contributors for the Vikings in 2010 are defenseman Dave Hraska, midfielder Mike Mallery, and forwards Keith DeGeorge Kraig Bush and Tommy Poulos, who scored Seaford’s lone goal in a 5-1 non-league loss to Lawrence on Sept. 13. Anchoring the goalie position is senior Mike Kalista, who recorded eight saves in the loss to Lawrence.

Pascarella said what will ultimately decide whether Seaford makes the playoffs is how well his team plays as a unit since there are 13 players expected to contribute and not one or two stars. “We will competitive,” said Pascarella of his expectations for 2010. “We have a lot of experience.”

Seaford opens it Conference VII schedule on Sept. 21 against North Shore starting at 7 p.m.