Strong Goalkeeping Provides Hope for WI Boys Soccer in 2010

Record last year: Conference: 15-5-2, Overall: 21-12-2

Head coach: Ed Pieron

Division: League II

Key players: GK Kyle Carrick, GK Nick Policastro, Mid Sean Sepe, Mid Phil Denara, F Tyler Bell

Key Games: At Connetquot (9/23/10), home against Northport (9/25/10), home against Bay Shore (10/5/10)

After suffering a cruel, double-overtime 1-0 loss to Half Hollow Hills West in the Class AA quarterfinals to end their season, the West Islip Varsity boys soccer team is hungrier than ever to get back to the playoffs.   But they'll have to do it against stiffer competition -- upgraded from League III to League II-- and without key defensive players lost to graduation.  Nonetheless, head coach Ed Pieron is confident that his team can to return to post-season play.

"I think it's probably going to [come down to] how quickly we can put together a lineup," Pieron said. "Nobody is coming back on defense so it's going to be a whole new defensive unit, which leads to a lot of uncertainties.

"Usually you have returning players that you're comfortable with but we don't have that this year [on defense]. If we can continue to get goaltending and we work hard and play hard, then the playoffs should not be a problem for us."

Goaltending was a key to West Islip's success last season, and both keepers Kyle Carrick and Nick Policastro are returning. The two combined for a 15-5-2 conference record in 2009, and Pieron loves his options in net.

"It's hard to say with playing time since both goalies are very, very good," Pieron said. "Kyle comes in having started the last two years, but Nick's going to get plenty of minutes this year as well. I have confidence in both of those goalies."

One of the team's major flaws last season was a lack of offense. The Lions struggled to connect with the back of the net, something they must improve on if they're going to find success this year.

"We need to find someone who can score some goals for us this year or else it will be a tough season," Pieron said. "We have junior midfielders Sean Sepe and Phil Denara. Both of those guys started last year as 10th graders and I expect them to come in and play even better than they did last year and put some goals in. As far as upfront, Tyler Bell and others will be relied on to put six, seven goals in apiece throughout the season."

With no returning defenders, the Lions will field a lineup filled with underclassmen. Their JV team had a successful 2009, but it remains to be seen how those players will handle the transition to the varsity squad.

"We'll miss Vinny Caccavale and Matt DiDonna, who are both heading off to NYIT," Pieron said. "Those two were three year varsity players who understood the game so well and were great leaders too so we're going to miss them. We've got to put the defense together and find a goal scorer this season."

The move up to League II will have West Islip facing successful programs like Bay Shore and Northport, but the team's vision remains the same every year.

"Our goal is always to make the playoffs, every year, because once you get there you're happy," Pieron said. "As long as you're playing well at that time of the year then you feel good going into the playoffs."

Editor's note:  The Varsity boys soccer schedule can be found in the events section of West Islip Patch, including directions to away games.