The MacArthur High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team clinched the Conference AA-II title with a 2-0 win over Baldwin recently. They finished conference play with a record of 10 wins, one loss and one tie. It is their first winning season in five years and first double-digit winning season in eight years. They are currently ranked seventh in the Nassau County Soccer Coaches Association poll.
First-year head coach Mr. Atkins and second-year assistant coach Mr. Greenblatt coach the Generals. The victories have been a truly team effort all season long.
This season the Generals posted 10 shutouts and allowed only five goals during Conference play. The stingy defense begins with keeper Kevin Mayer, followed by defenders Greg Baumstein, Matt Bascelli, Pat Newins and Chris Pappas. Defense also had significant contributions from James Barrett and Christian Kennedy.
Scoring was spread out over many players with Matt Norcini and Ryan Palusko leading the team in goals scored. Also scoring goals were Rob Bennett, Frank Micieli, Justin Perez, Anthony Roccio, Fernando Sanchez and Ben Zilka. Midfielders and forwards who also contributed to this season were Nick Butcher, Joseph Giammarusco, Matt Gino, Pat Hurley, Chris Lara, James LaFrance and Diego Rodriguez.
Most of these players started playing soccer for the Levittown Soccer Club’s Snoopy Division, going on to play in intramurals, developmental and travel divisions. Through the years the players have changed teams and clubs but have truly come together as a team at MacArthur High School.
