Newsday's Top 100

 

  By Brian Heyman and Roger Rubin 

Newsday's annual look at the top 100 Long Island high school boys soccer players to begin the 2024 season, listed in alphabetical order. (All stats listed are from last season unless otherwise noted.)

CJ Abbott, Commack, M, Sr.

The center defensive midfielder used his tenacity to slow opposing attacks and his speed and accurate passing to start them for the Cougars. He had three goals and assisted on eight others as Commack reached the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals.

Miles Abdeldaim, Kellenberg, M, Jr.

Abdeldaim delivered five goals and five assists as a sophomore. Coach William Masiulis described the second-year starter and captain as “a core piece to the program since putting on a Kellenberg shirt last summer.”

Terence Allen, Kellenberg, F, Sr.

The striker had 12 goals and five assists to top the Firebirds in a 15-5-3 season that ended in the NSCHSAA semifinals. Masiulis noted that the third-year starter’s “finishing ability has earned him attention from defenses throughout the league."

Parker Antos, Bellport, D, Sr.

With size and intellect, the sweeper is a formidable matchup and is adroit at starting the Clippers’ transition game. Because of his height and strength, he moves to the front line on corner kicks.

John Arango, Amityville, M/F, Sr.

After starting for the 2022 Class A state champion, Arango took on a bigger leadership role and had six goals and four assists as Amityville reached the county final. Coach Mike Abbondondolo praised Arango for his “craftiness and high soccer IQ.”

Diego Argueta, Brentwood, F, Jr.

Argueta provided 19 goals and 10 assists for Brentwood’s 22-0 Class AAA state title team, including a goal and an assist in the final. The second-year starter is the top returning scorer in Suffolk.

Clockwise, from top left: John Arango of Amityville, Matt Babino...

Clockwise, from top left: John Arango of Amityville, Matt Babino of Carle Place, Diego Argueta of Brentwood, Michael Benfante of South Side, Michael Burke of Babylon.

Adam Armendariz, Manhasset, F, Sr.

Armendariz posted eight goals and eight assists from the left back position and “was a main reason we won the championship” in Nassau Class AA, according to coach Mark Giardino.  The coach feels the third-year starter is “an out-and-out striker” and predicts he will “be an offensive force” at forward this season.

Jonathan Armijos-Calle, East Hampton, M, Sr.

Part defensive stalwart and part offensive playmaker, Armijos-Calle helped the Bonnackers reach the Suffolk Class AA semifinals. Coach Don McGovern praised his “high work-rate and excellent vision” that “creates dangerous scoring opportunities.”

Jamie Atlas, Islip, D, Sr.

A “lock-down defender [who’s] great in the air,” in coach Michael Argenziano’s words, Atlas helped Islip rally late to reach the postseason.

Matt Babino, Carle Place, D/M, Sr.

Playing multiple positions, Babino totaled five goals and eight assists to help Carle Place win the Long Island Class B championship. Coach Conor Reardon called him “our Swiss Army Knife” and added “he does it all . . . and makes an impact wherever he plays on the field.”

Michael Benfante, South Side, M/F, Sr.

His speed, soccer intellect and work ethic make him impactful at any position. He had four goals and four assists as the Cyclones reached the postseason. 

Bradyn Brown, Lindenhurst, M, Sr.

Brown had a strong sophomore season, then was sidelined by injuries for much of last season, although he still had three goals and four assists.

Dean Burchard, Connetquot, G, Sr.

Burchard’s game is equal parts speed, size and intellect. Coach John Zambriski lauded him for “quarterbacking a precise defense with exceptional vision, communication skills and reliable hands.”

Elliot Burgueno, Ward Melville, F, Jr.

The 6-2 attacker goes into his third year, coming off a 10-goal, 10-assist season that helped the Patriots reach the Suffolk AAA final.

Michael Burke, Babylon, D, Sr.

From his spot at center back, Burke helped neutralize opposing offenses as the Panthers posted eight shutouts and won a fourth straight Suffolk Class B crown. He had six goals and six assists.

Luka Busljeta, Manhasset, M/F, Sr.

Busljeta is a third-year captain and fourth-year starter coming off a season in which he delivered eight goals and seven assists and made Newsday’s All-Long Island second team. Coach Mark Giardino called him “a box-to-box midfielder with every skill necessary."

Clockwise, from left: Luka Busljeta of Manhasset, Vincent D'Antona of...

Clockwise, from left: Luka Busljeta of Manhasset, Vincent D'Antona of Kings Park, Mark Diener of Mepham.

Asiah Carroll, Copiague, M, Sr.

Carroll contributed six goals and two assists and helped the Eagles reach the postseason for the first time in 10 years. Coach Jim Konen lauded the fifth-year starter for his size, speed, foot skill, soccer IQ, versatility and leadership ability and called him “an absolute nightmare to cover.”

John Caso, Newfield, G, Jr.

Caso, a third-year starter, made 110 saves as a sophomore. Coach Jamie Santiago said the 6-foot Caso plays well with his feet and “is a natural leader.”

Josel Castillo, Sewanhaka, F, Sr.

Castillo is known for his highlight-reel scores and finished with 10 goals and a pair of assists. Coach Chris Kassoff said that “every time the ball is at his feet, it feels like something unique is going to happen.”

Justin Catanzaro, Wantagh, D, Sr.

Catanzaro helped propel Wantagh back to the postseason for the first time in six years with his tenacious defense and his unexpected pair of goals from the back.

Justin Clarke, Ward Melville, D, Sr.

The play of this 6-4 defender was a big reason why Ward Melville had the stingiest defense in Suffolk League II. Clarke also contributed with two goals and three assists.

Jerson Contreras, Whitman, D, Sr.

The Huntington transfer was an offensive threat from the back line with five goals. Whitman coach John DiGiacomo praised him as a “strong physical defender who doesn’t shy away from tackles.”

Nick Cornell, Malverne/East Rockaway, G, Jr.

Elevated to the varsity after posting five clean sheets, this 6-2 keeper will be the linchpin of a strong defensive team. Coach Robert Anderson lauded his “decision-making on movement and position” as a strength and added he “has incredible range and reflexes.”

Nolan Crusi, Hauppauge, G, Sr.

Crusi posted eight shutouts in 12 starts in his first season as a starter. Coach Jamie Edson mentioned that he “just has a knack for keeping the ball out of the net,” and that he “is very good on air balls.”

Vasilios Dallas, Carey, G, Sr.

Dallas made 94 saves, keeping the Seahawks in games with his ability to make difficult stops. Coach Matt Princi feels the tall, athletic third-year starter “has some of the best reaction times on his line that I’ve ever seen in a high school goalkeeper,” and that he’s good at “covering his angles.”

Vincent D’Antona, Kings Park, F, Sr.

D’Antona contributed 11 goals and nine assists for a team that took the program’s first Suffolk title since 1957. Coach Sean Brady praised the fourth-year starter’s speed and ability to win in one-on-one situations, and labeled him “a threat to score every time he touches the ball.”

Ned Devine, Floral Park, M, Sr.

The four-year starter showed versatility by playing multiple spots in the midfield and front line. Devine scored seven goals and assisted on five as Floral Park reached the Nassau Class A semifinals.

Mark Diener, Mepham, D, Sr.

Diener is a right back and a standout defender. Coach Zach Gosse referred to this four-year starter as “technically sound, which is essential for a team that looks to play out from the back.”

Michael Donovan, Floral Park, D, Sr.

Donovan agreed to move back from the midfield and helped a defense that only allowed four goals. He also scored two goals, assisted on six others and was praised by coach Ahkeel Rodney as “the most selfless player I’ve ever coached.”

Scott Eriksen, Floyd, F, Sr.

The third-year starter has size, strength, speed and the ability to use either foot. Eriksen scored 11 goals as a junior.

Jose Escobar, Deer Park, F, Sr.

The Mineola transfer is “a highly technical scorer” according to coach Ryan Argenziano and should provide the Falcons with a much-needed offensive lift.  He had 17 goals and six assists.

Nick Espitia, Brentwood, M, Sr.

Espitia had a goal and six assists and was, in coach Ron Eden’s view, “one of the key players on our state championship team.” Eden called the third-year starter a “tremendous two-way player.”

Clockwise, from top left: Jose Escobar of Deer Park, Nick...

Clockwise, from top left: Jose Escobar of Deer Park, Nick Espitia of Brentwood, Connor Faello of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, Nick Ferrara of St. Anthony's,, Garfield Gillespie of Connetquot.

Connor Faello, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, M, Jr.

Faello is a third-year starter who was one of the top players last season for a team that made the Nassau Class AAA final. Coach Christine Ho likes his ability with the ball at his feet, his technical prowess, speed, quickness, vision and “tactically great understanding of the game.”

Nick Ferrara, St. Anthony’s, D, Sr.

Ferrara, a third-year starter, is a “stout defender,” according to coach Don Corrao. He contributed a goal and three assists for a Friars team that repeated in the NSCHSAA and claimed the CHSAA Class AA state title.

Jordan Flores, Glen Cove, D, Sr.

Coach Brian Smith praised his “athletic ability and anticipation” as two reasons why Flores is an exceptional defensive pivot. The savvy backliner also has emerged as a team leader.

Juan Flores, Roosevelt, F, Sr.

With an accurate and strong shot that helped him score from virtually any distance, Flores rolled up 16 goals and five assists to lead the Roughriders to the postseason.

Garfield Gillespie, Connetquot, F, Sr.

With a game that combines vision, quickness, power and intelligence, Gillespie is an offensive weapon. He had six goals and six assists, and coach John Zambriski called him “an explosive and creative goal-scoring threat.”

Joseph Gonzalez, Lawrence, D, Sr.

Gonzalez has proven himself as a fast, athletic player who excels in one-on-one situations defensively. Coach Gerard Lagasse also praised the third-year starter, who chipped in with three goals and one assist last season, for his one-on-one talent offensively and ability to create scoring chances.

Josue Granados, Brentwood, M/F, Sr.

Granados had eight goals and four assists in his first year as a starter for a Brentwood team that finished No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches’ national poll. He played a crucial role in getting Brentwood to the state Class AAA final by posting both goals in a semifinal win over Arlington in double overtime, then scoring the first goal in the title-winning game.

Connor Griffin, Garden City, M/D, Sr.

Griffin wasn’t just a key player in a defense that allowed only eight goals. He also scored four times. He brings what coach Paul Cutter called “a combination of composure, vision and versatility” to the midfield, where he should make an immediate impact.

Eamon Griffin, New Hyde Park, M, Sr.

Griffin, a center midfielder and third-year starter, had three goals and three assists. Coach Michael Bello feels Griffin is “the main cog of our team” and likes his intelligence, communication, versatility and ability to execute headers and control the transition game.

Anthony Gulino, Plainedge, M/F, Sr.

Gulino scored 17 goals and assisted on two others. Coach Jason Cinelli called the fourth-year starter the “best player on the field.”

Christian Hall, St. Anthony’s, F, Sr.

Hall contributed five goals and five assists for his CHSAA 'AA' state championship team. Coach Don Corrao sees a returning starter who’s “very dangerous in the attacking third,” and a “big part of who we are.”

Top row, from left: Josue Granados of Brentwood, Connor Griffin...

Top row, from left: Josue Granados of Brentwood, Connor Griffin of Garden City, Eamon Griffin of New Hyde Park. Middle row, from left: Anthony Gulino of Plainedge, Christian Hall of St. Anthony's, Enry Hernandez of Glen Cove. Bottom row, from left: Martin Hernandez of Portledge, Jake Hutter of Smithtown West, Owen Jarrell of Port Washington.

Ryder Heitefuss, Long Beach, M/F, Jr.

Heitefuss was a major factor on the Marines’ path to the Nassau Class AA semifinals, scoring 10 goals and assisting on 13 others. The central attacking midfielder is a “great dribbler and creative passer,” according to assistant coach Sam Fiallos.

Christopher Hernandez, Glen Cove, G, Sr.

Hernandez excels at reading angles and taking space away from opposing attackers. Coach Brian Smith also praised his “skill at making saves with both top hands and bottom hands” as well as how he “confidently grabs ahold of aerial balls.”

Enry Hernandez, Glen Cove, F/M, Sr.

Hernandez has a nose for the goal, excellent field vision and the skill to find teammates when on the run in transition. He is also clutch — among his 15 goals (and eight assists) were two game-winners in the postseason.

Martin Hernandez, Portledge, D, Sr.

Hernandez transferred from Port Washington last year and helped the Panthers reach the NYSAIS semifinals for the first time in program history. Assistant coach Daniel Kapps felt Hernandez “was the most dominant center back in the PSAA by far and one of the best in all of NYSAIS.”

Joe Hiller, Center Moriches, F, Sr.

Hiller, a Quinnipiac commit for baseball, also stands out in soccer as “a dangerous striker” with “a knack for finding the back of the net,” according to coach Mike Russo. The fourth-year starter had 19 goals and six assists.

Jake Hutter, Smithtown West, M/F, Sr.

From the midfield, Hutter made contributions at both ends – including two goals and six assists – as Smithtown West won the Long Island Class AA championship and reached the state semifinals. Coach A.J. Gercke called him “a dynamic attacking threat who should both create and score a lot.”

Owen Jarrell, Port Washington, G, Sr.

Jarrell made 75 saves and had six shutouts as a junior. Coach Stephan Brossard lauded the third-year starter’s distribution ability and noted that “his ability to make saves is only rivaled by his calmness and confidence on the ball.”

Christian Kolb, Mepham, M, Sr.

Kolb, who had four goals and two assists, is a center midfielder and third-year starter. Coach Zach Gosse describes him as “our best overall player, true playmaker, humble, leader [captain], diligent, respectful and committed.”

Cole Lawrence, St. Anthony’s, G, Jr.

Lawrence made 83 saves and posted 13 shutouts. Coach Don Corrao called the returning starter “without a doubt the best [goalkeeper] in the NSCHSAA last year as a sophomore.”

Ryan Leary, Carle Place, F, Jr.

Leary scored nine goals and assisted on 10 as the Frogs won the Long Island Class B title. Of the Newsday All-Long Island second-teamer, coach Conor Reardon said, “His combination of strength and speed make him one of the most dangerous forwards on the Island.”

Clockwise, from top left: Ryan Leary of Carle Place, Dylan...

Clockwise, from top left: Ryan Leary of Carle Place, Dylan Leon of Friends Academy, Cole Lawrence of St. Anthony's, Ryan Levy of Half Hollow Hills West, Michael Mannino of Whitman, Anthony Mariani of East Islip.

Lino Leighton, North Shore, F/M, Sr.

Leighton totaled 14 goals and five assists. Coach Michael Bishop cited his technical skill and determination, and said he  “is not only lethal in front of [the] goal, but also a creative playmaker.”

Drew Lennon, Calhoun, M, Jr.

Lennon put up six goals and four assists as a sophomore. Coach Christopher Vogel lists the third-year starter’s strengths as “finishing, decision-making, playing quick, awareness and cardio.”

Dylan Leon, Friends Academy, M, Jr.

Leon, a fourth-year starter, organized the midfield and contributed five goals and three assists as a sophomore. “His skilled, intelligent and passionate play in the midfield provided our team with an organized foundation and a consistent attacking threat,” coach Edgar Posada said.

Ryan Levy, Half Hollow Hills West, M/F, Sr.

The exceptionally talented Levy is now a four-time Newsday Top 100 honoree. He tallied 15 goals and 14 assists and spearheaded the Colts’ late run to a postseason berth in Suffolk Class A and a trip to the quarterfinals. He was a Newsday All-Long Island second-team selection.

Stefano Linardos, Locust Valley, F, Jr.

After a 2023 in which Linardos recorded six goals and eight assists as Locust Valley reached the Nassau Class A title game, he  will be a threat opponents must plan around. Coach Joe Lee touted him as “a dynamic scorer with a powerful shot.”

Andrew Lowenhar, Harborfields, G, Sr.

Lowenhar, a fourth-year starter and third-year captain, finished with nine wins and six shutouts. Coach DJ Greening feels the Connecticut College commit is a “great communicator and organizer as well as shot blocker,” and that his varsity and club experience will be very helpful for a young team.

Sean Mahoney, Oceanside, M, Jr.

The third-year starter had a hand in creating most of the Sailors’ goals a year ago while scoring three and assisting on five others. Coach Patrick Turk described him as “the engine of our offensive machine.”

Michael Mannino, Whitman, M, Sr.

His eight goals and five assists helped the Wildcats reach the quarterfinals. Coach John DiGiacomo said Mannino is “extremely fast and athletic [with] good technical ability and can finish around the box.”

Anthony Mariani, East Islip, F, Sr.

Mariani, who scored 13 goals as a sophomore, was hampered last season after coming back from ACL surgery but looked “awesome” again in this past summer league season in the eyes of coach Ray Lang. The fifth-year starter is “a great goal scorer,” a “leader” and a “highly skilled” player with a “huge heart,” according to Lang.

CJ Marino, West Islip, M, Sr.

With a great all-around game and high skill level, Marino rejoins the Lions after a year away. “He has great touches along with great vision of the field,” coach Dennis Mazzalonga said, adding that he “can be a strong defensive midfielder when needed.” He played every minute of every game as a sophomore.

James Martino, Smithtown West, M/F, Jr.

Martino started as a reserve before earning a spot in the starting lineup for the Long Island Class AA champion and scoring four goals. He will take on a bigger role this season and is lauded by coach A.J. Gercke as “a threat to score every time he touches the ball.”

Luca Mazzilli, Cold Spring Harbor, M, Sr.

Mazzilli led the Seahawks in points with five goals and four assists. The third-year starter is a captain who has “a great soccer IQ and is highly skilled,” according to coach Christian Lynch.

Clockwise, from left: Reilly Minor of Jericho, Luca Mazzilli of...

Clockwise, from left: Reilly Minor of Jericho, Luca Mazzilli of Cold Spring Harbor, Gianluca Milazzo of Manhasset.

Peyton McGrade, Smithtown West, D, Sr.

Often marking the opponents’ top scoring threat, McGrade helped the Bulls limit foes to one goal or less 14 times en route to the Long Island Class AA title. Coach A.J. Gercke said they “will rely heavily on [his] intelligence, grit and experience.”

Gianluca Milazzo, Manhasset, D, Sr.

Milazzo, a center back and a starter since eighth grade, excelled in his role last season when he was named as his conference’s defensive player of the year, and he had a goal and four assists. Coach Mark Giardino feels he “reads the game as well as any and is calm and composed.”

Joseph Milazzo, Manhasset, D/M, Sr.

Milazzo, the identical twin brother of teammate Gianluca , is a fifth-year starter who had four goals and four assists out of defensive positions. Giardino uses him most consistently in the back four, but “we move him around as he’s a midfielder and striker at heart.”

Reilly Minor, Jericho, D, Sr.

Minor is a fast fourth-year starter. Coach Dani Braga noted that the center back is a “stout defender … with shutdown ability."

Lucca Noboa, Freeport, F, Sr.

Noboa contributed nine goals and five assists. The third-year starter and second-year captain “is a very skillful player who is excellent in one-on-one situations and a great finisher,” according to coach Craig Klasson.

Brayden O’Boyle, Commack, M, Jr.

With an ability to control a game though his play in the midfield, O’Boyle was a key cog in Commack’s run to the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals, scoring four goals and assisting on six others. Coach Dave Moran lauded him for playing with “vision, tenacity and pace.”

Nico Osorio, St. Dominic, G, Sr.

With cat-quick reflexes, Osorio limited opponents to one goal or less in five NSCHSAA games and was the league’s MVP in the goalkeeping category. He also was the Bayhawks’ top man in penalty kick situations.

Marco Pantano, Lynbrook, M/D, Sr.

Pantano was a “defensive monster playing sweeper,” in the view of coach Josh Berlin, and posted three goals and two assists. The fourth-year starter “is able to make runs up and through the middle of the field to add to the offense,” according to Berlin, and will be used in the midfield as well as in the back.

Jack Pendrick, Syosset, M, Sr.

Coach Brett Waxer likes this four-year starter's energy, work ethic and confidence with the ball, “especially when under pressure." 

Jason Pereira, Carle Place, M, Sr.

Pereira had 10 goals and seven assists in helping Carle Place to a sixth straight Nassau title. Coach Conor Reardon said “everything runs through Pereira” and praised his “great IQ and footwork.”

Clockwise, from top left: Marco Pantano of Lynbrook, Felix Rubinstein...

Clockwise, from top left: Marco Pantano of Lynbrook, Felix Rubinstein of Port Washington, Ciaran Stein of Babylon, Jason Pereira of Carle Place, Jack Pendrick of Syosset.

Ben Perez, Lawrence, D, Sr.

Perez scored a couple of goals for a team that made the Nassau Class A finals, but mostly his value came as “one of the toughest and smoothest center backs on Long Island” in coach Gerard Lagasse’s opinion. Lagasse cites the third-year starter’s tackling, heading, passing and instincts and feels he “can do it all defensively.”

Cris Ramos, Patchogue-Medford, M/D, Jr.

A year ago, Ramos used his high soccer IQ and array of skills on the back line to help Pat-Med limit opponents to one goal or less in 13 of their 17 games. He will be more of a playmaker on a young squad this season, and coach Tim Trava mentioned that he “will be called on to do most of the heavy lifting."

Frank Ramos, Mineola, D, Sr.

Ramos is a fourth-year starter for a team coming off a season in which it took Nassau and Long Island Class A titles and lost in the state semifinals in overtime. Coach Al Cavalluzzo is impressed with Ramos’ “very high soccer IQ” and creativity with the ball, and feels he “will be the spark coming out of the back.”

Daniel Reiss, Great Neck North, F, Sr.

The four-year starter led the Blazers to the postseason with nine goals and five assists. Coach Anton Robert Berzins explained he’s a threat because “he is skilled tactically and technically.”

Briam Rivera, Amityville, M/D, Sr.

Coach Mike Abbondondolo called Rivera “a coach’s dream player” and “a natural captain … who does all the extra work that won’t come up on the stat sheet.” Primarily a defender when he had four assists last year, he can play any position depending on what’s needed.

Lesther Rivera, Riverhead, F, Sr.

Rivera scored 15 times and assisted on two others. Coach Evan Philcox sees the third-year starter as being “a fiery competitor” as well as a player who’s strong on the ball and in the air and “dangerous from anywhere within 40 yards of the goal.”

Neeyoh Robinson, Long Island Lutheran, F, Sr.

Robinson, who posted 12 goals and eight assists, will be relied upon for scoring again. Coach Tim Bevan praised his “excellent speed and dribbling ability” and called him “a very good free kick specialist.”

Felix Rubinstein, Port Washington, F, Sr.

Five of Rubinstein's nine goals were game-winners for a team that went to the Nassau Class AAA semifinals. The Middlebury commit, who’s a fourth-year starter and third-year captain, is a tall, strong striker with “tremendous speed to attack defenses,” according to coach Stephan Brossard.

Antonio Ruffo, Chaminade, D, Sr.

With what coach Brian Anselmo called “strong field vision,” Ruffo is expected to anchor the Flyers’ defense. A year ago, he was a key cog for a team that went to the NSCHSAA championship game and allowed one goal or fewer in 16 contests.

Rafael Sanchez, Kellenberg, M, Sr.

Sanchez, a central defensive midfielder and third-year starter, contributed a team-leading 12 assists. “Rafa’s role in build-up play and ability to find the right pass in attacking situations has cemented him as a high-level midfielder in the Catholic League,” according to coach William Masiulis.

Nicholas Shuleshov, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, D, Jr.

Shuleshov was one of the best defensive players in his conference last season, and he had a big offensive moment, sending the Hawks to the Nassau Class AA title game with a late goal. Coach Christine Ho likes how the third-year starter excels in one-on-one situations and in the air, and that he “reads the game very well.”

Alex Squillacioti, Kings Park, M, Sr.

Squillacioti had eight goals and 12 assists for the Suffolk Class A champ. Coach Sean Brady cited his ability to dominate the middle of the field, his creativeness and his vision. He called the fourth-year starter “a big-game player who knows exactly how to take over in high-pressure situations.”

Ciaran Stein, Babylon, M, Sr.

Stein again will be the keystone in the middle for the Panthers as they seek a fifth straight Suffolk title in Class B. The Newsday All-Long Island second-teamer had 13 goals and 19 assists.

Sean Szczotka, Mattituck, F, Sr.

Szczotka put up 14 goals and 12 assists on a team that lost in the Suffolk Class B final. The fourth-year starter — and lone returning starter — was on the back line as a freshman when the Tuckers had 11 shutouts.

Sebastian Trent, Commack, D, Sr.

His combination of size, strength and speed on the backline made Trent a nuisance to opposing forwards as Commack reached the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals. Coach Dave Moran cited his dominance on balls in the air as well as his touch and vision as strengths.

Junior Valle, Uniondale, M, Sr.

Valle had five goals and six assists as Uniondale reached the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals. Coach Cohen Nelson lauded him for his “impeccable dribbling and passing skills and great field vision.”

Clockwise, from left: Junior Valle of Uniondale, Dylan Wassenbergh of...

Clockwise, from left: Junior Valle of Uniondale, Dylan Wassenbergh of Oceanside, Sebastian Trent of Commack, Jack Veletanga of Chaminade.

Abdiel Vargas, Westbury, M, Sr.

Vargas is a third-year starter and second-year captain who’s mostly a holding central midfielder. Coach Chris Valentini labels him as “the heart and soul of the team” and also expects him to have a big offensive season.

Steven Vargas, North Babylon, F, Sr.

Vargas, a fourth-year starter, has averaged 10 goals over the last three seasons. Coach Mike Cashman described him this way: “Highly skilled, quick player, pure goal scorer.”

Andrew Velasquez, East Meadow, M, Sr.

Velasquez served as the tip of the defensive spear for the Jets last season with a knack for disrupting opponents’ flow. Coach Bryan Horrmann lauded his “ability to organize the backfield” and “strength in 1-on-1 situations.”

Jack Veletanga, Chaminade, M, Sr.

His skills and creativity in the flow helped Veletanga score five goals and assist on four others as the Flyers won the NSCHSAA regular-season crown. Coach Brian Anselmo called him “a constant offensive threat.”

Luka Verbanac, Sachem North, G, Sr.

Verbanac made 125 saves and had four shutouts. Coach Chris Russo praised the second-year starter’s vocal leadership and described him as an “excellent shot stopper” and player who’s “our on-field organizer” and is “strong in distribution.”

Dylan Wassenbergh, Oceanside, D, Sr.

The well-respected defender was a big part of the Sailors allowing one goal or less in nine games. Coach Patrick Turk called Wassenbergh “our brick wall” and added he will mark the top scorer on every opponent.

Dylan Wauchope, East Meadow, F, Sr.

Wauchope was one of the Jets’ primary weapons as they captured the Nassau Class AAA championship, finishing with nine goals and 11 assists. Coach Bryan Horrmann praised him for his “strength with the ball, excellent footwork and skilled passing.”

From left: Dylan Wauchope of East Meadow, Tyler Ziminski of...

From left: Dylan Wauchope of East Meadow, Tyler Ziminski of Glenn.

Justin Woodbine, Garden City, M/D, Sr.

Woodbine was a part of a Trojans back line that allowed only eight goals and reached the Nassau Class AA final. Now the 6-4 senior will play in the midfield. Coach Paul Cutter said, “He’s a player who makes his presence felt with his leadership.”

Tyler Ziminski, Glenn, G, Sr.

Ziminski, a third-year starter, allowed only nine goals and posted 10 shutouts for the Knights (16-2). “Big, strong, athletic goalkeeper and gives us a chance to win games,” coach Lou Hanner said.