Experienced Seaford Boys Soccer Team Gears Up For New Season

The Seaford High School boys soccer team finished off their 2010 season strong despite an early exit from the playoffs. 

The Vikings experienced a rough start in the early stages of their schedule, but emerged to earn the playoff bid and go on to nearly defeat the top-seeded team in the first round, losing in overtime to  The Vikings finished the season with a 4-5-3 mark and a 2-1 overtime heartbreaker at top-seeded Manhasset in the playoffs.

“We have guys who have been there before, so they should be comfortable,"said Seaford boys soccer head coach Ralph Pascarella. "If they could get everybody together and be confident and consistent, then we can be very good.. We should definitely be in the mix for the playoffs, and once you get into the playoffs, anything could happen.”

Seaford returns 12 seniors to the team this year, so the experience from last season should play a large role in the potential success in 2011. Senior Nick Interrante will be a key player at the center back position, along with senior Jimmy Roell at the center-midfield. Both players earned All-Conference honors last season.

“I think we can do very well and definitely make the playoffs this year,” said Interrante. “We can build from the playoffs last year and learn from our mistakes.”

Bolstering the midfield and attack for Seaford will be another group of seniors in Jesse Palmer, Donnie Spurell and Ray Schaffner, who the team hopes to be a main scoring option at forward. Senior Brian Graziose will be welcomed back at goalkeeper after missing the 2010 season due to injury.

“As long as we work hard and play together, we should do well," said Roell. "We have been working on being connected, staying as a group, moving up and down and playing together...This year we are going to be more physical and finish a lot more on goals.”

Playing out of the small school Conference 7, Seaford will battle top teams such as Mineola and Island Trees for a shot at the title. The Vikings will also play Valley Stream North, Carle Place, Clarke and Roosevelt during the season.

“These guys know how to compete and they don’t take anything for granted," said Pascarella. "It is about consistency."

Seaford will open up their 2011 season schedule on the road against Carle Place this Friday at 4:30 p.m. Their home opener will take place on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. against Valley Stream North.