HSMSE Boys' Soccer wins division to earn playoff spot

HSMSE Boys' Soccer Team / N. Diunte

The 2015 season was a tremendous success for the HSMSE boys’ soccer team. They played to a record of 11-2-1, and reached the postseason for the first time since 2012.

The Dragons won the Manhattan B II Division, and played into the second round of the PSAL playoffs. Coach Nicholas Diunte attributes the improvement to young players who were prepared for the competition.

“The younger players matured in a shorter amount of time,” Diunte said. “Having a year behind of playing together helped. We [also] had some freshmen who were ready to step right in.”

Throughout the entire season, the team focused on the concept that all players needed to have an impact on the game. With everyone working towards the same goal, success was easier to attain.

“[By] getting everyone to contribute, and getting everyone on the same page on what we wanted to do offensively and defensively, we got the most out of what we could do with that concept all season,” Diunte said. 

Looking forward to 2016, HSMSE will be without four seniors: goalkeeper Alexei Ohotin, defender Matthew Levine, forward Onyekachi Akalonu, and defender Nick Winokur. While the team will have to adjust to the loss of these players, their coach feels that they have the personnel to fill the void of the departing seniors.

“I think that there are younger players who are ready to step in and fill their roles,” Diunte said. “The players who are sophomores and juniors are going to be juniors and seniors; the hope is that they will improve and mature, and we see who walks in the door as freshmen.”

While all the success has certainly been welcomed, the team wants to stay on track with their goals. Although duplicating their playoff run may not be easy, Diunte has faith in his players.

“We would like to [do the] same or better than what we did,” Diunte said. “I think the kids are up to the challenge and they see what they have to do to be prepared.”