The Start of a New Golden Era in Boys Soccer?
Robert Booras ‘22 battles with a Grand Street Campus defender September 29 at Midwood Field. Photo: Continental Studios
By ANDY CANETE
It had been sixteen years since boys varsity soccer reached the semifinals of the PSAL playoffs. But the team broke that curse this season, finishing as a top four team in New York City and narrowly missing a finals berth with a 1-0 loss to Beacon High School at Randall's Island on November 9.
The loss was “tough,” said junior Benjamin Larson, a defender for the team. “After dominating the first 65 minutes, dominating possession, we had the chances but just couldn’t finish. They capitalized on our defense’s one mistake and scored their first shot on goal. It was a game I’m confident we could’ve won, but we got outplayed for the last 15 minutes.”
“We were mainly in control but just got unlucky in the end,” said Daniel Gutkin, a senior and starting midfielder. “We hit the crossbar once and just kept missing opportunities.”
Still, coming back from the Covid-19 pause, and with several new players joining the team, the Hornets were able to mark one of the biggest accomplishments in Midwood soccer history and end the season with their heads held high. Reaching the semifinal stage of the playoffs was huge, a journey to be proud of despite a disappointing exit.
“It was a pleasure coaching these boys,” said Mr. Roger Padula, the varsity coach. “As much as I would have loved to make it to the finals, I am proud of all 25 of them for being one of only four teams in New York City to make it this far.”
After a shaky start to the season, losing 7-0 to Fort Hamilton High School and 4-1 to Grand Street Campus, the Hornets knew something had to change. Timothy Blyumin, a senior, stepped out of his main position as a midfielder and decided to take responsibility as a goalkeeper.
“Seeing the team's results in the first few games didn’t satisfy me, so I decided to step up and try something new that I thought would benefit the team,” said Blyumin. “With our new tactics and my new position, our team did better than expected.”
The Hornets were able to turn their season around and reach the playoffs with a 7-3-2 record. A lot of the success had to do with their seniors, who were assigned as team captains by Mr. Padula.
Gutkin said, “It felt good being one of the leaders on the team. At first, there was a little bit of pressure since being a senior means putting your best foot forward and leading by example, but we were able to handle it.”
The team finished the regular season 7-3-2. Photo: F7 Studios
In the first round of the playoffs on October 30, the Hornets lost captain and star player Matthew Charniak ’22 to a leg injury against Evander Childs Campus. With eight goals in the season, Charniak’s absence was a huge loss to the team, but they remained hopeful.
“I knew they could do it without me,” said Charniak. “We had a very strong team made up of sophomores and juniors who could get the job done.”
The Hornets remained victorious, beating New Utrecht High School 3-1 on November 1 and destroying Lehman Campus 7-1 on November 4 to continue their playoff run and advance to the semifinals. But they fell to Beacon 1-0, who days later lost 4-2 in the PSAL championship to Martin Luther King High School.
The starters of the team were proud of what they accomplished and how far they made it, despite knowing they were only one game away from the championship match.
Top goal-scorer with 12 goals Mark Bronnik ’24, said, “It felt amazing scoring a lot of goals in my first season as a sophomore and helping the team make it far in the playoffs. We deserved to be in the finals.”
Daniel Rodriguez, a sophomore who plays as a starting midfielder, said, “It was honestly fantastic for my first year. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted in the semis, I hope to have another great season next year.”
His older brother, Mr. Abi Salvador, was an assistant coach for the team this season. A former Hornet himself, he was a crucial part of the team’s success due to his prior experience and knowledge about the game.
“It was a pleasure coaching the team,” said Mr. Salvador. “Not only was my brother on it, but it was really special for me because I was someone just like him playing on the team 10 years ago. I am looking forward to doing it again next year.”
Robert Booras ’22, who finished his senior year with 7 goals, said, “It was a very valid season. We made it further than I expected, and it was such a fun experience. I know the boys are going to give it their all and set their eyes on that chip next season.”
Disclosure: Andy Canete is on the boys soccer team.
Nicholas Ritz and Mahirul Bhuyan contributed to this article.