Finley Boys' Soccer Goes 4-5-1
It was a tale of two seasons for the J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys' soccer team, which lost to each opponent on its schedule the first time around before coming back to defeat them all in rematch games. The Falcons closed the year with a mark of 4-5-1.
The 35-player team was captained by Dan Mollitor, Carlos Rivera and Wilbur Parada and coached by Matt Perlongo. The roster included 26 players new to the Finley team.
Perlongo cited Rivera (forward), Parada (defense), Mollitor (goalie) and Oscar Aquillar (midfield) as Finley's top players. The schedule included Elwood, Hauppauge, Stimson, Oldfield and Kings Park.
Finley's talented nucleus proved to be potent. "Carlos is incredibly fast, dangerous and a good scorer," Perlongo said about Rivera. The coach said Parada is a "well-rounded, dominant player." Mollitor is "willing to sacrifice his body to make a save" in the goal, the coach said. Aguillar displayed a powerful outside shot and great pass.
Although the Falcons didn't steamroll their opposition, they were no pushover, either. The large roster ensures that plenty of experienced players will return to the fold next fall. Still others will advance up the ladder to the JV program.