Blue Devils Reap Post-Season Awards
Five Huntington High School boys' soccer players reaped post-season awards led by seniors Anthony Catarino and Christian Caballero who were named All-Conference.
The Blue Devils enjoyed an up-and-down season, but closed out the campaign on a high note, qualifying for the playoffs after a strong late year push. With no margin for error, Huntington won its last four regular season games, including a 3-2 victory over Bellport with just 53 seconds remaining in the second overtime.
In addition to Catarino and Caballero, who both captained the 21-man squad, the list of post-season honorees included All-League players Ricky Velasquez and Andone Pleitez. Jeff Moreira was recognized as Academic All-County.
Huntington compiled a 6-6 record (9-8 overall). The Blue Devils dropped an exciting 2-1 verdict to No. 2 Commack in the Suffolk Class A playoffs. "We responded well to adversity and finished very strong," said head coach John Pagano, who was assisted by Jason Suarez.
Velasquez enjoyed a superb freshman year, leading the team with eight goals from his forward position. Caballero had a team-high seven assists and added seven goals. Pleitez, a junior with a reputation for being a ferocious defender, contributed four assists.
Pagano called Catarino a "tremendous leader" and the senior produced five goals and four assists. He's been one of the program's mainstays and will be missed next year.
Senior E.J. Connell sparkled in goal, recording four shutouts, including 2-0 and 1-0 games against West Babylon and Deer Park, respectively, in the same week late in the season.
Pagano said the team will return six starters next fall, giving the Blue Devils a solid nucleus to build around.