Talented Finley Soccer Players Show Promise

While the J. Taylor Finley Middle School “White” soccer team had the unenviable task of playing many of Suffolk’s best seventh and eighth grade squads, many players on the Blue Devil roster sparkled and appear to have set the stage for excellent careers on the high school level.

Finley Spanish teacher Alicia Furman coached the team, which was captained by Cassidy Harris, Violetta Fox and Claire Dello-Iacono.

“I am very proud of this team,” Furman said. “Many parents were also proud of how they have improved as a team as well as many improved individually. All of the players increased their confidence. It was nice to see them improve their soccer skills and the knowledge of the game for most of them. They also bonded as a team on and off the soccer field.”

Harris shined at midfield. “Cassidy is a natural leader on and off the field,” Furman said. “She is a great communicator and works hard at every practice and in every game. Her hard work shows during the game as she was a crucial player for the team. She demonstrates great teamwork as she helps them with their position as well as in individual skill building soccer drills.”

Fox was a standout defender for Finley. “A very good defensive player, Violetta is fearless,” Furman said. “She had a knack for stealing the ball away from the opposing player and would often sacrifice herself by blocking their shot.”

Goalie Anabel Stein stopped a penalty kick. “After the game, our other goalie, Nicolina Santoli thanked me for ending most of our practices with the ‘goal and go home’ drill, where every player has to take a penalty kick. Once they score, they can go home.”

The highlight of the season came in a 2-2 tie against Northport “Gold.” “We were losing 2-0 and rallied back,” Furman said. We worked together and Dayana Portillo Hernandez scored two goals. Everyone played a great game.”

Furman said that players Gracie Griffith, Mikeyla Anscencion, Genesis Banegas Orellano, Gabriella Avalos and Katley Maldonado also displayed “great improvement.”

Many seventh graders are eligible to return to the field for Finley next year and Furman praised the young group. “Defenders Olivia Corcoran, Victoria Creegan and Brianna Zavala Reyes did an excellent job on defense,” the coach said. “There was much improvement in our novice midfielders, Keira Lynch and Katerin Granados. Anabel Stein and Riley Lewis worked well together in the forward/striker positions.”

Claire Dello-Iacono and Dayana Portillo Hernandez were tied with a team high three goals scored. Anabel Stein was also among the leaders with two goals scored.

Furman is already looking forward to next fall and working with the returning group of experienced players as well as the seventh grade newcomers.