Huntington Boys’ Soccer Building Something Special

The Blue Devil boys’ varsity soccer team wrapped up a rebuilding season with high hopes for next fall. While Huntington missed the playoffs, head coach John Pagano believes a crop of talented young players already on the roster are capable of developing into a strong squad with the proper commitment and off-season training.

Huntington lost 15 players to graduation last June and then saw three others transfer schools over the summer. It proved to be too much to absorb and still produce a winning record.

The 25 player team was captained by Colin Lennon, Nicholas Plachta, Jayden Schneider and Carlos Marroquin.

Huntington went to the Suffolk finals last year, compiling a record of 13-1-1 in league play; 15-3-1 overall. The 15 wins tied for the most victories ever in a single season for a Huntington boys’ soccer team.

The team was led by Lennon, Jon Morales, Nicholas Plachta and Robbie Campbell. “Colin played with unbelievable intensity,” Pagano said. “Nick represented Huntington very well as a student-athlete.”

Lennon and Morales were named to the All-Conference team. Campbell garnered All-League honors. Campbell had a team high seven goals. Marroquin scored five times and Plachta notched a pair of shutouts.

The Blue Devils played in ten games that were decided by one goal. Huntington won four of those games and tied Bay Shore, 2-2 in another close contest.

“The team stayed positive throughout the year and they are prepared for a bounce back year in 2025,” Pagano said. “We will return eight starters.”

Pagano’s goals for next year are simple: Win the league and advance to the playoffs and reach the county finals. There will be off-season training right at Huntington High School. The coach plans off-season intramurals, a summer camp and playing in a summer league.

Pagano wants to build something special and the veteran coach seems well on his way.