Restrepo leads LIC to first city title

Long Island City’s Jessica Restrepo can do some wonderful things on a soccer field, whether it’s dribbling through, between or around defenders, setting up others with precise passing or negating opponents’ attacks by racing back from her forward spot.
All of these attributes were on display Sunday, June 11th at DaSilva Field at St. John’s University in the PSAL Class B title game. But none of her impressive skills may have been as important as her patience after a disheartening start.
Restrepo hit the crossbar and the post once apiece, set up Yvette Macareno for a breakaway she flubbed, and frequently attacked the net to no avail. “It was really frustrating,” she said. “They had two girls on me. But the second half was a new half. We just had to go in and score.”
Restrepo accepted that responsibility. The Forest Hills resident scored twice on brilliant runs through the center of the Columbus (15-1) defense, sparking LIC to their first soccer city title, 2-1. She was named the Snapple Most Valuable Player afterwards.
“It’s a great feeling,” she said afterwards. “It’s left me speechless. I’m so happy. LIC finally has a championship. I can’t believe we’re the champs.”
To first-year Coach Melissa Silvestrini, Restrepo’s performance, although not expected, wasn’t surprising. “It’s rare that I see a game Jessica plays in that isn’t impressive.”
The Bulldogs’ season, ironically, began under a cloud of uncertainty. The Bulldogs were in the hands of Silvestrini, a chemistry teacher in her first year coaching soccer. The longtime coach, Alex Bravo, left the school after it was alleged he had a sexual relationship with a player. But after a feeling out process, they took to Silvestrini’s grueling conditioning workouts and warmth. “She’s been there for any problems,” Restrepo said. “We’re really happy she’s our coach.”
With her dark blue LIC soccer jersey, stonewashed jeans pulled up past her calves, pink and black low-top sneakers and short blond hair, she looks and acts like an upbeat camp counselor. Simply, Silvestrini - who played high school soccer in her hometown of Manteca, California - doesn’t resemble the prototypical soccer coach. “I’m not traditional by any means,” she said, “but I’m not timid. … I feel like I’m extremely ambitious. I know hard work and effort can go a long way.”
After the come-from-behind victory, Silvestrini spent the post-game celebration hugging and high-fiving her players and assistants. She raced around the bench as the Bulldogs (15-2) drenched her with water (there was no Gatorade cooler). “She has her attitude and craziness, but she’s the best,” said Restrepo. “She always gives us advice and everything.”