By Joseph Staszewski
Some familiar programs did some big things on the soccer pitch in Queens.
St. Francis Prep bested rival Archbishop Molloy 1-0 for its second CHSAA Class AA intersectional title in the last three years before falling in the Catholic state final. Monsignor McClancy took home its third straight CHSAA Class A city crown.
Over in the PSAL, Aviation did not make another magical run to the title game, but reached the semifinals for the third straight season along with division winner Bryant. Here are the players who made it another banner year in Queens:
All-Queens boys’ soccer player of the year: Brandon Silva, St. Francis Prep
The senior midfielder spoke about how this was his team after winning a title as a support player as a sophomore. Silva then went out and made it his and the Terriers’ year. He scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Molloy in the city final. Silva, whose season ended with a red card in the start championship game, also recorded an assist on the winning goal in the semifinals against Fordham Prep.
All-Queens boys’ soccer coach of the year, Franco Purificato, St. Francis Prep
It was by no means smooth sailing to the city title for the 15-year coach. Purificato kept the Terriers together as they overcame injuries, suspensions and a rare loss to Xaverian. St. Francis Prep wasn’t the clear favorite to win its sixth CHSAA ‘AA’ city title, but Purificato had his team together and playing its best soccer when it mattered most.
All-Queen’s Boys’ Soccer first Team
D Eric Alerte, Archbishop Molloy
Defense is the Stanners’ calling card and it remained that way because of the senior’s work on the backline. His smarts, instincts and physical play helped Molloy allow just four goals during the regular season.
M Daniel Gutierrez, Bryant
The senior was the engine to the Bryant offense. Gutierrez dished out 19 assists and scored four goals. One of those scores came in a playoff win over Newtown. He made those around him better.
M Edgar Hernandez, Aviation
Hernandez put together a big-time season for an Aviation team that reached the PSAL Class AA semifinals. The senior scored 13 goals and dished out 13 assists and tallied a score in a quarterfinal victory over Bronx Science.
GK Chris Kilcarr, St. Francis Prep
The senior was one of the city’s most athletic net minders, covering plenty of ground. His best performance came against Fordham Prep in the semifinals, when he made three sensational saves to secure a 2-0 win.
M Denes Kostel, Archbishop Molloy
Kostel remained one of the city’s most explosive scorers. The senior overcame an early season concussion to notch 13 goals, including the winner against St. Francis Prep to secure the Brooklyn/Queens division title.
F Richardo Llanos, Bryant
Llanos posted the best season of his career with a team-leading 18 goals along with three assists. The senior recorded a hat trick in an early win over Aviation that set the tone for an unbeaten regular season.
D Joe Lobosco, St. Francis Prep
The senior has been a stalwart on the backline during his three years on the varsity. The stopper brought an energy that was palpable to his teammates during their city title run.
M Juan Carlos Obregon, Christ the King
Obregon was the pace-setter at midfield for the Royals and it was usually fast and effective. The senior midfielder was the offensive catalyst. He scored seven goals and recorded 11 assists.
F Cesar Oviedo, Christ the King
The Royals took off once Oviedo returned from injury late in the season and reached the semifinals. The creative and speedy senior forward recorded a team-leading 13 goals and was a dynamic force on the pitch.
M Brian Paredes, Newtown
The senior midfielder was one the borough’s best clutch scorers. Paredes scored 18 goals and dished out six assists. He found the back of the net twice in an upset win over Cardozo in the post season.
GK John Young, Archbishop Molloy
Young flourished as Molloy’s full-time keeper after splitting time a year ago. The much-improved senior with great instincts helped the Stanners post 12 regular season shutouts and reach the CHSAA Class AA title game.
Honorable Mention
F Shaiem Allahmorad, Francis Lewis
D Jason Elliott, Benjamin Cardozo
M Michael Ferrara, Monsignor McClancy
D Anthony Iurillo, Archbishop Molloy
M Jonathan Jaramillo, Aviation
M David Lago, Holy Cross
F Rafi Ullah, John Bowne
M Peter Koumas, Benjamin Cardozo
GK Johny Licona, Bayside
F Joey Mifsud, Monsignor McClancy
M John Nunez, Christ the King
M Lenin Salas, St. John’s Prep
M Nicolas Touros, Francis Lewis
F Rony Zino, Benjamin Cardozo
M Leo Dalesandro, St. Francis Prep
