By Joseph Staszewski
Archbishop Molloy led another strong season on the soccer pitch in Queens.
The Stanners ran through the regular season before notching two dramatic playoff victories to claim their first CHSAA Intersectional Class AA crown since 2012. Molloy’s only loss came to eventual champion Chaminde in the Catholic state semifinals. St. Francis Prep and Holy Cross each reached the league semifinals.
Over in the PSAL, Aviation fell just short of repeating as Class A champion. The Flyers and Bayside reached the semifinals. Springfield Gardens also saw its title hopes dashed, falling in the PSAL ‘B’ championship game to James Monroe.
Great teams need great players and here are the ones deemed the best in Queens:
All-Queens Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Jesse Rodrigues, Archbishop Molloy
The senior forward was a blur with the ball at his feet and a sure shot around the box. Rodrigues’ 19 goals were the driving force behind the Stanners’ city title run. He scored the winner in the final against Fordham Prep with 15 seconds left in double overtime. No time was ever a safe one for defenses when Rodrigues was on the field.
All-Queens Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year: Andy Kostel, Archbishop Molloy
Winning city titles is nothing new for Kostel—who has now won 15 in his career—but the journey is different each time. There was no letup from start to finish for this veteran Molloy club. The longtime head man is never satisfied and it keeps his team constantly motivated, paying off with one-goal wins in the semifinal and final
First Team
GK Stephen Deely,
Archbishop Molloy
Deely is always at his best in the biggest moments. The senior keeper made nine saves, including one on a penalty kick in the city championship game against Fordham Prep. With his athleticism, there isn’t a save he can’t make.
D Jeffery Gad, Aviation
The senior is the Flyers’ best all-around player and unquestioned leader. His closing speed and strength make him a shutdown defender. Gad can also help on offense as well, adding a goal and an assist to help the Flyers reach the semifinals.
D Kyle Hoffman,
Archbishop Molloy
Hoffman made a seamless transition from midfield to defense when the injury bug hit early. It still didn’t stop him from scoring one of the biggest goals of the year. The junior tallied the winner in the 75th minute of the semifinals.
D Sheldon May,
St. Francis Prep
May was the anchor of a young Terriers defense that held tough through a dramatic playoff run to the CHSAA semifinals. He also got into the act offensively, helping St. Francis Prep consistently improve.
F Phellymain Landveld, Bayside
The senior forward had his best season in a Commodores’ uniform. He led the team in scoring with seven goals and two assists. Two of those scores came against rival Francis Lewis.
M Andrew Laurenzano,
Holy Cross
The senior midfield was the driving force behind the Knights reaching their first Intersectional semifinal since 2007. He was a dangerous offensive weapon, a leader and a consistent presence on both ends of the field.
D Diego Lezcano, Bayside
Lezcano was the unquestioned leader of one of the city’s best defensive units. His veteran presence helped the Commodores allow just one in their last nine games and upset defending champions Martin Luther King Jr. in the quarterfinals.
GK Andy Lucero, Aviation
Aviation has had a number of great players during its recent run of success. While others have gotten accolades, Lucero has quietly gone about being a consistent keeper. His best performance (nine saves) came in the semifinal loss to Grand Street.
M Sebastian Rincon Ballen, Francis Lewis
The addition of the junior midfielder keyed the resurgence of Lewis, which did not reach the playoffs a year ago. Rincon Ballen tallied 14 goals and dished out two assists and opened up opportunities for his teammates.
D/M Andrew Sepulveda, Francis Lewis
The senior wore many hats for the Patriots. Sepulveda scored six goals and dished out seven assists in the regular season for Lewis. He was also one of its top defensive players, helping Lewis edge out rival Bayside for the division crown.
HONORABLE MENTION
F Angelo Bordenca,
Holy Cross
M Juvaunte Brown,
Campus Magnet
M Lucas Camara,
John Adams
M Jonathan Figueroa,
Benjamin Cardozo
D Jack Mangin,
Archbishop Molloy
M Arsenije Matovic,
Monsignor McClancy
F Christopher McLaughlin, Springfield Gardens
GK Julian Rodriguez,
Bayside
D John Salinas,
St. Francis Prep
M Antonio Vidal,
Christ the King
