By Laura Amato
It was a dominant soccer season in Queens this fall.
Holy Cross led the charge, making history on the pitch and securing the program’s first BQCHSAA in 11 years. And while it didn’t end perfectly for the Knights after falling 5-1 to Canisius in the state semifinals, the squad couldn’t be too disappointed with its showing.
Molloy also notched success this season, coming up short in double OT of the intersectional semifinals against Fordham Prep.
On the public school side, Bayside and Francis Lewis showcased their offensive skills throughout the season, both advancing to the ‘A’ semifinals.
Meanwhile, in the ‘B’ division Far Rockaway advanced to the semifinal round as well, falling to eventual champion Truman.
Of course, none of that success would be possible without players. Here are the best of the best from across Queens.
Player of the Year: Eric Rossi, GK, Holy Cross (See Page 2)
Coach of the Year: Matt Tyburczy, Holy Cross
Just two seasons ago, Holy Cross posted an 0-12-2 record.
This season, the Knights captured their first league championship in over a decade and came up just short of a berth to the city finals, falling to Regis 1-0 in overtime at St. John’s. Despite the loss, the season represents a complete turnaround for a Holy Cross program that boasts some of the richest on-field history in the city.
And now the future is only set to get brighter, with a handful of key players returning to the roster next season, intent on continuing to push the team forward.
Randolf Gotz, St. Francis Prep
The sophomore striker was a strong presence in front of the net for the Terriers, racking up nine goals and two assists on the season.
Tim Deliyannis, Archbishop Molloy
The senior forward was the driving force behind the Stanners’ offense all season and he wrapped up his career in dominant fashion, scoring the game-winning goal in the Mayor’s Cup.
He also picked up all-league honors for his efforts.
Jean Rodriguez, Francis Lewis
The junior forward, in his first season on the varsity squad, was a goal-scoring machine, racking up 26 goals in just 14 regular-season matches.
He added three more goals in four postseason tilts and helped guide the Patriots to the PSAL semifinals.
Ryan Sipavicius, Holy Cross
The two-year starter and captain was the undisputed leader of the Knights’ offensive front this year as the squad captured its first Brooklyn-Queens title in over a decade.
Sipavicius notched 18 goals and eight assists and recorded three hat tricks on the season.
Dante Giraldi, Archbishop Molloy
The senior midfielder controlled tempo for Molloy throughout the season.
Girarldi consistently directed passes cross-field and set up his teammates in front of the net to help his squad advance to the intersectional semifinals.
Twon Grannum, Forest Hills
There’s only one way to score and that’s to push the ball toward the net.
That’s exactly what Grannum did this fall, racking up 16 goals on 64 shots during the regular season.
The junior finished second in scoring in Queens A East.
Jhair Larrera, Bayside
The junior was the perfect set-up man this season, notching 20 assists in 18 games this fall.
The number was tied for the best in all of Queens ‘A’ and, for good measure, Larrera also found the back of the net three times during the regular season.
Joe Iurillo, Holy Cross
The senior sweeper wrapped up his high school career in dominant fashion, as the backbone of the Knights’ defense.
A three-year varsity starter, Iurillo earned all-league honors for his strong performance this season in addition to a a Mayors Cup nomination.
Kyle Hoffman, Archbishop Molloy
The senior sweeper was a big reason for the Stanners’ shutdown defensive efforts this fall.
One of the last lines of defense, Hoffman was part of a squad that surrendered just eight goals during the regular season.
Iva Barrera, Bayside
Defense was the backbone of the Commodores’ success this season and Barrera served as the spark.
The senior tallied 96 saves, and allowed just eight goals in 14 games.
Barrera also notched seven shutouts. The keeper’s play was just as impressive in the postseason, when he registered 30 saves and surrendered just four goals in four playoff contests.
Honorable Mention
GK: Justin Silva, St. Francis Prep
D: Sheldon May, St. Francis Prep
D: Kyntrell Hendrickson, Holy Cross
M: Stamatis Amvrosiatos, Francis Lewis
M: Miguel Diaz, Franklin K. Lane
M/D: George Adamou, Cardozo
F: Rakeem Bell, Campus Magnet
F: Kevin Jaramillo, William C. Bryant
F: Stanley Sanchez, Aviation
F: Matthias Adamek, St. Francis Prep
