Will Boys’ Varsity Soccer return to the State Finals?

Seniors Akeem Harris (16) and Blake Aronson (15) at midline kicking off after William Floyd scores there only goal of the game to make it 3-1.

Joie Tortorice

Seniors Akeem Harris (16) and Blake Aronson (15) at midline kicking off after William Floyd scores there only goal of the game to make it 3-1.

The boys’ varsity soccer team ended their regular league play with a record of 10-4-0. Despite losing key players from last season, they have shown they are a major threat to opposing teams this year. Captains Sean Zagorski (24), Blake Aronson (15), Bobby Cerrito (4), Jose Alfaro (3), and Anthony Palazzolo (14) have taken charge of the team in hopes of defending their state championship title. “I love being part of the boy’s soccer team. It’s always exciting and I get to play with my best friends,” says Captain Blake Aronson. Blake said “Our goal is to go as far as last year, which we know we can get done if we work hard!”

On Tuesday, October 25th, Whitman defeated William Floyd at home in their first playoff game with a score of 3-1. By scoring all their goals early in the first half, Whitman secured their win. Goals were scored by Bobby Cerrito (4), Kelvin-Uceda Alfaro (7), and Kevin Herrera (8). Bobby Cerrito’s mother expressed after the game, “It’s great to watch your child do what he loves and even better to watch him do it with this great group of boys.”

This past Friday, Whitman, in the second round of playoffs, defeated one of their top rivals and the number one seed, Half Hollow Hills East, by a score of 2-1. Sean Zagorski said “I love playing soccer for Whitman.” He said that “on and off the field, we always has fun together because we are such good friends. Our goal is to win another state title just like last year.” Zagorski scored on a header from Bobby Cerrito’s service to tie the game 1-1.Kevin Herrera scored off of a free kick, just as he did the last time playing Hills East, to secure the 2-1 win for Whitman. Whitman boys varsity soccer is two wins away from a county championship, three wins away from a Long Island championship, and four wins away from another State title. But for now, onto semifinals!

Anthony Palazzolo (14) and Bobby Cerrito (4) prepare to take a free kick just about 10 yards away from the 18 yard box.
Joie Tortorice
Anthony Palazzolo (14) and Bobby Cerrito (4) prepare to take a free kick just about 10 yards away from the 18 yard box.
End result of first playoff game vs. William Floyd.
Joie Tortorice
End result of first playoff game vs. William Floyd.