Young Rams Hope to Build on Record

SKIP PEARLMAN CARMEL—The Carmel High boys soccer team will be looking to improve on what was a good fall season last year, when the Rams went 9-7-2 and reached the playoffs.

Elias Greco SKIP PEARLMAN Carmel beat Mt. Vernon in an outbracket game before falling to Scarsdale in a first-round matchup.

Third-year coach Mike Gizzo says that while his overall team is a little young, there are a number of players with talent.

“We’ve got a good core,” Gizzo said. “We’re a little young, but we’re more skilled on an individual basis than we have been in the past, so we’ll see how we do… but I think the team has potential. Most of our defense is back, but we’ll need some sophomores to step up at midfield, and we have some seniors up top (forward) who should do well.”

The Rams will miss the services of All-Section center mid Kyle Cassidy and All-League defender Mykhaylo Panshichak.

Right: Rebecca Eisenstein. SKIP PEARLMAN Carmel will rely on the experience of returning senior starters Brandon Devlin (All-Section HM/AL striker), Matt Doyle (D, captain), Anthony D’Arco (D), and Elias Greco (goalie, captain).

“Doyle is a great defender and knows soccer,” Gizzo said. “We’ll look for him to run the show in the back. And Elias is probably one of the best goalies in the league, and helps dictate the game from the goal.”

Seniors Charlie Mills (D) and Chris Russo (M) also return, along with junior Mike Dorazio (M).

Sophomores Steven Sepe (M) and Dan Doar (M/F), both new to the team, hope to make some noise on the varsity level this fall.

“I’m counting on them to fill in for Cassidy,” Gizzo said. “It’s a big job, but they look good and both know the game and move the ball quickly.”

The Rams will compete in League 1B, along with Mahopac, Brewster, Somers, Yorktown and John Jay CR.

“I think we’re good enough to compete for the league,” Gizzo said. “Last year the teams played very even, and I expect it to be the same… any team in the league can win it. I think with the core we have, we should be decent. I think we can qualify for the sectionals and be competitive in every game.”

The Rams were scheduled to open the 2010 season September 14 at home, facing Arlington at 4:30 p.m.