After reaching the section quarter finals last year, Mamaroneck Boys’ Varsity Soccer is looking for more this season. The Globe spoke exclusively with the boys as they move into the second half of their season in the next few weeks. In short, “our goals are to win everything in our path,” says Miguel Illanes, a Junior forward (‘25). The season is one to be filled with lots to look forward to, as the Tigers started strongly by winning their first two games, on an aggregate score of 7-0.
The Tigers look to build off this strong start and carry it through the rest of the season. and one of the most important factors in that is the leadership instilled in the team. Illanes emphasized the team’s sense of teamwork and how it has contributed to a positive team environment. With “a great set of players…four great captains and two…experienced coaches,” the team is ready to be “push[ed] as far as [they] can go.” The captains this year are Quinn Davidson, Vincent Incognoli, Manny Vidal, and Alex Prevost, all of whom are seniors. Illanes noted the impact the captains have had on the team dynamic, stating that “each and every one of those leaders has helped me and the rest of the team to play the best we can with positive leadership on and off the field”.
The schedule features multiple rivalry games that have gathered great anticipation. Illanes remarks that all of the Tigers’ opponents will challenge the team, and they need to remain focused to ensure success and well-executed performances.
Those first two games are no fluke either, as the practice in the offseason has paid off. The team held many sessions in the winter and spring seasons, in hopes of seeing these positive results as often as possible. They went on morning runs two times a week leading up to the start of the season to ensure that each player is fit and ready for the gametime.
After a strong start to the season, the Tigers unfortunately dropped the next two games before their home opener against Nyack. The Tigers needed a strong start to build momentum in the game and they got it. The Tigers scored 3 goals in the first 10 minutes from Corey Sherman, Manny Vidal and Juan Pablo Moralez. They ended up winning comfortably by a score of 4-0 after Alex Prevost scored a late header. Three goals came off of set pieces. Goalkeeper Quinn Davidson said that it was awesome to bounce back following a tough loss against Suffern, especially in the dominant fashion that they did. Looking towards future matches, Davidson stresses the importance of watching film, learning from both the good and the bad. “We use what we see to build up and work better for the next one,” Davidson says.
Everything that Davidson mentioned was put into effect in their next game, a massive rivalry game against New Rochelle. It was a difficult match, but the Tigers came out on top 1-0. With a strong start under their belt, the Tigers have their eyes on a successful season ahead.
