CLASS AA
No. 1 Arlington (15-1-1) vs. No. 8 Fox Lane (12-5)
When: 3 p.m. on Monday
Where: Arlington HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: Arl – Dillon Ashong, F; Vinny Colantuono, MF; Ryan Wilson, GK. FL – Owen Azrak, MF; Juan Rivera, MF; Isaac Sanabria, F.
Outlook: Fox Lane is a team that can score in bunches with a bevy of capable finishers, but few defenses are as stout as that of the Admirals, led by one of the best goalkeepers in the section in Ryan Wilson. The Foxes’ defense has been solid in their own right, but on the home field of the two-time defending Class AA champs, pulling off the upset will be a tall order. I can’t see Arlington going out this early, but Fox Lane has been surprising all season.
Prediction: Arlington 3, Fox Lane 1
No. 2 Port Chester (14-2-1) vs. No. 7 New Rochelle (9-5)
When: 3 p.m. on Monday
Where: Purchase College
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: PC – Steven Carias, MF; Steven Hernandez, F; Luis Morales, MF. NR – Brian Barrenechea, MF; Beni La Rosa, F; Luis Lua, D.
Outlook: These are two teams with very similar characteristics. Neither is especially big, but both have a handful of skilled players who move the ball well and create opportunities. The biggest difference is that PC has been a bit more consistent with its finishing, but some might say that the Rams haven’t been as solid in the back as the Huguenots. The X-factor will be Steven Hernandez, who will be far and away the most dangerous player on the field. New Ro will likely man-mark him, but Hernandez has a knack for coming up big at this time of year (see: PC’s 2012 run to the state championship game).
Prediction: Port Chester 2, New Rochelle 1
No. 3 Mamaroneck (12-2-3) vs. No. 6 Ketcham (12-5)
When: Monday at 5 p.m.
Where: Mamaroneck HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: Mamo – Yeison Banegas, MF; Juan Giraldo, F; JD Wilson, D. RCK – Jake Keller, F; Anthony Giuffre, GK; David Siriboe, MF.
Outlook: This is a very tough game to pick because both teams are playing so well. Ketcham has often been overshadowed by league rivals Arlington and John Jay-EF, but the Indians may be the hottest team of that trio. They recently upset JJEF in OT and steamrolled White Plains in the first round. Many consider Mamaroneck to be the best team from Westchester, and the Tigers are a team with very few holes from the front to the back. They’ll have to find a way to slow down Jake Keller, who seems to be putting in at least a goal per goal for Ketcham lately, but Mamaroneck seems extremely focused on making a run after last year’s disappointing loss in the semis.
Prediction: Mamaroneck 2, Ketcham 1
No. 4 Scarsdale (10-4-2) vs. No. 5 John Jay-EF (12-4-1)
When: Monday at 1 p.m.
Where: Scarsdale HS
Previous meeting(s): A scoreless tie on Oct. 18
Key players: Scar – Jonny Dorf, MF; Gabe Harousseau, MF; Nacho Marini, F. JJEF – Dan Figarella, F; Nick Liccardi, MF; Ryan Metz, MF.
Key players: There certainly won’t be a lack of familiarity when these teams meet on Monday after playing just about a week ago. After goalkeeper Ben Winters received a red card with 15 minutes left in regulation, the Raiders still managed to hold on for the tie while playing 10 vs. 11. When I talked to their players after Friday’s wild win over North Rockland, they spoke about being anxious to see how the result will play out at even strength for a full 80 minutes. Scarsdale’s ball movement has been great and the Raiders have some skilled players from the midfield up, but finishing has been an issue at times. Scoring hasn’t been much of a problem for JJEF, which some coaches have told me they believe is the most talented team in the section.
Prediction: John Jay-EF 3, Scarsdale 2
CLASS A
No. 1 Pearl River (16-0-1) vs. No. 8 Eastchester (11-5-1)
When: Monday at 3 p.m.
Where: Pearl River HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: PR – Vincenzo Galvano, D; Craig MacDonald, F; Brendan Valentine, D. East – Joseph Blasetti, GK; Austin Capasso, MF; Leandro Dos Santos, F.
Outlook: You could argue that no team in the section is playing as well as Pearl River, which trampled Peekskill 6-0 in the first round and has yet to lose this season. The Pirates boast a defense that has allowed just five goals all year and an offense that continues to show its versatility with several capable scorers. Factor in their experience from a run to last year’s section title game, and the Pirates look like a strong favorite. The Eagles will need to find a way to put up a goal or two against the stingiest D in the class to have a chance in this one.
Prediction: Pearl River 2, Eastchester 0
No. 2 Lakeland (13-3-1) vs. No. 7 Somers (11-4-2)
When: Monday at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Lakeland HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: Lake – Gino Cassese, MF/D; Johnny Denis, F; Matias Prando, MF. Som – Will Bennett, MF; Scott Colombo, F; Zach Lichtman, MF.
Outlook: Expect some fireworks in this one. These are two of the most potent offenses in the class, with Lakeland featuring the leading scorer in the section in Johnny Denis (31 goals) and Somers scoring at a high clip with a few different guys. The Tuskers’ leading scorer is Will Bennett, but they still managed to put up seven goals against Lincoln in the first round without him (yellow cards). Bennett will be back, but the Hornets are also hoping to insert another key piece in their lineup. Nothing is official yet, but injured midfielder/forward Devin Flanagan has been working his way back from a fracture in his leg and was aiming for the playoffs. He was their second leading scorer behind Denis last season, and would be a difference-maker if he can play. We shall see.
Prediction: Lakeland 4, Somers 2
No. 3 Hen Hud (12-3-2) vs. No. 11 Yorktown (9-8-1)
When: Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Hen Hud HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: HH – Wali Azizi, F; Aidan Datene, MF; Miguel Perez, F. York – Jacob Braham, GK; Mohamed Hamza, F/MF; Roy Reynolds, MF.
Outlook: Yorktown was the only road team in Section 1 to win in the first round, and the Huskers are coming in red-hot. Not only did they beat Tappan Zee; they made it look relatively easy with an impressive 4-0 win. Mohamed Hamza has been on fire since being moved from the midfield up top, and there are other weapons around him. Hen Hud has been one of the biggest comeback stories of the year and have a few dangerous players, as well, led by senior Aidan Datene. Having this game at home on the grass that the Sailors seem to play so well on is an advantage, but I had a feeling about Yorktown heading into the tournament, and I’m sticking with my original upset pick.
Prediction: Yorktown 2, Hen Hud 1
No. 4 Byram Hills (12-5) No. 5 Pelham (11-6)
When: Monday at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Byram Hills HS
Previous meeting(s): Byram won 3-1 at home on Sept. 16; Pelham won 2-1 at home on Sept. 30
Key players: BH – Bennett Kramer, F; Payton Levine, D/MF; Cole Tannor, MF. Pel – Will Baffuto, MF/D; Otavio Basso, D; Eddie Livingstone, MF.
Outlook: In years past, Port Chester was the team that Byram always seemed to run into the playoffs, and that turned into a tremendous rivalry. But with PC in Class AA for the past two seasons, the Bobcats have formed a budding new rivalry with Pelham. Byram eliminated the Pelicans from the playoffs two years ago, but Pelham got its revenge last season in the semis on the way its first section title since 1994. This year, they moved into the same league and split in two meetings, so they just keep trading blows. The Pelicans won their more recent match, which snapped a midseason four-game losing streak, and they’ve been on a roll ever since. But you could argue that the Bobcats have been even hotter, finishing the season with a flurry of wins, including a stunning 3-0 upset over three-time defending state champ Jericho. Especially with this game being on its home field, I’m giving an ever-so-slight edge to Byram. (And I’m sure I’ll hear it from the Pelham faithful if I’m wrong.)
Prediction: Byram Hills 2, Pelham 1
CLASS B
No. 1 Irvington (15-0-1) vs. No. 8 Valhalla (9-5-3)
When: Monday at 3 p.m.
Where: Irvington HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: Irv – Joao Barreto, MF; Matt Casadei, F; Max Kandler, D. Val – Kaio DaSilva, D/F; Sam Gannon, MF; Yuto Tobin, MF.
Outlook: This has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. Irvington has been a roll from start to finish and is the only unbeaten team remaining in the class. But pretty much anyone will tell you that Valhalla isn’t your typical eight-seed. Irvington just moved up to No. 1 in the state in large part thanks to Valhalla upsetting previous No. 1 Spackenkill. The Vikings have played an extremely tough schedule to prepare for the playoffs and might have the most dynamic player in the class in Kaio DaSilva. DaSilva is one of the best center backs in the section, but coach Sandro Prosperino likes to pick his spots to move his star up top, where he seems to have a knack for timely goals. (DaSilva scored the tying goal with less than 10 minutes to go against Spackenkill.) The Bulldogs’ attack is more diverse, with several scoring options that make them very difficult to defend. That will add to the intrigue about where DaSilva plays, because he’ll be needed in the back. Ultimately, I’m going out on a limb because I think that Valhalla is much more talented than its seed would indicate, and I think that all of the tough regular season games will pay off.
Prediction: Valhalla 2, Irvington 1
No. 2 Hastings (13-4) vs. No. 7 Edgemont (11-5-1)
When: Monday at 3 p.m.
Where: Hastings HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: Hast – John Ceballos, MF; Adam Deutch, MF; Lucas Pereira, F. Edge – Alexander Goldman, MF; Josh Newman, GK; Drew Simon, MF.
Outlook: It seems crazy to have teams like Edgemont and Valhalla seeded 7 and 8 after looking like two of the top teams in the class all season, but that’s the situation. Much like Valhalla, Edgemont is a battle-tested team that has done very well against Class B competition. The Panthers share the ball and have very cohesive attack moving forward, and in the back, they can lean on one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament in Josh Newman. Hastings has played very well of late, and forward Lucas Pereira has been scoring goals at will, but if Edgemont can limit his touches, I like its chances.
Prediction: Edgemont 2, Hastings 1
No. 3 Bronxville (12-3-2) vs. No. 6 Blind Brook (9-5-3)
When: Monday at 3 p.m.
Where: Bronxville HS
Previous meeting(s): Tied 1-1 on Sept. 2
Key players: Bx – Sam Aherne, F; Michael Crawford, MF/D; Matt McCloskey, MF. BB – John Argentino, D/MF; Daniel Rosenbaum, GK; Joao Souza, F.
Outlook: These two teams have met in two of the last three section championship games, but this time they’ll run into each other a bit earlier. They tied when they met in each team’s season-opener before Blind Brook struggled with a young team for much of September. But for the last month, the Trojans have been gelling and haven’t allowed a goal in a span of 749 minutes. Talent-wise, Blind Brook may not have the type of standout players that it had on its previous three championship teams, but this is a squad that can never be counted out at this time of year. Bronxville also finished the season strong and has a reputation for postseason success, so something has to give. I’m giving the Broncos a slight edge because they have a few more scoring threats and because they’ll get to play this one at home.
Prediction: Bronxville 1, Blind Brook 0
No. 4 Rye Neck (10-5-2) vs. No. 5 Briarcliff (11-5-1)
When: Monday at 3 p.m.
Where: Rye Neck HS
Previous meeting(s): None
Key players: RN – Marco Andreoli, MF; Rich Barrios, GK; Luis Galeano, F. Bclf – Caleb Asamoah, F; Barrett Gumina, MF; Rob Misuraca, MF.
Outlook: This looks like another evenly matched game with both teams featuring a dangerous player up top – Caleb Asamoah for Briarcliff and Luis Galeano for Rye Neck – to go along with a solid mix of midfielders. For me, the difference may be that the Bears have a large group of seniors that have had postseason success in the past. Briarcliff reached the semis last year and finished this season on a winning streak, which indicates that the Bears know when to peak. Call it a gut feeling, but I’m taking Briarcliff in a game that could really go either way.
Prediction: Briarcliff 3, Rye Neck 2
Photo by Joe Larese/The Journal News
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