Mineola Boys Soccer 2011 Preview

Mineola head soccer coach Paul Pereira expects big things from his team this season.

“We bring back a talented squad this year,” he said during the annual Mustang Cup tournament. “I don't see why we shouldn’t make a deep run in the County playoffs.”

One of the main reasons for his optimistic outlook is because of the return of Senior Captain Christian Lird.

“He is our marquis player. He can create his own shots and is capable of beating the defender off the ball and finding his way to the goal.”

2010 Record: 10-2-3, lost to Jericho in Class A Quarterfinals

Coach: Paul Pereira

Key Returning Players:

Christian Lird, Forward

Paul Sandoval, Forward

Danny Pardo, Forward (Freshman)

Jose Lopes, Defense (Junior)

Key Departing Players:

Phil Ribeiro, Goalie

Expectations:

After losing to Jericho in the first round of the Class A playoffs last season the Mustangs are hoping for bigger and better things this year.

Despite losing goalie Phil Ribeiro, they are bringing bring back a lot of talent on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Forward and Senior Captain Christian Lird will be the main focal piece of the offense with his ability to get the ball inside of the opposing teams’ goal.

Jose Lopes will be the featured back on defense where he will be looked upon to stop other teams from getting to the Mineola goal.

Danny Pardo is a freshman forward who is new to the team and has already made an impact by .

The Mustangs will play in Conference 7 with their main competition being Seaford and Island Trees.

“We expect to compete for the conference title with our main competitor being a much improved Island Trees team,” Pereira said. “Our main goal though is to keep our players healthy throughout the season because we are playing with a relatively short bench.”

After defending the Mustang Cup for the second year in a row, Mineola will play their first conference game on Wednesday at home against North Shore at 4:30 p.m.