Rivera a Scoring Machine as H-ton Boys’ Soccer Rolls
Carlos Rivera has been on a scoring tear, pacing the Huntington High School boys’ soccer team to six consecutive victories this fall. The junior scored the winning goal against West Babylon last week to give the Blue Devils a hard fought 1-0 win. It’s just the latest heroics by the teenager.
Rivera’s goal came off an assist from junior Olvin Palma about 20 minutes into the first half. Goalie Renato Aguilar stopped five shots to record the shutout. Huntington has won its first six Suffolk League IV games to claim sole possession of first place.
“We’re doing great,” said Palma, one of the team’s talented forwards. “Our chemistry is getting stronger game by game. Our goal is to achieve something we haven’t achieved since 1989 and that is to win the league. The key to success is to keep our minds straight and to focus.”
Rivera’s prolific scoring has included notching five goals in a recent two game stretch. He’s one of the main reasons why the Blue Devils have been able to catch the Suffolk soccer world off guard this season.
Huntington enjoyed a sensational post-season run last year, upsetting a string of opponents to reach the Suffolk Division I semi-finals for the first time in decades. The team nearly upended heavily favored Central Islip to advance to the county championship game. After graduating many of their top players, few teams saw the Blue Devils as a threat this year, figuring that head coach John Pagano would need the season to rebuild his program.
Instead Pagano and assistant coach Jason Suarez made sure the team’s returning players trained throughout the off-season, sharpening their skills, gaining strength and endurance and improving their competitive edge. It worked and now Huntington finds itself smack in the playoff hunt.
“The team is doing great right now,” said senior Scott Gulizio, who anchors the defense at sweeper. “We’re all clicking as a team and the return of Wilson Martinez, one of our captains and most important players has really helped us play better on the field. We’re becoming closer and closer on and off the field.”
Riding a winning streak
After their season opening loss, the Blue Devils topped Sayville, 1-0 on a goal by Wilber Parada to claim their first victory of the season. Parada forced a turnover and then outmaneuvered two defenders to put the ball in the net from about 18 yards out with 25 minutes remaining in the game.
“I’m very fortunate to be part of this year’s squad,” Parada said. “Being part of the team since my freshman year, I can really see how much the program has developed. This year’s goal is to win a league title and make it farther than last year. The key to our success has been the hunger to win and the team chemistry that was developed last season. Last year was a turning point for Huntington soccer and this year’s team is showing that.”
Huntington outlasted Bellport in overtime, 2-1. Jason Catarino scored off a pass by Santiago Alzate to give the Blue Devils their come from behind victory. Rivera tied the game when he found the back of the net with eight minutes left in the second half. Dan Reiver picked up an assist.
A rare night game saw Huntington emerge from a scoreless first half at Eastport-South Manor and score three unanswered goals and then hang on for a 3-2 victory. Jaime Bonilla scored what proved to be the game winner in the 65th minute. Palma scored back to back goals five minutes apart to give the Blue Devils a 2-0 lead. Rivera and Catarino both had assists.
Rivera had three goals and two assists in Huntington’s 7-0 victory over East Islip. Palma tallied a goal and two assists in the game. Santiago Alzate, Diego Rodriquez and Marlon Licona also scored goals. Josh Canales had two assists.
Rivera scored two goals in Huntington’s 3-0 win over Deer Park. Palma notched the team’s third goal. Parada and Wilson Martinez had assists.
While Huntington’s offensive has been potent and its defense quite stubborn, Aguilar has been nothing short of exceptional in goal for the Blue Devils. The junior has 30 saves and four shutouts in seven games.
How good is Huntington? No one knows for sure just yet. But, one thing is for certain; the Blue Devils are heading in the right direction as they pursue a league title and a berth in the Suffolk playoffs.