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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
Brooklyn boys’ soccer teams produced some historic moments in the past season.
Poly Prep won the school’s first-ever Ivy League crown, but again came up short in the private school state final. Over in Coney Island, Abraham Lincoln claimed a Public School Athletic League Class A division title for the first time in school history. Grand Street Campus took home the school’s only Class B city crown. Bishop Ford reached the Catholic B title game as well. A number of players had special seasons as well, and here are the ones deemed Brooklyn’s best:
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year: Levi Stern, Poly Prep
Stern showed the city what he was capable of when healthy after battling injury last season. The senior midfielder delivered on the offense expectations put on him by leading the Blue Devils with 16 goals. He had some big scores throughout the regular season, carrying his team at times. Stern was also a playmaker for others as he showed with an assist in Poly’s 2-0 win over Riverdale that clinched the school’s first Ivy League title.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year: Christopher Vega, Abraham Lincoln
The sixth-year coach patiently grew the Railsplitters program toward this historic season. Vega led Lincoln to the school’s first ever division title. It edged Franklin Roosevelt 3–1 on the final day of the season to secure the crown after the Cougars won the first meeting. Lincoln lost 1–0 in overtime to eventual semifinalist Aviation in the opening round of the playoffs, but won 10 games after only earning six victories last year.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Soccer First Team:
Midfielder Joey Barone, Xaverian
The sophomore is one of the city most underrated players. Barone’s goal-scoring touch helped Xaverian close the gap with the division’s top teams. He helped them beat eventual city champion St. Francis Prep.
Defender Tom Clark, Poly Prep
The versatile senior defender was moved all over the back line. His instincts, speed and strength made him tough to beat and kept the Blue Devils’ defense one of the toughest to score on in the Ivy League.
Midfielder Carvel Crossman, Grand Street
The best season of the senior’s career ended with the biggest goal of his life. Crossman tallied 27 goals and six assists, but his best was the lone score in the PSAL Class B final to give Grand Street its first-ever crown.
Midfielder Dominick Falanga, New Utrecht
Falanga has been one of the borough’s most consistent players during his four varsity seasons. This year was no different. He scored 10 goals and had 13 assists for New Utrecht in its first season as a Class A team.
Defender Michael Guzman, Xaverian
The senior defender was one of the biggest reasons for the progress Xaverian made this season. Guzman anchored a defense that showed it could hold the league’s best teams at bay.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Kilic, Abraham Lincoln
Kilic put forth the best season his career to help the Railspitters to a division title. The athletic senior made his highest tally of saves — 97 — and allowed his fewest goals — 18 — this year.
Forward Mbemba Sano, Brooklyn International
This talented senior was a force to be reckoned with. The speedy Sano scored 15 goals and recorded eight assists to help Brooklyn International claim a division title.
Midfielder Edwin Soto, Abraham Lincoln
Soto had a breakout year in his first varsity season. The super sophomore scored a division-leading 14 goals and dished out 11 assists. He also found the back of the net in the Railsplitters division-clinching win over Franklin Roosevelt.
Forward Eric Santos, Abraham Lincoln
The senior was an offensive force for the Railsplitters as they won the school’s first division title. Santos tallied 10 goals and dished out two assists. He proved to be the perfect complement to Soto.
Forward Juan Vargas, Franklin Roosevelt
Vargas had a breakout season during his first year on the varsity. Then junior increased his goals scored from four to 11. He added three assists to help the Cougars to a second-place finish.
Midfielder Alden Von Ziegesar, Poly Prep
The defensive midfielder scored just three times, but was an influential player in the middle of the pitch. Von Ziegesar brought poise and great technical skill that helped the Blue Devils on both sides of the ball.
Honorable Mentions:
Midfielder Kervens Altidor, Prospect Heights
Defender Connor Doherty, Poly Prep
Forward Anthony Ewen, Tilden
Midfielder William Halestead, St. Edmund
Forward Amrw Idris, Lafayette
Midfielder Andel Lewis, Bushwick
Goalkeeper Mike McAloon, Poly Prep
Goalkeeper Mohammed Mbaye, Brooklyn International
Midfielder Alex Moule, St. Edmund
Forward Agim Mujaj, Bishop Ford
Midfielder Adama Nang Coulibaly, Brooklyn International
Midfielder Joseph Nelzy, Abraham Lincoln
Defender Jermaine Thompson, Bishop Ford
Defender Eddie Zaykowski, Poly Prep
Goalkeeper Davron Zakhidov, James Madison