Brooklyn’s boys’ soccer players again brought their best to the field. Franklin Roosevelt reclaimed the Brooklyn A West title in unbeaten fashion after two-straight second-place finishes and made a deep win in the Public School Athletic League’s Class A playoffs. Thomas Jefferson earned its first division crown since 2011 and knocked off Lincoln in the postseason. Poly Prep had another strong year in the Ivy League with a highly talented group.
Here are the players who made it all happen, and who we deemed the best in Brooklyn this year:
All-Brooklyn Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Walter Medina, Franklin Roosevelt
Roosevelt was Brooklyn’s most dominant team in the Public School Athletic League and Medina was the guy who made them go. The senior’s midfielder tallied 13 goals and dished out nine assists to help Franklin Roosevelt reach the quarterfinals. He assisted on the long goal of a second round win over Stuyvesant.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year: Frank Nicholas, Thomas Jefferson
It has been a long climb back up the ranks for the Orange Wave, but Nicholas had them back on top this season. Jefferson had won just 10 games combined in the last two years, and claimed 10 this season to edge Grand Street, by a point for the division title. Nicholas did it by successfully meshing talented youth with savvy veterans.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Soccer First Team
Midfielder Adegbola Adesanya, Grand Street
The senior defensive midfielder’s play allowed the young stars around him to flourish. Adesnaya’s speed and foot skills put him in total control of the play and helped Grand Street to a second-place finish. He added a goal and an assist.
Defender Augustine Ameruso, Xaverian
Ameruso has been a stalwart for the Clippers throughout his career. The senior was the unquestioned leader of the Xaverian back four. It was Ameruso and that unit that helped give the team a chance to win every game it played.
Forward Joey Barone, Xaverian
The electric forward remains one of he borough’s most dynamic and feared scorers. The junior continually found the back of the net despite being the focal point of some of the city’s best defenses.
Midfielder Ahmed Elfaham, Fort Hamilton
The senior put together his best season in a Tigers uniform. Elfaham tallied a career-high 14 goals and added seven assists to help the Wolves to a second-place finish after moving up to the ‘A’ division.
Forward Will Griffo, Poly Prep
The senior has been a prolific scorer through out his career and continued to be a key cog in the Blue Devils offense this season. Griffo was asked to take on more responsibility and flourished in his enhanced role.
Goalie Mike McAloon, Poly Prep
There are few goalies in New York City who have been as consistent as McAloon during his four years staring in goal. He didn’t disappoint, making all the routine saves and making the spectacular ones look routine.
Midfielder Taro Nakagawa, Poly Prep
The senior has been a steadying force at midfield during his time at Poly Prep. Nakagawa is able to impact the game on offense and defense and helped bring a young Blue Devils offense together.
Forward Victor Ogunwale, Thomas Jefferson
It was quite the varsity debut for the super-sophomore forward. Ogunwale scored 23 goals and had one assist. It helped Jefferson go from a four-win squad to pushing for a division title and earning a playoff win.
Midfielder Edwin Soto, Abraham Lincoln
The Railsplitters took a step back after a division title last season, but it was no fault of the speedy Soto. The junior still poured in 13 goals and eight assists while opposing defenses tried to make his life as difficult as possible.
Midfielder Juan Vargas, Franklin Roosevelt
The senior was key cog in the Cougars’ offense and was the perfect complement to Medina in the middle of the pitch. Vargas netted 11 goals and handed out six assists to help FDR to a division title.
Defender Eddie Zaykowski, Poly Prep
Zaykowski took over for Tom Clark as the leader of the Blue Devils defense. The senior’s smarts and speed made him a tough draw for attacking players. He did an excellent job bringing together a young defense.
Honorable Mention
Midfielder Dayo Adeosun, Poly Prep
Goalie Mahmoud Mbaye, Brooklyn International
Midfielder Stanley Goldberg, Midwood
Midfielder Andel Lewis, Bushwick
Forward Gustavo Linares, Grady
Midfielder Jacob Gorodetsky, Brooklyn Tech
Forward Jerdeani Johnson, Grand Street
Defender Alec Jones, Poly Prep
Goalie Sydney Jones, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Midfielder Jake Barry, Poly Prep
Midfielder Benny Lafortune, Erasmus Hall
Forward Juan Vargas, Franklin Roosevelt
