Lawrence lineup boost coming soon

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Losing a handful of players for various reasons — some for the season and others short-term — put Lawrence’s boys’ soccer team on an unexpected path that has coach Patrick Leary imploring patience.

“Our journey is going to be a little bit different than last season and the season before that,” Leary said. “We’re finding our way. These kids have become accustomed to a certain level of success and I think we’re going to be absolutely fine in the big picture.”

The Golden Tornadoes opened the campaign with back-to-back losses to North Shore and Clarke. However, Leary said the effort in a 2-1 defeat at Clarke on March 16 is “something to build on.” Senior Aidan Adams picked up the team’s first goal of the campaign.

Leary said the lineup will receive an instant jolt soon with the return of three award winners from 2019. All are juniors. Sweeper Frank Echeverria, a catalyst on defense who earned Honorable Mention All-County, is working through a sprained ankle. Forward Gabe Viera and midfielder Jona Murcia still need some practices to become game-eligible.

Echeverria is a high-end talent, Leary said, and a natural defender with the skill set of an offensive player. “He’s our point guard in the back,” Leary said. “He’s tough and distributes the ball exactly how you’d want someone in that position to do so.”

Viera, also Honorable Mention All-County, is considered by Leary to be among Nassau’s most dangerous offensive weapons. “He’s a difference-maker,” Leary said. Viera will be paired up front with either Adams, who’ll play a prominent role up front or in the midfield, or senior Jesus Moran, an All-Conference selection. “Jesus is skilled and quick,” Leary explained. “He’s been a huge part of our success. We’ll move him around and look to take advantage of his unique talents.”

Murcia comes off an All-Conference campaign as well and is a solid two-way halfback who’s creative with the ball, Leary noted. Senior John Escalante serves as the team’s holding center-midfielder and a captain. “John is strong on the ball, great in the air and clears a lot of traffic from the middle,” Leary said.

The defense surrounding Echeverria is as deep as it’s been in a while, the coach said. Senior Jose Garcia is an All-Conference honoree in his third varsity season. Juniors Marlon Sanchez, Jose Sandoval and Cesar Rovolorio are also major pieces to the puzzle. The goalkeeping situation remains in flux. Junior Jessi Vasquez started the opener but is likely to be used in the midfield moving forward.

In order to make the playoffs, Lawrence must finish first or second in its four-team conference or finish at least .500 over 10 conference games, which includes four crossovers.

“It’s just great to be out on the field,” Leary said. “We’ve created a soccer family here that’s like a second family for all of us. Every day we practice or play is a gift. They know it can be taken away in a heartbeat.”