Wildcats boys soccer looks to repeat last year’s success with new faces

When Dani Braga took over the Shoreham-Wading River soccer program last season, he instantly instilled a championship pedigree. The former Jericho coach won four state championships in his 13 seasons with the team.

He vowed to bring that winning mentality to SWR.

“The boys bought into my philosophy,” Braga said. “They trusted me, and I trusted them. When everyone gets on the same page, great things tend to happen.”

The result? A run of 16 consecutive wins before their season was cut short in the Suffolk County finals against Elwood/John Glenn in double overtime.

There was a controversial no-call in the box late in the game that would have resulted in a penalty kick and a chance to win the championship.

“I still don’t consider that a loss,” Braga said. “I’m moved past it, and the boys have moved past it, but that game was ours.”

Now the Wildcats are trying to make another run with a new-look lineup. After an uneven start, SWR entered the weekend at 2-1-1 following Thursday’s 3-0 win over Miller Place.

After graduating most of their starting unit, Braga believes they haven’t lost a step. Quality has returned, along with new faces looking to make a mark on the varsity stage. 

One of the returners was their top goal scorer last year, Zack Makarewicz, who blasted 21 goals. Midfielder Evan Degroot also returns, scoring 10 goals and assisting on eight others. And in defense, John Zoumas and Michael Hillis bring experience and strength along the back line.

They have a new goalkeeper in sophomore Ferris Spuhler, who takes over for long-time starter Brannon Smith, who graduated. Ryan Steine, who played spot minutes last year as a freshman, is expected to be a major contributor this season.

“I think we are just as talented last year,” Braga said. “I mean, with Zach doing what he does and the rest of our seniors bringing the experience, we should be in every game, and we expect to win.”

But in the second game this season, the Wildcats lost, 6-1, to Amityville before tying Sayville and defeating Miller Place, 3-0. 

“It’s like that Mike Tyson saying, ‘Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth’ or something like that,” Braga said. “It was a 2-1 game until late, but we got punched in the mouth, and I’m glad we got that out of the way early. We’re not a 6-1 loss team.”

Shoreham-Wading River has posted a 2-1-1 record so far this season and hopes that the worst is behind them. Makarewicz has tallied four goals and three assists so far. Zoumas has scored twice as well.  

In the game against Miller Place on Thursday, even though they were down with injuries, they showed what the team was capable of. Solid defending, crisp passing, and a downhill mindset up front. SWR scored all three goals in the second half as they took over the game.

“We need these seniors to lead and take on the roles that last year’s seniors took,” Braga said. “We definitely miss that leadership, but these seniors have the capability to lead, and those younger guys look to them to do so. We’re going to keep working on the little things, and I’m sure it’ll all click when we need it to at the end of the season.