Playoffs within grasp for East Islip

It’s been a pretty solid year in terms of results for East Islip boys soccer, which not only seeks a third-straight trip to the Suffolk Class AA playoffs but also postseason success after a pair of first-round exits.

Coach Greg Johnson, who began coaching in the district in 2001 and took over the varsity program 11 years ago, has seen a boatload of underclassmen contribute to a side that ripped off four-straight wins to go with a draw between Sept. 10 through Sept. 28, but began October 0-2-1.

“The kids are emptying the tank every game and we need one more point to make the playoffs and that’s always the first step,” Johnson said. “There are no easy outs in our league. Every game has been a battle. Considering we’ve got nine sophomores, freshmen or eighth-graders out there at any given time, I’m really happy with where we’re at.”

It’s sophomore goalkeeper JJ Kilfoil’s third year on the roster, but his first as a starter. He’s not only kept the team in every game but is also emerging as a leader in the back, Johnson said. He’s one of four captains. “He’s been outstanding,” the coach noted. “He plays high-level club and does everything well. We’re super young in the back and we’ve only allowed 18 goals. He really puts the whole team at ease.”

Senior captain Brennan Grieve not only anchors the defense, but is also dangerous at the other end of the field as his four goals and two assists suggests. “We ask a lot of Brennan and he always delivers,” Johnson said. “He’s a strong all-around player and a leader.” There’s also Chase Ponzio, Matthew Kelly, Paul Sheridan and Sebastian Escobar getting the job done in front of Kilfoil, who’s posted a pair of shutouts.

Defensive midfielder Shawn Kelly is a shutdown piece who Johnson said brings a relentless motor and plays at a fast pace. Juniors Chase Engel (two goals, three assists) and Nick Frisina (four, one) are helping put pressure on the competition as Johnson is using just one striker.

Up front, it’s senior Joe Carlino. He was a factor a year ago and ranks tied for the team lead in goals. “We can play with just one striker because we have Joe,” Johnson said of Carlino, who scored twice in a 3-2 win over Bellport on Sept. 23 and had the team’s lone goal in a draw with Smithtown East.

During its hot streak, East Islip (4-3-3 in League III) won three games by one goal. It battled Deer Park to a 2-2 draw, with Frisina and Engel, a captain, scoring, and struck for a season-high five in a win over Northport as Grieve and Frisina scored twice.

Rematches with Deer Park and Bellport close out the schedule. East Islip needs at least a draw against the Falcons or Clippers to punch its playoff ticket.