By The TimesLedger
Nick Caputi Jr. GK St. Francis Prep
There were several quality keepers in the CHSAA this year, especially in Queens, but Caputi proved to be a step above the rest. He constantly thwarted perennial powerhouse Monsignor Farrell in the Terriers’ 2-0 city quarterfinal win, so much so it prompted veteran Farrell coach Franco Legovich to say Caputi’s performance was the best he’s ever seen in a single game.
Jeovani Paredes Jr. Def. Holy Cross
Considered the team MVP by Holy Cross coach Dom Cinelli, Paredes made a seamless switch from defensive center midfield to sweeper late in the season and that move — more so than any other — helped the Knights win the CHSAA city title. Paredes is a very technical, crafty and clever player who sees the field well despite his lack of size.
Peter Pavlakos Sr. Def/Mid St. Francis Prep
When Mark Martello, St. Francis Prep’s top defender, went down with injury, Terriers coach Franco Purificato asked Pavlakos to move from midfield to play defense. It was a position he had never played before, but the unselfish Pavlakos obliged and did a tremendous job.
Nick Katsanos Sr. Def. Molloy
While there were flashier players like Gabe Ortega and Rob Sardis in the midfield and up front, not many on the Stanners were as reliable game in and game out as Katsanos. At 6-foot-2, the two-year starter dominated in the air, but could also hold his own on the ground, playing the ball simply and patiently.
Sebastin Garcia Jr. Mid. St. John’s Prep
After a stellar sophomore year, Garcia had an even better junior year, shattering the school’s single-season goal mark with 21 goals en route to an undefeated season. Garcia, a two-time first-team selection, has all the tools to be a solid Division I player; he has the size, the strength, the speed and most importantly an uncanny ability to finish around the 18-yard box.
Ferney Ruiz Jr. Mid. St. John’s Prep
Garcia will be the first to say if not for Ruiz, he would not have broken the single-season scoring record. Ruiz, the Red Storm’s assist leader, is the perfect compliment to Garcia. What he may lack in size or speed, Ruiz, who should also garner Division I looks next year, makes up for in heart and smarts. O’Grady calls Ruiz, who also repeats as first-team All-Queens, “the perfect midfielder. He is very mature on the field, he is always talking, always directing things.”
Gabe Ortega Sr. Mid. Molloy
Much like Holy Cross’ Tamer Mohamed, Ortega’s best quality may be his vision of the field. A member of the United States U-18 national pool, Ortega’s playmaking ability and the finishing of Rob Sardis made them one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the CHSAA. A two-year starter, Ortega, who will play defense in college, has limited his college choices to Loyola (Md.), St. John’s, Hofstra, Boston College and Seton Hall.
Chris Herrera Sr. Mid. St. Francis Prep
There may have been flashier midfielders in the CHSAA who scored prettier goals, but there weren’t many around as consistent as the Terriers leader, on and off the field. Herrera, part of a tight knit senior class, was the backbone of a St. Francis Prep team that established itself as one of the top teams in the city.
Eric DiFulvio Jr. Mid/Fwd. Holy Cross
Wherever he plays, whether it is outside midfield, sweeper or forward, the versatile DiFulvio excels. And in the playoffs, DiFulvio led the offensive charge and scored the goal of the year in the CHSAA semifinal against rival Molloy. The Whitestone native won the ball and dribbled through two defenders 40 yards from goal, sprinted towards the goal and calmly slotted the ball inside the far post from the top of the 18-yard box.
Mike Alesi Sr. Fwd. Christ the King
One way to tell the great players from the average one is how they perform under pressure. And Mike Alesi, a diminutive senior forward, stamped his first-team status with a remarkable performance in the CHSAA B title game against undefeated St. John’s Prep. Ales netted a hat trick in the heartbreaking 4-3 loss.
Rob Sardis Sr. Fwd. Molloy
Sardis was one of the top strikers in the CHSAA this year despite battling the injury bug during the season. At 5-foot-6 the three-year starter didn’t make the biggest target down field, but few were faster and more lethal around the 18-yard box. The Howard Beach native, who would like to study physical therapy in college, is interested in Adelphi, Fairfield and Hofstra.
2002 TimesLedger All-Queens CHSAA Second Team
Mike Testa Jr. GK Molloy
Marcus Federic Sr. Def. Holy Cross
Mark Martello Sr. Def. St. Francis Prep
Ariel Castellanos Jr. Mid. Holy Cross
Kayode Sodeinde Sr. Mid. Christ the King
Edwin Montes Sr. Mid. St. John's Prep
Patrick Boyle Sr. Mid. Molloy
Paul Nittoli Jr. Mid. Holy Cross
Julian Escobar So. Fwd. McClancy
Chris Lupoli Jr. Fwd. Holy Cross
Chris Belac Jr. Fwd. St. Francis Prep
