It takes time for a JV coach to find out what kind of players are on the team and where to use them. Mineola High School boys JV soccer coach Al Cavalluzzo has a grasp on his team. Like the varsity team, Cavalluzzo's team is playing in a new and tougher conference this season. "We intend to be very competitive, but the quality of play in Conference ABC-II is very tough," he said.

Here's a rundown on the key players:

Carlos Barros - Captain, goalie, great knowledge of the goal, strong leader.

Fred Usma - Captain, sweeper, great ball control

Danny Reis - Defender, excellent speed

Christian Filizzola - Midfield, great ball control

Helder Cancelinha - Forward, natural goal scorer

Mike Rodrigues - Forward, great touch on the ball

Brandon Havercome - Forward, great speed

Rafael Correa - Good ball control

Among his hot newcomers for this season, the coach mentioned defenders Michael Birk and Michael Reis along with midfielders T.J. Winters and Lennon Marques.

It's interesting to note that coach Cavalluzzo said ahead of time that their toughest opponent this season would be Glen Cove and the Mustangs went out and won that game 3-1. Helder Cancelinha scored a hat trick to lead the way over Glen Cove while Carlos Barros did the job at the other end by making eight saves.