The Port Washington Vikings head into the 2022 season as the 16th ranked team in the LILJ preseason rankings. They are in Nassau’s Class A Division and had an incredible run that saw them go 11-5 and make it to the semifinals where they fell to Farmingdale. This year they are looking to pick up where they left off and take the next step forward. Head Coach Isaac Neal shared his thoughts about the 2022 season.
“Coming into this season, we are looking forward to the process-based approach to not only compete at a high level, but to improve upon the momentum gathered last year.”
This year’s team will look a little different than last year’s with some key players graduating in 2021. Attackman Jensen Weingard was second on the team in points with 33 and his presence will be missed this year. Midfielders Jared Morales and Andrew Robinson were also a key part of their offensive last year, combining for 30 points. The team will also be without FOGO Elijah Edmonds, defenseman Briggs Capobianco, and goaltender Patrick Kenny. Kenny was one of the top goaltenders on the island last year, making 125 saves and a 64% save percentage.
The team still has plenty of key returning players that will look to have big seasons and make this year a success. The attack unit will be led by Henry Haberman (Loyola) and Luke Meyer (Dartmouth). Haberman comes off of scoring 40 goals and recording 54 points, both of which were top on the team. Meyer is a lefty sniper and his 28 points were good for the third most on the team. Gavin Jacobsen (Binghamton), Anthony Bellomo, Andy Feinstein (Lehigh), John McCarthy and Sean Cassidy are among the returning midfield unit.
On defense some of their key players that are returning include Matthew Freeman (BU), Matthew Hillman, and Hudson Greenberg. As a team Port Washington’s defense held teams under 10 goals 12 times last season, and only allowed just over five goals per game.
Three young guns that have the potential to see the field this year are Joe Braunschweiger, Steven Braunschweiger, and Stamai Gargas.
Some noteworthy games that are on the schedule this season for the Vikings include at home against MacArthur (4/5) and Syosset (4/29) as well as on the road against South Side (4/21) and Farmingdale (5/11). Last year they went 3-2 in five games against these teams. They also play an inter-county game against Northport on 3/25.
Two notable alumni from the Port Washington lacrosse program are Jake Froccaro, and John Crawley. Each of them are in the midst of incredible lacrosse careers playing at the professional level. Froccaro currently plays in the PLL for the Cannons Lacrosse Club. Crawley is also in the PLL playing for the Atlas Lacrosse Club and is also an assistant coach at Lehigh.
