South Shore Summer League play sharpens rosters of final four squads
South Side with the winners banner at the Summer League Games at East Rockaway High School on August 17, 2026. Credit: Howard Simmons
The final four boys soccer teams in the South Shore Summer League — Floral Park, South Side, Hewlett and Malverne/East Rockaway — rounded out their summers Monday night at East Rockaway High School. Now all eyes are set on the fall.
Here’s what to know about each team ahead of the season before tryouts begin next week.
SOUTH SIDE
One can never put too much stock into summer league games, especially with incomplete rosters and split playing time as teams test new approaches.
That said, as South Side boys soccer kicks off its 100th season, the Cyclones looked terrific Monday night as it won the summer league championship against Floral Park, 7-0.
“From the start of [summer league] in June to now, we’re able to tweak and make tactical changes and move some guys around,” coach Pat Corvetti said.
The back line, with center backs Mark Stewart and Colin Levine, did well to keep possession while under pressure instead of blindly launching a ball out. Levine exemplified that with a lofted ball to Teddy Fitzgerald, whose run behind the defense led to a simple finish for the game’s third goal.
The quick play between midfielder and attacker, paired with strong defensive play and distribution, served to remind why South Side went 15-1-1 a year ago.
FLORAL PARK
With just three returning starters, Floral Park has a lot of new faces this fall.
The back-to-back county champions, led by coach Ahkeel Rodney, aren’t staying stagnant as the Knights try out new tactics.
“Summer league is crucial,” Rodney said. “It allows us to set a proper foundation for these kids, [with] fitness, terminology. Now when we start the season we can be on step three or four instead of step one.”
Floral Park tested a high line as an offsides trap early and often in its loss to South Side. It came with mixed results as the Cyclones countered it well with the long ball, but growing pains are to be expected with a new strategic approach and an incomplete lineup in August.
MALVERNE/EAST ROCKAWAY
Malverne-East Rockaway went 0-11 in 2024 before surging to a 9-6 record in 2025, making the Class AA playoffs.
“It’s not a team anymore,” coach Rob Anderson said. “It’s a program.”
If another step forward is to come in 2026, sophomore Sebastian Rueda could be the reason why.
Rueda, who had at least one goal in all of the team’s summer league games, scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Hewlett in the consolation game. His second came cleanly off his laces for what proved to be the winner inside the final few minutes.
“I’m confident he’s going to bring it,” Anderson said. “He’s got such a smooth finish.”
HEWLETT
Watch out for Hewlett’s Uriel Hillet. On top of some quality play as a wingback Monday night, Hillet showcased a massive throw-in that should threaten opponents this fall.
“It’s the biggest weapon on the field,” Hewlett assistant coach Adam Hananel said. “It’s more accurate than a corner kick.”
The Bulldogs struggled in 2025 with a 1-10-2 record, but a promising summer league and new faces could make for a resurgent fall.
“We got a bunch of hard-working kids, really good kids, who look forward to competing and showcasing their ability,” Hananel said. “We want to try and advance the program.”
Michael Sicoli covers high school sports for Newsday. He graduated from Quinnipiac in 2022 and left with a master’s degree in sports journalism in 2023.
