Recapping the 2024 Men's Soccer Season

The 2024 season was one of the best in the history of the men’s soccer program. Competing for the first time as a USCAA Division 1 institution, the Sound proved they could be national title contenders. From a non-conference perspective, key victories included wins against York, Medgar Evers, Monroe College, and Central Penn. However, the standout result came against NCAA Division 2 opponent Chestnut Hill, where the Sound played to a 1-1 draw.

In addition to changing divisions, the Sound transitioned to a new conference: the NACIA. Within the NACIA, the Sound were a force to be reckoned with, finishing tied for second place. They entered the NACIA playoffs as the third seed, earning them a semifinal match-up against #2 seed and rival Berkeley College NJ. The Sound prevailed with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a game-winning goal from freshman Christian Alvarez (North Massapequa, NY). This victory sent the Sound to the NACIA championship game, where they ultimately fell to top-ranked Bryant & Stratton Rochester. Despite the loss, the Sound saw nine players named to All-NACIA teams, and Head Coach Jason Fiscina (North Massapequa, NY) earned NACIA Coach of the Year honors. Players Anthony Campos (Lynbrook, NY), Sebastian Cuenca (East Rockaway, NY), Jose Garcia (Brentwood, NY), and Christian Alvarez (North Massapequa, NY) were named to the All-NACIA Tournament Team.

After being unranked in the preseason, the Sound climbed into the top four of the USCAA coaches’ poll in Week 1 and remained there throughout the season. Their efforts earned them the third seed in the USCAA Men’s National Soccer Tournament. In their first pool game, the Sound defeated the Manor Jayhawks 4-0, with goals scored by sophomore Erick Giron (Huntington Station, NY), sophomore Hector Ruiz (Oyster Bay, NY), freshman Christian Alvarez (North Massapequa, NY), and junior Allela Bouzgarrou (Queens, NY). Sebastian Cuenca (East Rockaway, NY) contributed two assists. This victory marked both the program’s and Coach Fiscina’s 50th career win in just five seasons.

The Sound entered their second pool game against #2 Bryant & Stratton Syracuse with momentum, taking an early lead with a goal from Giron. However, they were unable to hold onto the lead and eventually lost, bringing their national tournament run to an end in the semifinals. Giron and Cuenca were named to the USCAA All-Tournament Team for their efforts.

From an individual perspective, sophomore Hector Ruiz (Oyster Bay, NY) led the Sound in goals (13), assists (11), and points (36), ranking among the national leaders in all three categories. Ruiz was named a 1st Team USCAA All-American and an All-NACIA First Team selection. He was also a finalist for both the USCAA National Player of the Year and the NACIA Player of the Year awards. Fellow sophomore Sebastian Cuenca (East Rockaway, NY) had a stellar season, finishing second on the team in goals (8), assists (11), and points (30). His performance earned him 2nd Team USCAA All-American honors and an All-NACIA First Team selection.

Other Sound players recognized as USCAA All-Americans included seniors Anthony Campos (Lynbrook, NY) and Andrew Hickling (South Ozone Park, NY), both named to the 1st Team. Campos, a senior captain, moved to center back for his final season, leading a backline that executed one of the most effective offside traps in the country. He also earned an All-NACIA First Team spot. Hickling contributed eight goals and five assists, excelling in roles as both center back and defensive midfielder, and earned All-NACIA Second Team honors. Freshman goalkeeper Jose Garcia (Brentwood, NY) started 20 of 21 games, making 96 saves across all competitions. His stellar performance earned him All-NACIA Second Team honors and All-NACIA Tournament Team.

The program bids farewell to a remarkable group of seniors: Anthony Campos (Lynbrook, NY), Angel Chavez (Mineola, NY), Josue Fuentes (Glen Cove, NY), Erick Gruver (Centereach, NY), Andrew Hickling (South Ozone Park, NY), and Eduardo Martinez (Corona, NY). Together, they contributed to four USCAA National Tournament appearances, the 2021 HVIAC Conference Tournament championship, three HVIAC Regular Season titles (2021-2023), two HVIAC finalist finishes (2022 & 2023), one NACIA finalist finish (2024), two USCAA National Semifinal appearances (2022 & 2024), and a USCAA National Finalist appearance in 2021. Angel Chavez finishes as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 61 career goals, earning numerous accolades, including three USCAA 1st Team All-American honors (2021-2023), an HVIAC Player of the Year award (2021), and an HVIAC Tournament MVP award (2021).

Team Accolades and Record:

Record: 12-6-4

USCAA National Semifinalist

#3 National Ranking

2nd in the country in total goals

3rd in the country in goals per game

2nd-most wins in program history

Individual Accolades:

USCAA All-Americans: Hector Ruiz (1st Team), Andrew Hickling (1st Team), Anthony Campos (1st Team), and Sebastian Cuenca (2nd Team)

USCAA All-Tournament Team: Sebastian Cuenca and Erick Giron

NACIA Awards:

Coach of the Year: Jason Fiscina

All-NACIA First Team: Hector Ruiz, Anthony Campos, Sebastian Cuenca

All-NACIA Second Team: Angel Chavez, Jose Garcia, Andrew Hickling

All-NACIA Third Team: Edward Washington, Josue Fuentes, Erick Giron

All-NACIA Tournament Team: Anthony Campos, Sebastian Cuenca, Jose Garcia, and Christian Alvarez