McGovern, Leal Spur Eagles Soccer Surge

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. – Senior captains Mike McGovern and Rob Leal put their teammates through agility drills Wednesday as the Eastchester boys’ soccer team prepared for the 2011 fall season on their home turf field.

“We have 12 seniors and everyone is in pretty good condition,” said McGovern, who sported a bandage on his left wrist that was injured in a recent soccer fall. “This season we have to share the scoring load and make sure we are ready for a team effort every game.”

Coming off a good season led by scoring phenomenon Yukinojo Inadome, who was the Eagles go-to scorer throughout the 2010 fall season with 31 points, Leal and McGovern join Coach Alfio Carrabotta in focusing on more team play.

“We played well last year, but we can be much better,” Leal said. “The defense is strong and Yuki can be a big problem for defenses. Having a big scorer can help the other players get opened, so we have to build that team attitude on offense and defense.”

McGovern touted the defense, led by Kevin Teahan who underwent an appendectomy Wednesday while his teammates practiced, as a key to the Eagles success.

“Kevin is having surgery today, so we hope to have him back soon,” McGovern said. “I think we have a good all-around team on both ends.”

Carrabotta said Inadome was a force that opposing defenses had to overplay, but expects his senior-laden team to step up their overall play.

“In soccer you can’t step outside your responsibility and do too much or you leave a weak spot,” the coach said. “We have to play smarter and be better in transition from end to end. We have guys who can score with Yuki, but the other aspects are just as important."

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