Steven Vargas' hat trick spurs North Babylon boys soccer to a win
Steven Vargas of North Babylon looks to drive through the Patchogue-Medford defense on a scoring opportunity during a Suffolk non-league boys soccer game at North Babylon on Wednesday. Credit: David Meisenholder
Mike Cashman’s preseason assessment of his North Babylon boys soccer team included these words: “Talent all over the field.” This coach has an especially talented player at left wing.
Steven Vargas showed off his scoring skill Wednesday with an eye-opening burst.
The senior delivered three goals in a span of 2 minutes and 58 seconds of the first half. In fact, all of the Bulldogs’ goals in their 4-0 nonleague win at home over Patchogue-Medford came during that span.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Vargas said. “It’s even better when you go through that moment with the team. It’s a team sport. It’s not like a one-man job. I wouldn’t have done it without my teammates.”
Vargas and his returning teammates are coming off a 10-win regular season that was followed by a first-round exit in the Suffolk AAA playoffs. Vargas is aiming higher now.
“I think we have all the right pieces to win it all,” he said.
North Babylon got four saves from Gianluca Turano and two from Kristian Gomez en route to evening its record at 1-1. The Bulldogs also showed something Monday when they were scoreless with defending AAA state champ Brentwood in the opener before allowing a late goal and falling 1-0.
“If we bring the intensity every game, I think we can win a lot of games,” assistant coach Jack Fengler said. “But in high school soccer, if you don’t bring it, you can be picking the ball out of your goal a lot.”
This was the opener for Patchogue-Medford, which brought just one returning starter from a 12-4-1 team.
“We were the better team for 25 minutes,” Raiders coach Tim Trava said. “We just couldn’t capitalize on our chances.”
North Babylon capitalized with 5:34 left in the half after Christian Portillo sent a short free kick into the box to Vargas.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Trava said.
Vargas then scored from right outside the box 24 seconds later.
Emmanuel Zuleta made it three goals in a 2:02 stretch before feeding Vargas for the fourth goal with 2:36 remaining until the break.
“The sky’s the limit with him,” Fengler said. “It’s a matter if he stays healthy and he can be focused.”
For the Raiders, it’s a matter of playing time.
“I think we’re a playoff team,” Trava said. “We’re just so young. I mean, 15 guys today played their first varsity game. It’s a learning experience.”
