As his senior year progresses, captain Marco Pantano continues to prove why he is an asset to the Lynbrook varsity boys’ soccer team.
Pantano is a lifelong lover of the game. “I started when I was three or four years old,” he shared. From the Lynbrook East Rockaway Soccer Club to travel soccer, Pantano has dedicated much of his life to the game: “I played for the Lynbrook East Rockaway Soccer Club, and I play travel for NY HOTA Bavarian SC where I started when I was six and have been playing there for almost 12 years.” While many players try different positions throughout their careers, Pantano found his spot early. “I currently play defense and have played this since I was six,” he explained.
Pantano has had many supporters throughout his journey, but his mother has been there for him the most. “She tries to get to every game and motivates me to work hard,” he said. This motivation to work hard has given Pantano the knowledge of what it takes to succeed: “You have to put in the work on your own time and play every game with confidence and energy.”
Over his 13 years in soccer, Pantano has made countless memories, but his favorite ones have been those with his teammates. “Just the brotherhood and relationships I have gotten from my teammates and the hotel stays at tournaments, messing around at practice or hanging out on the weekends. I have also traveled to many different states and two countries–Denmark and Sweden–to play with my team against international opponents.”
Currently, Pantano is not yet committed to any college to play soccer, but his future plans involve the game nonetheless. He was also recently selected as Newsday’s Top-100 Soccer Players on Long Island. When asked what this recognition means to him, Pantano said, “It shows me that all the work I put in pays off and doesn’t go unnoticed. It makes me want to work harder to continue to reach bigger achievements.”
Pantano is admired by his teammates and coaches alike. Pantano’s fellow senior captain and left midfielder Mike Werzinger recognizes Pantano’s leadership and how it contributes to the team’s success: “Marco is an intelligent player, and he reads the game very well. He knows how to lead the team and bring the best out of every player on the field.” Head Coach Joshua Berlin shared a similar sentiment: “Marco is an emotional and dynamic leader. As a [two-time] team captain, he has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and they listen to when he talks. They respond to his voice and raise their game when he holds them accountable. His approach and level of commitment has been a big reason why we remain relevant in the season and still viable for a playoff spot.”
Junior midfielder Fabian Safsten-Suarez feels supported with Pantano on the team: “Going into a game with Marco on our team, I am very confident that we will get the result that we need. Under his leadership, we will get the job done.” Senior captain and center midfielder Sam Moscheni added, “Marco brings confidence as we know he can play well consistently. Having him on our team helps our mentality going into a game.”
Coach Berlin has observed Pantano’s growth closely over the years: “As a freshman, he only played a partial season as he was nursing a back injury and didn’t really join the team until halfway through the season. He instantly helped solidify the back line and played with toughness and intelligence. Four years later, he is the emotional leader and one of the two four-year varsity players. He is a [two-time] captain and has grown into an All-State caliber player.”
