Boys soccer's top performers: Defense

Here's the weekly installment of top Long Island boys soccer performers for the period of Sept. 16 -23.

This week, the list is dedicated to players who made an impact on defense, excluding goalkeepers. The goalies, along with top scorers and defenders, will be acknowledged next week, and going forward, we will recognize each facet weekly in an effort to not miss many performances.

Alejandro Ruiz, Brentwood: A converted center back, Ruiz is a big reason why Brentwood has shut out five teams. In a 2-0 win against Ward Melville on Sept. 18, Ruiz made sure goalkeeper Jose Cerna was rarely tested. “He has taken to the position extremely well, which makes me proud,” coach Ron Eden said. “He’s a difference maker and a key part of our success so far.”

Alex Medolla, Jericho: ?In a 2-1 home win over Carey on Sept. 23, Medolla defended Carey's Gino Scardino, who leads Nassau with eight goals. Scardino was held without a goal for only the second time this season. “I just knew I had to play my heart out and do my best,” Medolla said. “I had to do my job for us to win.”

?Kevin Martinez, Hewlett: ?Martinez dominated the battle in the air during Hewlett's 2-1 upset over Jericho on Sept. 17, said Bulldogs coach Nick Lacetera. "He's a solid kid who never stops," Lacetera said. "Just relentless."

Who we missed last week

Jack Feehan, Farmingdale: The outside defensive back assisted on one goal and scored the second in the Dalers’ 2-0 win over Plainview JFK in the first game of the season.

If you believe a deserving player is missing from this list, kindly let us know via Twitter @WillSammon and @JasonStromberg1.