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Take Your Pick
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer Central coach John Andruss, without hesitation, calls Bears midfielder Sean O'Sullivan the area's best soccer player. Citrus coach Ian Feldt, equally adamant, gives the nod to Hurricanes forward-midfielder Alex Posta. Who's right? That depends on whom you ask. "O'Sullivan is better technical-wise," Springstead coach Sal Calabrese said. "With Posta, if you knock it forward, he will run on it and get it, but technically he's not what O'Sullivan is. O'Sullivan has a nice, soft touch, and overall his technical ability is far superior." On the flip side: "I'm partial to the Citrus County guy," Crystal River coach Bobby Verlato said. "Posta comes to play, and he knows the game well. O'Sullivan is a passer, more of an assist guy. Posta is a true finisher." Friday night at 7 in Brooksville, the senior stars meet for the final time. O'Sullivan, a three-year starter and a 2001 Times all-area pick after finishing with 12 goals and 23 assists, has 21 goals and 13 assists this season. "He's a very good athlete, and he's very driven to to succeed," Andruss said. "I could put Sean anywhere on the field and I would expect that he would be able to do very well." O'Sullivan plays club soccer in Tampa, where he earned a spot in the prestigious Black Watch program. That allowed him to face national competition and fine-tune his skills. "He knows what he's doing," Posta said. "He plays his position very well. He's a very talented player." College coaches have taken notice. O'Sullivan was recruited by several schools, but has narrowed his choices to Colgate, Emory, George Mason, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and the University of Chicago. His older sister, Jennifer, captained her Stanford Cardinal teams and plays professionally for the New York Power in the Women's United Soccer Association. "My vision is good off the ball," O'Sullivan said. "I know when people are making runs, and I know where to put the ball before I get the ball. "And this year, my shot has gotten a lot better. I've really grown as an offensive player. Last year, I was more of a passer, but this year I've tried to increase my offensive skills." Offense never has been a problem for Posta. The senior has 109 career goals and 41 assists. His 20 goals and 10 assists this season are team highs. He is a three-time all-area selection, and was the Times All-Citrus/Hernando Player of the Year in 2000. "He's a good, quick player," O'Sullivan said. "He's aggressive and never really gives up." Citrus' offense revolves around Posta. Although he sees some time at midfielder, he primarily is a forward. The Hurricanes' objective is to find Posta in one-on-one situations, which allows him to utilize his shot-making skills. "I really feel like I attack well," Posta said. "I'm a hard worker. To me, it's kind of like a job." Posta, who also plays for Lakeland Soccer Club, is being recruited by Florida Atlantic, Florida Southern and Jacksonville. "He is multi-dimensional," Feldt said. "He scores, but he's just as willing to pass the ball. He just has a presence. He has all the tools, and his soccer brains are unmatched in my opinion."
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