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It’s only natural for Gavin Duran to look around and find himself a little frustrated with his recruitment.
It seems like almost everyone else on the powerhouse Long Island Express 2026 team is committed to one of the top schools in the country. That includes five ACC verbals, three to the Big Ten and two to the Ivy League, among others. It’s a stacked group that Duran would love to join soon, but it’s also something that’s driving him to get better.
“It’s great because I love all of these guys and I just want to be a great teammate,” the versatile defender from Chaminade (N.Y.) said. “We have a special bond on our team and that’s so helpful. I’m one of the only people on the team that’s not committed, and it keeps driving me to get better and keep pushing every day. I just have to be patient and wait for it.”
Duran’s an ideal prospect for the next level in a number of ways. He’s got the experience of playing high-level club for Express. Duran is also a rare multi-year underclassman starter for the Flyers. He’s seen time at both LSM and close defense for the past two years for Chaminade, which has been a top-10 team in the country all year long. He boasts a 4.0 GPA at an academic powerhouse. Duran doesn’t want to commit just to commit, but it stands to reason that a great offer will materialize itself this summer.
Versatile Chess Piece to Move Around
“I’ve really improved my off-ball skills and team defense,” Duran said. “My physicality has improved. I can size up attackmen or middies and use my physicality more. My IQ’s gotten a lot better knowing when and where to slide. All of my coaches have helped me with that.”
“Gavin is an outstanding defender who can play a number of roles in any defense. He’s proven himself with us and for Chaminade, and I think he’s primed for a huge final summer with us as we chase that NLF title. I can’t wait to see where he ends up,” Express director and coach Mike Chanenchuk said.
Duran wants to find his future home this summer. He also wants to make sure that the Express comes away with the NLF national championship. It’s an insanely talented team that has been tripped up in the playoffs for four straight years. For them, it would only be fitting to cap their storied club careers with a title on home turf at Stony Brook.
“We’ve come close four years in a row. I feel like this is the time we get the job done. That’s the big one,” Duran said.
Long Island Express Top Uncommitted 2026s
Brody Shapiro, midfield, Chaminade (N.Y.)
Shapiro saw a ton of time as part of the Flyers’ SSDM unit this spring. He doesn’t have ideal size, but he makes up for it with excellent speed and the requisite tenacity for the SSDM spot. Gritty and tough, he’s not afraid to get to the dirty areas to collect ground balls.
Long Island Express Top 2027s
Will Schwarz, attack, West Islip (N.Y.)
An excellent lefty goal-scorer, Schwarz racked up 42 tallies – including seven hat tricks – but also dished out 24 assists for a 66-point sophomore campaign for West Islip. The ball snaps off of his stick when he shoots it, and he’s very smart about finding open spaces when working off-ball.
Finn Pizzo, attack/midfield, Chaminade (N.Y.)
Pizzo carved out a role as a second-line offensive midfielder for a Chaminade team that was a mainstay in the national top 10 all year long. Pizzo tallied seven times – including a multi-goal game against Connecticut powerhouse Darien – and added a pair of helpers for the Flyers. He’s got a knack for scoring big goals. He’s an excellent shooter, works well off the ball and also has a penchant for coming up with tough ground balls.
Brendan Sim, attack/midfield, Chaminade (N.Y.)
The tall lefty ran alongside Pizzo on Chaminade’s second line and found the back of the net six times to go with two helpers. He stood out at NLF at IMG for his ability to create offensively as both a scorer and feeder.
Brayden Robertiello, faceoff midfield, Garden City (N.Y.)
Robertiello separates himself from so many of his faceoff peers because he’s such a high-level athlete. Much like former Express faceoff standout and Cornell All-Ivy League pick and national champion Jack Cascadden, he’s a superb athlete and also an outstanding football player. Robertiello is the Trojans’ starting quarterback in the fall. He’s seen some time on offense this year for a GC team that is favored to win a state championship, racking up 17 points, including a four-assist day against another state title contender in Rye.
Logan Hecht, midfield, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
Hecht had a strong year for a Friars’ JV team that won the league championship like it does every year. He saved his best for last, too, racking up an eight-point day in the title game. A skilled lefty, Hecht is a strong shooter who sees the field well. He also has some experience at attack, though his collegiate future seems to be at midfield.
Long Island Express Top 2028s
Steve Panagopoulos, defense, Lawrenceville (N.Y.)
A true No. 1 defenseman, Panagopoulos is one of the top prospects in the entire class. A tough, hard-nosed takeaway guy, he easily vacuums up ground balls and plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Aidan Dale, midfield, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
Dale’s got plenty of speed to burn. Called up to the JV for its championship game, Dale shined as a SSDM and seemingly orchestrated every fast break. His speed, plus his outstanding shot, make Dale a legit No. 1 midfield scoring threat.
Ben Smith, attack, Garden City (N.Y.)
A lefty with a smooth shooting stroke, Smith recently broke the Garden City freshman scoring record. That’s, uh, pretty good! He’s got 39 goals and 21 assists for a Trojans team that seems ticketed for a state championship. Smith can really let it fly from the wing.
Max Snider, midfield, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
Another outstanding shooter out of the midfield, Snider consistently finds a way to get his hands free. He’s able to create space almost anytime he wants.
AJ Rodriguez, goalie, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
An excellent stopper who also shines in the clearing game, Rodriguez has great composure in the cage and commands his defense.
