Amid harsh weather, the Farmingdale PAL third grade Green boy's Lacrosse Team (Green Machine) continued its winning season beating North Shore 6-2, making the Green Machine 5-0. This game will go down in history as the Mother's Day Mud Bowl.

The action started immediately as Chris Gaugliano scored his first goal of the season in the first quarter. After North Shore tied the score a few minutes later, Eddie Finocchiaro put the Green Machine ahead for good by scoring the next goal in the first quarter. These goals were crucial, as the Green Machine not only contended with the powerful defense of North Shore but with the forces of Mother Nature. As the inclement weather continued, the coaches knew anything could happen in the game when you combine rain, mud, thunder and injuries. None of this had any impact on the Green Machine. The Green Machine rallied to the challenge in the second quarter with a goal by attackman Travis Schelborn. Assisting the offense in "weathering' the challenge were Brendan Schelhorn, Domimic Musorofiti and Frank Tafuro with additional shots on goal.

By the start of the third quarter, it was apparent the Green Machine adjusted to the weather conditions with goals from Korey Hendrickson (2 goals) and Kevin Wahl (1 goal). The Green Machine was forced to comply with the PAL three-pass rule, which as any coach can tell you, is a challenge in itself. With the slick field conditions, and wet ball, it was anyone's guess where the ball would wind up. The Green Machine demonstrated its composure making passes on a North Shore team that could earn no more than two goals.

Scoring on the Green Machine defense proved to be more of a feat than North Shore had anticipated. The intimidating sizeable defense was led by Andrew Degeronimo, Larry Zucchero, Joey Kuchinskas and Brendan Tenny (who played the entire tame with a twisted ankle). Nicholas Mattei assisted the defense with his endurance as he confidently stayed with his man, not allowing him a shot on goal. Matthew Grossman who played defense for the first time with the Green Machine added additional depth. Grossman not only stripped his opponent of the ball but also was able to use his stick skills as a midfielder to pose an offensive threat. Grossman's versatility on both the offense half and the defensive zone was critical in the Green Machine's control of the game. The two earned goals by North Shore were kept to a minimum because of the outstanding saves made by first year goalie Raymond Ryan. This was Ryan's fifth game as goalie and to no one's surprise, Ryan once again answered the challenge. Ryan was not affected by the weather or the bounce shots placed on him by the North Shore offense.

The offense and defense together were led by the versatility of all the players. For the benefit of the team each and every player was tasked with the challenge of playing a new position. The players and coaches were proud to deliver this "Mother's Day Victory" to all the moms who spent their Mother's Day in the rain supporting the Green Machine. The coaching staff thanks the parents of every player adding to this very special victory. Their support made this victory sweeter than any other victory. The Green Machine's next challenge will be held at Mineola on May 19.