This past weekend was a winning one for the Farmingdale Wolves as the boys' U-11 travel soccer team earned victories in both their regular season game as well as their 1st round play in the State Cup.

On October 5, the Wolves shut out their regular season opponents, the Hicksville Sonics, 5 - 0. The Sonics were unable to penetrate the Wolves' rock-solid defense, which included goalkeepers Matthew Ward and Xavier Bonilla, as well as Peter Badalamente, Jonathan Delmore, Robert Godas, Jonathan Lyons and Peter Thompson, who did an excellent job returning the ball to the Wolves offense.

The offensive line made the most of the opportunities, with midfielders and forwards including Nicholas Casey, Jackson Weber, Chris Pendergast and Zachary Wetzel exhibiting expert ball-handling and passing skills throughout the game. Thomas Esposito began the Wolves' scoring streak off a well-placed throw-in by teammate Andrew Erker.

A break away by Badalamente resulted in the team's second goal, which was quickly followed by another by Brandon Veracka. During the second half, Erker passed the ball to Cody Chuchul, who in turned passed to Esposito for yet another Wolves goal. Esposito later scored the final goal off a pass that went from Ward to Veracka.

If this wasn't enough, the Wolves came back bright and early on Oct. 6th, defeating a tough team from East Islip, 2 - 1. Although the Wolves trailed the Rapid Thunder 1-0 going into the second half, the boys kept the momentum going - and the pressure on.

The same defensive line, led by goalkeeper Ward, held their East Islip opponents back throughout the remainder of the game. Esposito scored the Wolves' first goal, working the ball around the East Islip midfielders and fullbacks. He later passed to Bonilla who scored the game-winning goal.

Both wins were the result of outstanding teamwork and the boys' "never-say-die" attitude, according to coaches Peter Chuchul and Chris Pendergast, who congratulate all the Wolves on their victories and thank all the parents for their continued support and enthusiasm.