The Farmingdale Wolves boys U-12 travel soccer team turned on the power to capture second place at the 2003 East Meadow American Ref-Fuel Tournament, held recently at Eisenhower Park. With teamwork and skills that were nothing short of electrifying, the boys earned a record of 4 wins and 1 loss - including three shutouts. During the two-day tournament, the Wolves allowed only 3 goals - and scored 13 - over the five games.

The Wolves strong defensive line short-circuited the competition time and again. During the first day of play, they led the Wolves to two 2-0 victories over solid teams from Glen Cove and East Meadow. Fullbacks Peter Badalamente, Nicholas Casey, Bobby Godas, Eric Martello, Peter Thompson and Jackson Weber rarely allowed the ball past the halfway line. In fact, goalkeeper Matt Ward had little to do during those two games but watch his teammates shut down the opposition.

Ward more than earned his keep, however, during the tournament's second day. During game three - a 4-0 victory for the Wolves over the Syosset Lightning - he stopped two back-to-back free kicks from within the penalty area with his quick hands and sure moves. And while the Wolves did fall to first-place finisher the West Babylon Cyclones by a score of 1-2, he stopped a multitude of shots and later helped lead his team to a 4-1 victory over New Hyde Park, clinching the Wolves' second place finish.

But, of course, the road to soccer victory is paved with goals - and this tournament was no exception. Midfielder Tommy Esposito led the offensive charge for the Wolves, scoring six goals with expert assists from Joe Kennedy and Zachary Wetzel. Forward Xavier Bonilla added three goals to the mix off well-placed passes by Andrew Erker, Chris Pendergast, and Cody Chuchul, who also scored once for the Wolves. The lightening speed of Brandon Veracka earned two more goals for the team, while Jon Lyons left his scoring mark with a goal during the tournament's final game.

And while the tournament is over, the Wolves outstanding play and stamina will surely be remembered by their opponents, as well as by their families who helped cheer the boys on to victory. Coach Chris Pendergast and assistant coaches Kevin Lyons and John Veracka congratulate the Wolves, who are now definitely "the team to beat" when regular season play begins.