Buckley Boasts Three Undefeated Soccer Teams This Season

For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, three of Buckley Country Day School's soccer teams were undefeated in the same season: the boys 7th and 8th grade "A" team and both the boys and the girls' 5th and 6th grade "A" teams. Several players reside in Garden City, including William Chu, Maggie Law and Jeffrey and Alex Giocondi.

Buckley's 5th and 6th grade boys "A" team, coached by Roby Young, captain of the 1968 Israeli Olympic soccer team (Mexico), was undefeated this fall. The team scored 27 goals and allowed only 11 goals through all season.

In goal, Buckley relied on Matt Goldstein's ability and courage. With the leadership of sweeper James Gibaldi, the team was able to stop many shots. Defensemen Donald Denihan, Reese Mozer and Forrester Pierce were all instrumental in protecting their positions. Kris Ledins played stopper and/or midfield as needed while at midfield, Sam Cohen-Gussack was the playmaker, Jeffrey "Gio" Giocondi (Garden City) was the "destroyer" and Michael Iaunnou was an excellent defender.

Game-smart Gunnar Esiason moved between midfielder and forward to the team's satisfaction. William Chu (Garden City) and Miles Schuss made goals and assists. Leo Cohen-Gussack and Jeremy Koufakis led the team in scoring with many amazing shots.

Each game was played against rivals with great athletic traditions, which made victory that much sweeter. In the end, it was the talent, hard work, team chemistry and good sportsmanship that provided the winning combination.

For the second consecutive year, Buckley Country Day School's 5th and 6th grade girls "A" team was undefeated. The offensive line scored an incredible 20 goals and the defense held their opponents to only one goal. Scoring for the team were Alissa Fromkin, Haley Gahan, Jessica Nees, Sydney Esiason, Jillian Kupferberg, Nina Kucharczyk and Saba Vahdat. The goalies, Brittany Elias, Sydney Esiason and Rachael DiAndrea did a superb job in preventing the opponents from scoring. Laura Wilsusen as stopper led defensive players, with Nina Kucharczyk and Haley Gahan playing the sweeper positions. Other players who shared both offensive and defensive positions were Maggie Law (Garden City), Kelsey Gibson, Nicole Raposo and Ali Cooper. After an injury, Charlotte Otremba did a great job as team manager.

This year Charlotte Otremba and Brittany Elias were honored with the Bulldog Spirit Award, Sydney Esiason was named Most Improved Player and Alissa Fromkin earned Most Valuable Player.

"The finest accomplishment for the girls this season was their willingness to work hard, their team spirit and the fine cooperation both on the practice field and in the games," Coach Rolls said.

With a record of 6-0-1, the team outscored its opponents 36-5 in the seven games played. An excellent work ethic in practice, along with an intense attitude on game days allowed these young men to develop throughout the season. Led by captains James Melvin and Alex Giocondi (Garden City), the team displayed excellent sportsmanship on the road to a hard-fought undefeated season.

Forwards Michael Malhame, Peter Warny, Michael Marchassalla and Alex Kupferberg pressured the opponent's defense and broke through for an average of over five goals per game. Defensively, James Newman, Langley Young, Paul Karmas and Alex Giocondi, along with goalies James Melvin and Sean Duane, held opponents to less than one goal per game.

Connecting Buckley's offense to its defense was a strong midfield. Olympic Development Program player Alex Schweitzer was the core of the midfielders. Supported by David Vallins and John Ross Kucharczyk, the halfbacks moved the ball from side to side, creating confusion for the other teams.

The season's highlight was a 4-2 comeback against a tough Green Vale squad. Down 2-1 early in the second half, the Bulldogs rattled off three unanswered goals. This victory was at home in the last game of the season.