For the first time since the 1940's the Great Neck North Boys Varsity Soccer team won the Nassau County Class A Championship by defeating Jericho 8-7 in penalty kicks after the game ended in a 0-0 tie after regulation and four overtimes. Championship MVP, Sophmore Tal Grinbaum saved Jericho's 8th p.k. attempt to seal the victory.

The road to victory for the Blazers completed a season in which they had an overall record of 16-2 and scored 56 goals while only conceding 16, including 9 shutouts. When the season finally concluded, the Blazers were the only team in Nassau County to finish conference play undefeated and untied, finishing with a record of 10-0 in their conference (A-II).

With Conference Player of the Year and All County Selection Jose Lopez (10 goals, 5 assists) leading the attack, and All Conference Players Michael Ferreira and Manny Hadjibay anchoring the defense the Blazers went into the playoffs as the #7 seeded team (Conference A-1 teams make up seeds 1-6). In their first game North had to play defending Nassau County Champion Valley Stream South. The Blazers had defeated the Falcons 3-2 and 3-1 during the regular season, yet despite their success during the regular season against VSS, the Blazers struggled early on in the match failing to find the net while the defense was being battered. However, in the 13th minute of the match, North's other All County award winner, Walter Gonzalez (6 goals, 11 assists) scored the game's first goal on an assist from Lopez to set the stage for the remainder of the match and the playoffs. In the second half the Blazers took total control of the match with Dominic Melendez and Jacob Cohen each scoring once to secure the 3-0 victory.

Over the course of the next three rounds in the playoffs, the Blazers had to defeat #2 Mineola (1-0), #3 Southside (2-0) and Jericho. Mineola in particular proved to be a very difficult hurdle. The Mustangs were very similar to the Blazers in that they also had highly skilled, fast players who liked to attack the goal. This proved to be their downfall as Lopez found Dominic Melendez on a counter attack in the second half to win the match. The Blazers gained many fans during their incredible playoff run by playing a very entertaining and exciting brand of soccer. Even when the Blazers were playing on the road, the Blazer fans easily outnumbered the home teams supporters creating a great atmosphere in which to play.

Along with captains, Hadjibay and Ferreira, the Blazer defense including junior All Conference Player Jordan Cohen, senior All Conference selection Dominic Melendez, National Merit Award winner Ben Mueller and goalkeeper Grinbaum did not give up a single goal during the Nassau County playoffs. The defenders did not just sit back and watch the attack take place. This group began the attack with fantastic possession and often made runs deep in to their opponent's half to score or set up goals. Dominic Melendez scored two goals during the playoffs from his defensive center midfield position including the game winner against Mineola, and Ben Mueller scored the first goal in the Long Island Championship game against Sayville, a game the Blazers lost 3-2.

The midfield play of Honorable Mention All County captain Jacob Cohen (6 goals, 2 assists), Tal Zivan (3 goals, 4 assists), All Conference Selection Cesar Sassoon (9 goals, 2 assists) and Andrew Rios (2 goals, 2 assists) was consistent throughout the entire season. This group of players proved to be the perfect balance for the potent offense and the stingy defense by winning the ball in the middle of the field and starting the attack with creative combination play and fast paced dribbling.

As with all successful teams, there cannot be one star for the opposing team to focus on. While Lopez and Gonzalez certainly were singled out during the regular season and playoffs, the Blazers always seemed to have many options with which to attack. Whether it was Sassoon or Zivan on the flanks or Jacob Cohen and Melendez pushing forward from their midfield positions, opponents often found themselves under constant pressure from North's possession or on the verge of being decimated by North speed on carefully planned and executed counter attacks.

While the starters garnered most of the awards and accolades, the reserve players also contributed to the success of the season. Back up goalie Jacy Baron battled injuries all season, but was still able to contribute to 3 shutouts. Defensive understudies Nelson Urrutia, John Valldares and Sam Zaretsky filled in beautifully whenever called upon, including Urrutia stepping up huge to replace an injured teammate in the Long Island Championship.

Reserve Forwards, Vidal Ponce (2 goals, 3 assists), Michael Moshenayov (3 goals, 2 assists) and Zach Wall (3 goals) showed great improvement in both their technical skill and tactical awareness and played beautifully when called upon. Reserve junior midfielders, Eric Spector and Oliver Permut stepped up and played well in tight matches including in a victory over non-league rival Westbury, a game in which the Blazers won 3-2 in the final minutes of the game. Unfortunatly for the Blazers, Junior midfielder Alex Aryeh was lost to an early season illness. Now that he is healthy he should contribute to the Blazers success next year. During the playoffs, Freshman Edmund Sassoon was called up to the varsity squad to add some depth in the midfield and forward rolls. His work ethic and skill level during practice impressed the coaching staff and this should be the beginning of a bright future for the young player.

Even though the Blazers will lose 7 seniors from this championship team, the returning players along with members of the junior varsity, should allow the North High soccer team to challenge for the conference and county title next year.