On Saturday, Sept. 18, Hicksville America Soccer League's U-11 Boys Team faced off against a strong Plainedge team. Although they had practiced only a few weeks and have several new soccer players on their team, these boys made their parents and coaches proud. They fought tirelessly until the final whistle was blown and even then were not ready to quit.

The team's defense was led by stopper Joseph Chorzepa, who had an incredible day shutting down many of Plainedge's drives to the goal. Sweeper Brian McMahon (a first-time player) covered the entire width of the field several times to make great plays. Peter Katsaros, Andrew Hughes and James Alexandris were certainly forces to be reckoned with on the field and stopped many Plainedge players in their tracks. Rounding out the team's defense were its two goalies, Joseph Altamura and Mauricio Cubias (first-time player). These two players made several great saves, frustrating the Plainedge offense.

Robert Caine and Anthony Geslak played halfback and did a terrific job backing up the forwards. At times these two found themselves carrying the ball upfield themselves into scoring position.

Forwards Sean Powderly, Alex Straftis, Joseph Altamura, George Anagnostakos and Cubias were relentless in their efforts to advance the ball upfield. They dodged, passed and made several beautiful plays. They were a constant annoyance to the Plainedge defense.

Coaches Tom Altamura, Rudy Cubias and Pam Geslak are really looking forward to a great season with this team.