Hicksville's boys under-11 team played two tough games this weekend; Friday night against a well-coached Bethpage team and Saturday morning facing an aggressive hard-hitting Island Trees team.

On Friday evening Hicksville played a great game challenging Bethpage and taking advantage of every opportunity. The goalies, Sean Powderly and Mauricio Cubias, were outstanding stopping several hard shots by Bethpage. The sweepers, Brian McMahon and Anthony Geslak stopped many of Bethpage's drives to the goal. The fullbacks, Stephen Gallagher, Alex Straftis, James Alexandris and Andrew Hughes played strong defense, stopping the Bethpage's forwards and passing the ball upfield. Hicksville's halfback, Robert Caine, did an outstanding job both offensively and defensively. The forwards Stephen Correlli, Matthew Lyons and Joseph Altamura played their usual fine game, constantly advancing the ball, never seeming to tire and relentless in their effort to score.

The following morning, this weary but enthusiastic team faced off against a well-tuned Island Trees team. Despite having only eight players for the first half of the game, Hicksville was able to hold their own against this experienced team. Goalie Sean Powderly had an unbelievable game. He has all the makings of an all star goalie. He made saves that amazed both teams. He was relieved in the second half by Joe Altamura who, although one of the youngest players on the team, has skills and maturity years beyond his experience. The defense was made up of Robert Caine as halfback (second half), Mauricio Cubias as sweeper (second half), Peter Katsaros as stopper, Stephen Gallagher, James Alexandris and Andrew Hughes. Hicksville's defense although inexperienced gave Island Trees a run for their money, and by the second half actually dominated the field. The forwards for this game, Stephen Correlli, Anthony Geslak, Sean Powderly, and Robert Caine (first half) played the entire game without a break and although by the second half it was obvious to their parents they were starting to tire, they never showed it to the other team. They played at times on heart alone, never giving up and proving to their coaches, parents and the Island Trees team what true sportsmanship is all about.

The team would like to thank Erik Geslak and Brian Friere, two boys that came up through Hicksville Soccer, for all their help with the team. Brian not only refs the games, but manages to find time to help work on skills with the team. Erik comes down to each practice to work with the boys. These two boys are a fine examples of how organized sports help develop exceptional young adults. They are great role models for the young players to follow.