Congratulations to the Hicksville American Soccer Club Boys under-8 winter league team, the Stars. The Stars won first place this past winter in the indoor league at Sportime in Bethpage. The court was 120' by 100' and play was "off the wall." The boys played every Sunday for nine weeks plus a championship day.

The Stars played great in the first nine weeks, earning six wins, two losses and one tie. The Stars had the least goals scored against them in the entire league. After the first nine games, they were in second place, two points behind the first place team. They qualified for the championship round where they would play for first place.

Going into the championships the Stars knew they would have to work hard to beat the Sharks from Plainview-Old Bethpage Soccer Club. The two teams had played previously played to a 1-1 tie in a first round. On the championship day, the Stars played an unbelievable game of soccer and used everything they had to beat the Sharks 3-2. The Stars had once again brought their first place championship trophies home to Hicksville.

Playing as a team is the secret to the Stars success. With strong defensive kicks and clever offensive passing the Stars were a noticeable team. Coaches, parents, families and friends are very proud of the Stars. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." The Stars defense that allowed the least amount of goals in the league consisted of Derek Letosky, Keith Toribio, Zachary Hoeing and James Cusack. Scoring goals for the Stars included Tyler Arnone (10), Brian Freire (9), Terence Pfeifer (7), Stephen Trifilio (6), Mikey Torrellas (4), Ryan Alfred (4), Thomas Moore (3), Michael Callahan (2) and William Heuser (2). An extraordinary job was done by goalies Terence Pfeifer and James Cusack. Terence and James, once again, proved their fantastic goal-saving techniques throughout the season.

The parents of the players would like to thank Coaches Ray Pfeifer and Mike Callahan for their hard work and dedication during the ten week season. They described them as being exemplary role models.

The Stars are very excited and looking forward to hosting their first Hicksville Stars "Off the Wall" Invitational at Sportime on March 26. The whole Hicksville community wishes the Stars the best of luck. You can find more information about the Stars at www.eteamz.com/hicksvillestars.

"We started out as just players. Then we became friends. We were molded by our parents and coaches. Now we are a family, a team. We are the Stars." And always remember, 1-2-3 Go Stars.