The New Hyde Park Wildcats International Division sent two U-9 teams to compete in the Long Island Futal Tournament at Nassau Community College. Playing in separate divisions, both teams came home undefeated and with a first place trophy.
New Hyde Park No. 2 started the tournament by giving up two quick goals to the Floral Park Indians. However, three unanswered goals by Makis Konstantatos gave the boys their first victory. A hat trick by Jonathan DeFelice and the fine goalkeeping skills of Eric Wendt led to the second win over the Terryville Ninjas. In the third victory, it was Michael Riccardi's turn to lead the attack with a hat trick against the Little Neck Tornadoes. The boys rounded out the day with an exciting 3-2 victory over Garden City. Tony Peveraro's hard work gained him two goals and several assists throughout the tournament. Matt Simms was outstanding on defense and rocketed one in the net off a free kick. While playing goalkeeper, Andrew Montoni not only kept the ball out of the net but he also blasted a clearing shot past the opponent's keeper for a goal. Congratulations boys.
New Hyde Park No. 1 completed the sweep by going 2-0-2. The team was led by the speedy play of forwards Matthew Uy, Max Grant and Robert Maer, the great hustle of midfielders Andrew Morici and Daniel Viviano and the rock solid defense of Gary Mancini. The two highlights of the tournament were Robert Maer scoring a goal in his first Wildcat tournament and the outstanding play of team MVP Joseph Beltempo in goal.
The New Hyde Park Pumas hustled their way to a well deserved second place finish at this very competitive indoor tournament. Congratulations on a great effort and a job well done!
Pumas 3 - Brentwood 2
The Pumas drew its friendly rival, the Brentwood Blasters, in game one. Being short on keepers due to injuries, the Pumas called on Sal Costa to pinch hit. Sal was the star of the game, saving several shots from the Blasters. The Pumas came out aggressively and scored the first three goals and coasted to victory. Chris Kassoff scored twice, with beautiful assists from Frankie Tloczkowski and Seth Levine. Ryu Kawana capped off the scoring with a tremendous blast.
Pumas 3 - Massapequa 3
The Pumas came out strong once again, dominating the play and leading all the way, only to give up the tying goal with a minute to go. Matt Siracusa was on target with two goals, both assisted by Joe Tempone. Frankie Tloczkowski was in the right place at the right time once again, as he scored off a beautiful pass from Seth Levine. Matt Siracusa was on target with several key "kick ins."
Pumas 4 - Smithtown 1
Determined not to let up in this one, the Pumas came out flying against the best goalie they would have faced all day. Joe Tempone scored quickly, in the first minute of the game, smacking home a beauty. The rest of the scoring belonged to Seth Levine, who nailed down his first Puma "hat trick." Stevie Mastrandrea was relentless, with several "snap" shots that just missed.
Pumas 0 - Plainedge 1
In what ended up being the game for first place, the Pumas came up just short in this defensive battle. Ryu Kawana scored what we thought was the tying goal, off a beautiful free kick, but the goal was disallowed and the game ended in our first and only loss of the day. Sal Costa was again superb in net, turning away several shots from this strong Plainedge team.
Pumas 2 - Stony Brook Tornadoes 1
After giving up an early, quick goal, the Pumas came storming back to take this one. Stevie Mastrandrea kept the team in this one, playing strong in net, with several key clears. The Pumas scored both their goals in the last two minutes of play. Ryu Kawana knotted the game with a determined goal off a scramble in front of the net. Joe Tempone displayed tremendous two way play and "Spanky" Tloczkowski got the game winner, assisted by Chris Kassoff.
Pumas 7 - Stony Brook Lightning 1
The Pumas capped off the day with their strongest game. This true team effort featured six different scorers! Stevie Mastrandrea scored, cleaning up a rebound from Matt Siracusa, who also added a goal of his own. Joe Tempone continued to be the playmaker, picking up three assists Ryu Kawana nailed a rocket from the defensive zone. Chris Kassoff and Frankie Tloczkowski rounded the scoring, continuing to show they know how to put the ball in the net. Sal Costa was the hero of the day, playing goal in four games and giving up only four goals!
The Stormcats made this upstate trip a total success. We weren't sure what to expect with the treck through the rain and floods on Sunday.
NHP 0 - Clarkstown 0
We played the host team to a tie with some incredible defensive plays. Alex Nyestat, Joe Incalcatera and Robert Morici were fantastic, denying the host team any shots.
NHP 1 - HBC Elite 0
Danny Gangale recorded his second of four shutouts. Dan Duras fed Joe Marrano for a blast into the right hand corner of the net. Justin Brobt and Chris Dijanic played very aggressively to secure the victory.
NHP 1 - Wappinger Falls 0
Another upstate powerhouse team falls to the Stormcats. Christian Uy threaded the needle to Mike McHale who slipped one through for the only goal of the contest.
NHP 0 - Clarkstown "B" 2
The only loss of this tough tournament. Eric Andreuzzi and Robby Kassoff were unrelentless in their hustle and just missed some golden opportunities.
NHP 1 - HBC "B" 0
This was for the gold. Joe Marrano fed Christian Uy who's slick footwork helped the Stormcats win the gold medal. Danny Gangale's four shutouts led all goalies in the tournament.
Well done boys!
The New Hyde Park Stormcats totally dominated the Brooklyn Indoor Soccer Tournament. This extravaganza featured the top soccer clubs in the City and Long Island.
NHP 4 - HBC 2
After letter up two goals in the first two minutes the boys never let up another for the rest of the tournaments. Scoring in the game were Joe Marrano (2), Christian Uy and Daniel Duras. Robby Kassoff was a force on defense.
NHP 2 - Istria 0
Christian Uy and Dan Duras scored for the Stormcats. Alex Neystat and Chris Dijanic were spectacular on defense.
NHP 2 - BW Gottschee 0
This game belonged to Robby Kassoff. His two goals kept the win streak alive. Eric Andreuzzi recorded his second of four shutouts.
NHP 2 - HL Warriors 0
Turn the channel and it was the Joe Marrano show with great assists given by Christian Uy and Alex Neystat.
NHP 1 - SC Gjoa United 0
Eric Andreuzzi's finest hour. Point blank saves. Chris Dijanic gave up his body and blocked a cannon of a shot. Then Christian Uy popped one to Daniel Duras and faked the goalie out of his jersey. A great tournament, great win and champions of upstate and the city. What's next for these kids?
Well done boys!
In a tough tournament with a lot of good teams our boys played their hearts out.
Goals were scored by Jimmy Zyzopoulous, Jason Lacertosa, Tom McGuire, Kevin Philbin and Sean Hunt.
Great defensive playing by Steve Zendzia, John Strohshein and Mike Jaronczyk who never quit. And we cannot forget our goalie Alex Miric - who won the MVP award of Best Goalie for the whole tournament.