On a beautiful fall day, our season came to a close with the traditional parents vs. players match. A huge turnout gave the parents a ray of hope with the size of player personnel to choose from. Hoping to stay close, and maybe pull away with a squeaker in a shootout, the parents loaded the field with a host of attackers. However, it didn't matter as this game got out of hand early and their strategy backfired. Michael Antonoff's shot through a crowd found its way past the goalie who looked like he was standing in concrete. Things only got worse from there. Matt Saraiva blasted one from the right side to put the players up 2-0. A third team goal soon afterwards and it was curtains. The parents whimpered with a feeble attack provided by a high shot from Pete Russo over his shorter opponents to close the lead to 3-1. But the final tally by Stefani Egre wrapped up the game with a stunning 4-1 victory. The entire team played with renewed energy and were determined to not let this season's game be the one in which the parents finally emerged victorious. You were outstanding!

Many thanks to the referee for this year's game, Frank LoFaso. Frank is a Wildcat alumni who coached in the club for many seasons. Even though his children have retired from the Wildcats several years ago, Frank makes the time to come down and lend a hand on Saturday to these terrific boys and girls of our program.

The adult coaches who work with us week in and week out provide a stable environment and are the backbone of the program. Thanks to Mary Jo, Rich, Bob, Rich, Jim, Frank and Tony for being there. A special thanks to Brian Evers who helps me carry all the equipment each week and is my right hand. He was with me from the beginning 11 years ago and is still an inspiration for all that we do.

Thanks go to all the other coaches for volunteering their time. Kerry, Maiken, Matt, Beth, Jonathan, Katie, Amy, Mary, Katelin, Nicole and Greg - you guys are wonderful. I know it's not easy to be there each week with your demanding schedules but you see what it means to the players to have you there. You make it worthwhile.

And a big thanks to the parents for your support and involvement. We appreciate your encouragement.

The final event of the year is the LIJSL dinner at the Melville Marriott in Huntington on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 6:30 p.m. The players traditionally receive trophies and raffle prizes in addition to a copy of the team photo taken at our tournament in October. See you on the 27th.

Richard Bletsch, Director

On a cold, Friday night the coaches of the Wildcats gathered to show their soccer prowess. The boys team was the victor with a score of 5-2. Goals were scored by Chris Sawicki, Adam Iocco, Chris Siracusa and Joe Tempone (believe it or not). Adam Iocco's second goal was started from midfield with a great pass from Chris Corey to his dad, Eric Lorandini, who crossed it to Adam's head. For the girls, Jesse scored from a beautiful assist from the bionic man, Joe Russotto and Frank Gaspe scored to make it two.

Boys coach Dom Marrano had a tough time controlling the men with Socrates Kariotis attacking the opposing goalie (just kidding, I'm sure it wasn't intentional). Of course, girls coach Rich Hess did not intentionally play with 14 guys either. It wasn't long before ref Mike Guercio had to give out a yellow card. But, there was no call when Vinny Timpano "took a fall" in the box.

Playing hard for the girls side were Miro Dosodil and Ken Simon in goal. On the field taking shifts were Vinny Timpano, John Pizzolla, Rich Edwards, Ted Adams, Gary Arman, Joe Russotto, Dennis Prevete, Dan White, Mike Nolan, Frank Gaspe, Joe Heller, Bob Lofaro, Tom McGrath, Lou Zacarese, Effi Domb, Bernie Malone, Ralph Brandenburg, Brako Peros and Ken Simon.

Playing hard for the boys side were Tommy Corey, Ken Schenke, Joe Tennebaum, Joe Tempone, Enrique Freishchein, Chris Sawicki, Chris Siracusa, Chris Corey, Eric Lorandini, Jim Carrick, Paolo Ruschi, Steve Raska, Adam Iocco, Naz Montoni, Socrates Kariotis, Joe Faller, Paul Fabrizi, Mike Simone, Milan Gadze, Pasquale Gironda and Bobby Kaczor.

Cheering from the sidelines were many spouses, children, players and friends. Fellow coaches Dan Flori, John Earhart, Anne Sawicki, Doda Nikic and Sean McGonigle lent their advice and support. It was great fun. Better luck next time girls coaches. Sorry to anyone whose name I forgot. For now, the cup belongs to the boys coach Dom Marrano.

Caryl Lorandini

The Continental Division ended its fall season with our festival. The festival consists of six different skill competitions. The coaches travel with their team to the various events enjoying and commending their players' performance. The following events were won by:

Perfect Pass - Kevin Taglich, Steven Riekert, Newton Tsang, Jordan Yee, Neil Reid, Matt Perno, Alex Chadli, Marty Stevenson, Evan Miller, Shawn Mathew, Kyle Talko, Chris Kariotis.

Dribble Slalom - Joseph Russotto, Danny Lorandini, Ricky Schluek, Michael Esposito, Mark Roantree, John Leva, Will Rezin, Marty Stevenson, Alex Winiarski, Joey Carbone, Jeremy Waite, Chris Kariotis.

Sure Shot - Kevin Taglich, Kevin Birkdale, Peter Gadze, Adam Preist, Daniel Jorge, Troy Driscoll, Nick Simeoli, Christopher Matyjeck, Anthony Obidienzo, Kyle Triptree, Keith Heeseman, Michael Fink.

Hard Shot - Joseph I, John Tomasini, Mark Gimmelstein, Adam Preist, Liam Quinn, John Leva, Alex Chadli, Gregory Zacarese, Alex Winiarski, Benjamin Yee, John Stevens, Paul Reo.

Throw-In - Mike Gerwatowski, Chris Rivera, Ricky Schulek, Anthony Musacchia, Joey Vadala, Nick Perrone, Mike Riccoboni, Faizal Hussien, Pratik Shah, Joey Carbone, Keith Heeseman, Eddie Krishe.

Fast and Furious - Daniel Lorandini, Aseer Amin, Kevin Towey, Steven Popovich, Nick Perrone, John Conte, Gregory Zacarese, Luke Miller, Andrew Yu, Brandon Chow, Luke Georges, Matthew Fogarty.

Most Improved - Patrick Theodoropoulos, Luke Grgas, Jordan Yee, Joey Vadala, Yovan Kumar, Stephen Gadze, Kevin Augustin, Luke Miller, John Triptree, Sal Pergola, Eddie Krishe.

Thank you to all the coaches for all their hard work throughout the season. Thank you to the parents for their support. Thanks to Eric, Joe, Maria, Tommy, Brian, Mark, Stephanie, George, Krista, Tony, Angela, Debbie, Joey, Sal, Anthony, Frankie, Dylan and Carmine for helping make the festival run smoothly.

Jungle Cats 1 vs. Little Neck Thunderbirds 4

The Jungle Cats came out a little bit sleepy in the first half, playing their second game in two days. The result was a 3-0 deficit at halftime. Goalie Lauren was called upon to make several big saves to keep it that close.

After giving up another goal early in the second half, to fall behind 4-0, the Jungle Cats finally got the wake-up call. Goalie Sarah easily dispatched the three additional shots sent her way. Kristina played a great game overall, showing some nice ball handling and passing, as well as tremendous determination in contesting loose balls. The Jungle Cats scored a goal when Grace fed Kristina with a nice pass. Kristina would not be denied, fighting off two defenders and placing a shot over the reach of the Thunderbird goalie. Grace almost scored off a header shortly thereafter. The Jungle Cats kept up the pressure with shots by Lauren, Danielle, Shannon and Annemarie. Nicole was effective all over the field. The defenders (Andrea, Daniela, Jessica, Christine and Alison) made many good steals, clearances, blocks and passes. Sarah showed good positioning on the field. Annemarie caused several turnovers and made a nice cross. Rhonda showed a good passing game. Christina, Melissa and Lauren showed the same hustle and moxie that they showed every time they were on the field this season. Their work ethic should be an inspiration to all their teammates. Victoria showed her speed and skill on the wing. Danielle and Shannon stepped up and helped the Jungle Cats control the ball in the second half. In the spring we all have to work on getting back to basics and showing what we are capable of over the full 80 minutes.

Nov. 17

Cougars - 1 Syosset - 1

A great game by all the Cougars in a 1-1 tie with a very tough Syosset squad. Robbie Ferlazzo scored the Cougars only goal on a nice pass from Tommy Graziano. Forwards/midfielders Josh Blank, John Ganz, Patrick Holahan, Andy Kalt, Mateuse Sulkowski and Jason Westfal kept the pressure on all game. The Cougars' now legendary wall of defense was anchored by Robert Butler, Jon Paul DiMarco, Conor Kerrane, Joe Myones and John Weitzel. And Nima Shahi was again fabulous in goal. Way to go, Cougars!

Nov. 18

Cougars - 4 Woodhaven - 2

The Cougars ended their fabulous inaugural season with an exciting 4-2 victory over a scrappy Woodhaven team. Patrick Holahan scored the Cougars' first goal on a nice pass from Joe Myones. Robbie Ferlazzo scored twice, each assisted on fine passes from Tommy Graziano. Joe Myones scored on a deflection off one of the Woodhaven defenders. John Ganz played an incredible midfield all game. Forwards Josh Blank, Andy Kalt, Mateuse Sulkowski and Jason Westfal kept the pressure on both sides of the ball. The Cougars' mighty wall of defense was led by Robert Butler, Jon Paul DiMarco, Conor Kerrane and John Weitzel. Nima Shahi was again solid in goal. Congratulations to the Cougars on a first-place finish, with a sterling 8-0-2 record. Thanks to all the parents and players for making the season special and fun. Special thanks to coach John Ganz for his tireless efforts in molding a winning team in its first season.