Assistant Referees Needed

Anyone who is 14 years old or older and is interested in becoming an assistant referee should contact Diana Riccardi regarding taking the upcoming class on Jan. 20 and 21. You must attend a session on both days.

AR's are paid through LIJSL and make between $25 and $28 per game. For additional information you can check the Long Island Soccer Referee Association website at www.lisra.com or Diana Riccardi at 328-6473, NHP Wildcats AR coordinator.

U-11 Lady Leopards End the Season with a Win

Lady Leopards 3 Baldwin 2

It was cold on the sidelines, but the Lady Leopards showed some heat on the field. In their last game of the season, the girls came from behind to win 3-2. The game was tied 0-0 at the half. The two teams had played well, although New Hyde Park had worried Baldwin's goalie with half-a-dozen shots that were close calls. Coming back from the half, New Hyde Park scored the first goal of the game. Then, the disadvantage of playing with only two subs kicked in as our girls got tired, and Baldwin tied the score. A fluke goal brought Baldwin into the lead. At that point, with the game on the line, our girls reached into their energy reserves. Again, and again they charged the ball and won possession on throw-ins from both sides, and shut down any Baldwin movement. A penalty kick scored the Lady Leopards' second goal. Not satisfied with a tie for their last game, the Lady Leopards again drew on their strength and determination to score a third time. It was amazing work by midfielder Dylan Livers who was responsible for each of the three goals. She took every opportunity to capture the ball and run it up the line. On defense, Caroline Weinberg was extraordinary, appearing everywhere the ball was directed, flying to the side of the net whenever Baldwin threatened, and neutralizing the danger. There was great defense also from goalie Eve Rigas who threw herself into plays, and made great saves. Also on defense were Madison Cascio and Rebecca Lewis, both of whom positioned themselves well to halt any Baldwin rush before it could get near the net. They repeatedly forced Baldwin to give up the ball and retreat. Midfielders Alana Cohen, Antonella Cotilletta, Nicole DeSouza, and Celeste Lyons all had good runs. Alana and Antonella played back to help out with defense. Alana scooted around attackers. Antonella had a great interception right outside the net. Meanwhile Celeste and Nicole moved up to support the offense. They each went deep to get a shot on goal. Strikers Danielle Michaels and Kaitlin Shea were unstoppable on the field, and brought the ball up through the defense with speed and agility. They each had shots on goal. It was a great game, a very exciting end to a wonderful season.

The girls thank their fans who get them to practices and to games, make sure their uniforms and equipment are ready, and cheer exuberantly from the sidelines. Thanks to Sarah Cohen, who handles the finances, Alan Weinberg, who handles the flag, and Henry Michaels and Gordon Lewis, who handle the assistant coaching.

A river of thanks goes out to Coach Gavin Shea, who is there for the team in countless ways, and whose hard work and encouragement helped lead to a successful season.