TOPSoccer

A glorious soccer day saw some much inspired play on the field. Our newest players are starting to show their skills. Junior players, Emily Bosco, Samantha Duggan and Harrison Stein led the way with great dribbling and determined shooting. The senior game was a real nail-bitter. Midway through the first half, Stefani Egre's experience paid off for the red team as she was able to blast one into the corner of the net. As it turned out, this was the game-winner of a 1-0 final score. Obviously, there was some outstanding defense. Debbie Chin, Billy Russo and Patrick Williams were the defensive stars as they frustrated the attackers time and again. While there was only one goal, the offensive skills were not to be denied. Newcomer, Adam Strominger, was strong with his dribbling and numerous shots on goals. Nicholas Marangoudakis has stepped up his shot and fired off several rockets on goal. It was nice to have some of our regular coaches back in action as they "buddied" up with the junior athletes. Brianna Coker, Gemma and Victoria Inguanta, Katerina Bychko, Jenny Sarro, Krys Abberton and Jonathan Gilroy returned to the fold. Great job by Maiken Bursig in leading the junior game this week. All of the young coaches play a huge part in our program. They provide the guidance and support needed to make the shy players adjust to their teammates and give them the confidence to participate in a team sport. Super job by all.

-Richard Bletsch

Girls Travel Division

Lady Leopards 2 Oceanside 2 - It was a beautiful spring day when the Lady Leopards took the field at Soccer Park against Oceanside. In the first half, Rebecca Lewis had a sturdy shot from midfield to land the ball squarely in the net. In the second half, Hannah Zeitlin, assisted by Dylan Livers, scored the team's second goal by outmaneuvering Oceanside's defense in front of the net. Meanwhile, Antonella Cotilletta had some breathtaking saves, as she plucked the ball from midair and sent it back into play. New Hyde Park's defense used foot skills and blocking to protect the net; Oceanside's defensive strategy relied largely on elbow jabs to the back. Our strikers carried the ball with dexterity and speed, yet had several shots thwarted at the last moment. Kaitlin Shea and Danielle Michaels were their usual dynamo-selves, covering ground like they'd been launched from a cannon, and offering strong shots on goal. Along with Hannah and Dylan, they made their presence felt in the front lines. Alana Cohen, celebrating her birthday, Celeste Lyons, Madison Cascio, Ellen Carnero and Taylor Ross all helped make the midfield the turning back point for many an Oceanside player trying to go deep. In fact, almost the only forward movement Oceanside achieved was through the long distance punts of their goalie. Centers Caroline Weinberg and Rebecca alternated midfield and defense, playing both positions with smart passing. Our defense covered the net with precision and intercepted any oncoming offensive players. Eve Rigas was great, getting to plays quickly, and outrunning Oceanside's offense. She was aided by rotating defense from Ellen, Madison, and Celeste. Everyone moved the ball well. A powerful game by the Lady Leopards!

Travel U10

New Hyde Park Lady Tigers 1 vs. Farmingdale Rockets 3

April 21, 2007

The Lady Tigers started off slowly and were playing catch up throughout the game after the Rockets scored the first two goals. The Rocket's 2 goals were just too high to be blocked. Then the Lady Tigers got going and scored with beautiful teamwork and control of the ball. Julie Kennedy made a great pass to Jasmine Bustos who scored the only goal for the Lady Tigers. Betsy Tanenbaum played extremely hard, running up and down the field. She had a few solo runs and a few high kicks that just went over the top and to the side of the goal. She also set up a few scoring opportunities with great passes to Jennifer Louie and Gianna Ferrante that resulted in near misses in front and to the left of the goal. Martha Keller played a tough game as the ball hit her hard a few times but she kept on going with great passes to Julie Kennedy, Sabrina Posadas and Keeley McGrath, each moving the ball down the field. On defense, Erin Rivera, Bridgette Stacom, Laila Chadli played tirelessly defending the goal. Everyone was in attendance for the Lady Tigers and they played a spirited game that was exciting to watch. Despite being behind throughout the game, the Lady Tigers kept the pressure on and seemed like they would catch up. The Lady Tigers did control the ball for most of the game but was unable score any more. Hats off and 3 cheers for the tremendous goal tending by Lisa Pellegrino. The score doesn't tell the full story as Lisa had a few acrobatic blocks by jumping high with her arms fully extended. Even the Rocket coaches and parents on the sidelines applauded her play. All the Lady Tigers played hard throughout the game. It was a great team effort girls, let's hope we have a little luck next time.

Bonnet Division

U-9

April22, 2007

Princesses 2 Thunder Cats 0 - It was a glorious sunny day this week when the Princesss and Thunder Cats played each other. Both teams seemed to really enjoy themselves as they entertained their families and friends. The two teams went head to head taking turns controlling the action despite the suddenly warm temperature. The Princesses had many super passes as all the girls displayed their increased skills. Ashley got the game's first goal scoring on a rebound after the Thunder Cats goalie made the initial save of her shot. Keri, who played a tremendous game, excelled on both offense and defense and made a pretty pass which led to the goal. Jessica continued her brillant play on defense while picking the right spots to advance the ball into the offensive zone. Lauren showed her toughness battling back after taking a shot to the face on a ball which almost bounced into the goal. Catherine was very active in the offensive end and nearly scored a couple of times. Tara is getting better each week and also just missed scoring. Her foot skills and ball movement were outstanding. McKenzie, who is turning to a very reliable defensive player was aggressive repeling the Thunder cats attacks. Brittany also played a strong defensive game, constantly putting herself in the correct position. Daniella got a late start in the game but that didn't stop her from scaling the win with a rocket into the corner of the net. Many thanks to Nicole who despite not feeling well, did not want to miss the game and let her teammates down. She was able to handle the goal tending duties and support her Princess teammates. Congratulations to all the girls on both teams on a terrific well played game. The teamwork and sportmanship was evident throughtout the game. We missed you Krista and Kayla. Enjoy the great weather!

Cabbage Patch Division

G-Bears:

On a glorious day for Soccer, the G-Bears came out flying to start the season against the always-tough Cubbies. After spending the first hour of the session in developmental training, the girls really showed they learned something during the game with excellent displays of cut-back moves, killer passes, hard shots on goal and stellar defense. Kaitlyn Krems and Sophia Leeds formed a dynamic duo up front and really wowed the crowd with hard shots that pressured the Cubbie defense. Kaitlyn led the attack with 2 goals [1 great cut back move, 1 laser shot near post], had a third goal disallowed and then just missed in the closing seconds with a rocket shot that hit the side of the net. She also assisted on a killer pass to Sophia Leeds who cleanly trapped the pass, transitioned to the shot and slammed it home far post. Sophia also made several stellar passes and posted a whale of a game. Alyssa Macher also just missed a goal [had a goal that was disallowed] off a rebound and showed some great dribbling moves up the sideline. Super game, Alyssa! Katie Meegan and Mackenzie Griffin were simply outstanding on D - clearing several balls with great authority and taking several loose balls up the sideline when the opportunities presented. Katie was fantastic coming up into the attack when the chance presented. At Midfield, Bethany Ambrosio, Hannah Varghese and Kathleen Toscano all played tough and made several passes to spring the attack. Even though this was her fist game, Bethany looked like an old pro out there - clearing the ball on D and making outlet passes to the forwards, showing super athleticism. Kristin Granieri and Erica Lorenzana were both spotless in goal with each making several spectacular saves to rob the potent Cubbie attack. All in all a fantastic team effort! Really liked what we saw today girls!!! -Keep up the good work. GO BEARS!! Edna Dudek and Jackie Diffley - we missed you and hope you both feel better! Practice Monday at 6pm at the Water District field. Coach Kevin

Kitty Kats vs. Lightning -

After a monsoon canceled the first game the previous week, the weather was beautiful and the Kitty Kats came out ready to play. Julia Feldman protected the net in the first half and Stephanie Zovich defended the goal the second. Naomi Diaz, Kaitlyn Louie, Cayla Mikowski, and Caroline Nuttall moved the ball forward using their strong dribbling talents. Andrea Waldron, Lauren Vowinkel and Gabriella Caicedo played great defense. There were many shots taken on goal but the strong defense kept the game scoreless. Congratulations to both teams for a well played game. We missed Daphne Siozios and hope she returns next week. April 21, 2007

Boys U11 Travel

Stray Cats 5 - Wantagh-Seaford 0 - It was finally a beautiful day to play soccer and the New Hyde Park Stray Cats made the most of it with a 5-0 victory over the Wantagh Seaford Blue Thunder. Cian Fitzgerald returned from Ireland and does not seem to have missed a beat playing a solid two-way game. Bryan O'Neill (2 goals), Chris Ferlazzo, Gerard Farrell and Billy Stevens provided the goal scoring with Austin Ward and Cirian Stack providing constant pressure on the Blue Thunder defense. Steven Cacchioli, Tyler Carrick, Ryan Korzevinski and Stephen Eranovic were flawless on defense helping goalie Andrew Blumenson record his second straight shutout. It seems that all the hard work put in by the kids, the coaches, and the trainers has really begun to pay off.

International Division

Boys U8

Fire 3 - X-treme 0 - Super game today by the Fire against a shorthanded but fiesty Xtreme team. Nice teamwork today. Anthony DePompeis opened the scoring off a nice pass from Brian Saramago. Great hustle by Tyler Baron and Alan Chen led to a goal by Brian. Relentless midfield work by Justin Carnero and Ricky Marchelos led to a beautiful goal by Jack Nuttall. Christian Carrick and Jonathan Ang were rock solid on defense. Great job in goal by John McCormack. Way to go Fire!

April 14, 2007

Boys U8

Fire 1 - Red Bulls 1 - Great match today by team Fire against a very tenacious Red Bulls team. The Red Bulls took the early lead but Brian Saramago tied the game on a beautiful corner kick. It was end to end action thereafter with each team having scoring chances. Christian Carrick, Jack Nuttall and Tyler Baron were awesome keeping the pressure on the Red Bull's defense. Ricky Marchelos, Alan Chen and John McCormick were relentless at midfield. Anthony Indovino and Brian were rock solid on defense. Great game in goal by Jonathan Ang.