TOPSoccer

Next week is the big week for TOPSoccer. NHP will be hosting it's 10th annual TOPSoccer Tournament for all the programs on Long Island. We'll be playing at the Denton Avenue fields. Everyone is welcome to come down and lend a hand or just watch these special athletes enjoying the most-widely played sport on the Island. Games start and 9:00 a.m. and wrap up by noon. Hope to see you on the 13th!

-Rich Bletsch - Director

Boys Division

U12

North Hempstead Tournament

October 6-7, 2007

Stray Cats

The Stray Cats played amazing, exciting, energized soccer this weekend in the Columbus Day Weekend North Hempstead Cup Tournament., capturing a second place finish. Playing against some the Island's strongest competition, the Stray Cat warriors battled from start to finish in every game. Every player contributed in a big way to the team's unyielding efforts throughout the entire tournament, leaving their hearts on the pristine grass of Harbor Links.

The Stray Cats strung together three straight victories over powerhouse teams Great Neck, Island Trees, and Albertson. They dominated on both sides of the ball, playing with confidence, poise and pride. Goalie Andrew Blumenson was nothing short of fantastic, logging over 40 pretty saves throughout the tourney. The Cats' top defensive unit - Tyler Carrick (3 goals), Cian Fitzgerald, Billy Stevens (2 goals, 3 assists), Ryan Korzevinsky, and Stephan Eranovic - played unrelenting, suffocating defense to keep their opponents' offensive threats to a bare minimum. The big guns at midfield and forward - Bryan O'Neill (7 goals), Ciaran Stack (2 assists), Gerard Farrell (2 goals, 6 assists), Steven Cacchioli (2 goals), Travis Finkel, Alex Spinoccia (goal, assist), Chris Ferlazzo (goal) and Chris Sacino - all battled mightily, passing with precision, moving the ball extremely well, and constantly applying unstoppable pressure. We are all so proud of your terrific efforts !! Great tournament Stray Cats !!

Jaguars

The fog lifted on Saturday to reveal a perfect day and the Jaguars were ready for a Columbus Weekend filled with great soccer. Although, they got off to a tough start against Levittown and Merrick, with Mike Zornberg scoring the loan goal of the day, the Jaguars continued to play with a lot of energy. On Sunday, despite pushing across a couple of goals by Brendan Morrison and Anthony Cacchioli, the Jaguars were not able to keep Port Washington in check in their morning match. However, with third place on the line in their afternoon match, the Jaguars responded with their best effort of the season. With Daniel Flori once again playing outstanding in the nets, the Jaguars were able to control the action. In the mid-field, Andrew Curcio, Brendan, Deery, and Liam Bradley did an outstanding job of transitioning the ball forward toward the East Meadow goal. Brendan Morrison, Michael Zornberg, and Anthony DiMarco took the ball and kept the pressure on the East Meadow Goalie, who made some outstanding saves. Thomas Farnon, playing an outstanding forward, pushed across the first score of the game in the first half. Playing with determination, Thomas made a great shot on goal that was never in doubt. Throughout the second half, East Meadow was consistently turned away by the very stingy goaltending of Daniel Flori and the tough defense of Brian Ambadjes, John Buckley, Anthony Cacchioli, and Peter Keenan. Peter Keenan, playing in a new position this year as the center defender, was able to thwart many of the offensive strikes by East Meadow. That, along with the always reliable foot of Anthony Cacchioli, and the Jaguars were looking at taking the third place position in the tournament. Daniel Flori made sure of that as he made save after save in the first half to keep the Jaguras in it and then sealed the shut out victory with well over seven spectacular saves in the second half. Three of which came on one play! Well done Daniel and congratulations to the Jaguars on a great victory!

U-10

Tigers-North Hempstead Tournament summary.

The Tigers made their first appearance at this tournament with a big challenge ahead. They played up one division at the U11 level, and they met that challenge. Not only were the boys competitive with all the teams but we came very close to taking two of the games. In spite of not coming up with a win, they showed their parents, coaches, and even their opponents what a good team they are becoming. All the boys stepped up their game. Peter Restivo had a great offensive tournament with three laser shots that met the back of the net. John Hanna had a nice goal on the first day from the left side of the goal, and Michael Orlik blasted one in on a penalty shot. Jacob Leeds did a nice job at left forward and a good job breaking up attacks when playing on D. Nicholas Nikas had some good drives toward the goal, just missing a goal on several hard shots. The defense was on target as well, Jeremy El Kashash, Brendan Quinn, and Kevin Keenan continue to impress with their take charge playing, clearing kicks, and their ability to keep us in the game and give our offense a chance to score. Our goalies deserve a big hand as well. Our regular goalie Alex Ptacek again made some unbelievable saves, diving and pouncing on the ball, leaving the opponents scratching their heads. This weekend two other team members also took their turn in goal. Ryan O'Donnell, who also played great D, and Michael Carotta, both took to the box and turned away shot after shot. They really did a terrific job against some tough teams. All the boys did well and they should be proud of the way they played. Never give up and keep a positive attitude and it will make us a stronger team.

September 29, 2007

Boys U8

Tornados vs. Tigersharks

The excitement continued for the the Tornados in week four as they edged the Tigersharks 3-2. The Tornados were led by goal scorers Nicholas Femia and Brian Schoenberg. Fowards Andrew Imperatore and Brian Deery assisted with their crisp passing and unselfish play. Defensively, Peter Siozios, Jake Guercia, Brendan Kiernan, Christopher Kerrane and Matt Notine played solid team defense limiting the scoring opportunities for the Tigersharks. Goalie, Michael Murnane played a flawless second half saving the day for the Tornados.

Girls Division

U-12

Lady Bengals

North Hempstead Tournament: The Lady Bengals performed spectacular once again and won three out of their four games. The girls played aggressive and outplayed their competition. The Tournament ended with the Bengals taking third place based on goals scored against them. A lot of fun was had by one and all and we thank all the volunteers who made this tournament terrific! Congratulations girls on your accomplishments!

Lady Leopards

North Hempstead Cup Tournament

This was the team's first tournament and even though the girls had played only 3 games as a team, they performed admirably. On Saturday, the girls faced two rugged opponents: 1) higher ranking teams with more experience, and 2) the oppressive heat. While they lost these two games, the girls played valiantly and more than held their own. Playing a better team is always a chance to learn and improve and try different positions. On Sunday, the girls won their last 2 games, facing opponents with similar ranking. Their record was good enough to earn the team third place in the U12 Bronze division. Congratulations to all. The new coaching combo of Colleen, Maria, and Howie have done a great job so early in the season. This was also Carly's first time playing goalie and she impressed all with her long clearing kicks. Special note goes to Antonella who injured her foot while playing goalie. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

U-11

North Hempstead Cup Girls

October 6, 2007

HBC Lightning 3 New Hyde Park Lady Tigers 2

The Lady Tigers had opportunities with Jasmine and Erin, each just missing a goal early in the game. However, it was the Lightning that got the first score. Erin then scored to tie the game. Lisa in goal was terrific, making one great save after another. On offense were Betsy, Gillian, Jasmine and Erin. There were several shots that almost went in. The Lightning scored again to take a 2-1 lead going into half time. Gianna was in goal for the second half and made some great saves. The defense played with energy, anchored by Laila, Martha, Julie and Sabrina. The Lightning scored their third goal of the game. The Lady Tigers continued to fight and then Jasmine scored to get the score to 3-2, but that's how it ended. The Lady Tigers fought hard against a tough Lightning defense.

New Hyde Park Lady Tigers 6 Plainedge Daredeveils 6

The Lady Tigers came out flat and quickly found themselves down 3-0. After being blocked twice by the Daredevil's goalie, Erin drilled one in. Gillian had two shot opportunities that missed. Jasmine then scored to made the score 3-2. However, the Daredevils came right back attacking - hitting the left post, then the right post and then finally scoring to take a 4-2 lead into the half.

In the second half, The Lady Tigers came out charging. Martha made a beautiful pass to Jasmine who shot a long, powerful blast over the goalie head. Erin demonstrating excellent footwork, scored to tie the game at 4. The Daredevils then scored to take the lead. With Julie, Jasmine and Sabrina providing offensive support, Erin took over and powered the offensive scoring the next two goals (one on a penalty kick) to give the Lady Tigers a 6-5 lead. Erin was amazing, scoring four goals! Erin's offensive explosion perplexed the Daredevils defenders all day. Aside from Erin's speed and quickness, all her shots were strong and precise. Lisa who took over the goaltending duties from Gianna in the second half, made a spectacular block that was surely head towards the upper right-hand corner of the goal to preserve the lead. The defense of Laila, Betsy and Jennifer were active in holding back the Daredevils. However, the Daredevils continued to apply pressure and scored a late goal to tie the game. It was an exciting second half to watch.

The Lady Tigers played shorthanded today - missing Keely and Bridgette.

October 7, 2007

New Hyde Park Lady Tigers 3 White Plains Youth Power 3

The day got off to a good start with Erin scoring high into the back of the goal on a penalty kick for a 1-0 lead. White Plains came right back to tie the game. The action was fast and went back and forth. Erin then broke the tie with a shot straight across the goal. White Plains came right back to tie the game at 2. In the second half, Betsy made a great pass to Martha who kicked a tremendous long and powerful shot into the goal again for the 3-2 lead. Once again, White Plains was relentless, keeping the pressure on and came right back to tie the game for a final score of 3-3. Gianna was in goal for the first half and Lisa for the second half. On defense were Betsy, Julie and Laila. On offense were Martha, Jasmine, Jennifer and Erin. All the girls played hard against a tough and active White Plains team. It was another exciting game to watch.

Brooklyn Patriots 3 New Hyde Park Lady Tigers 2

The game started again with Erin scoring into the left corner of the goal. The Patriots came right back to tie the game. We had another back and forth game as each team had several close scoring opportunities. Then off a corner kick by Erin to Betsy who almost got it in. With a scramble in front, the Patriots tried in vain to get the ball out. However, Martha's perseverance and repeated shots finally got through for a 2-1 lead. The Patriots continued their pressure and scored to tie the game and then scored another late goal for the 3-2 win. On defense were Betsy, Jennifer and Lisa. On offense were Erin, Jasmine, Julie and Sabrina. Gianna was in goal. The Lady Tigers playing with only nine players continued to play well without any girl getting a rest. Sabrina played her heart out. She played extremely hard, chasing down every loose ball and helping out with the defense, despite taking a hard shot. It was a tough and physical game. We missed Keeley, Bridgette and Gillian today, and Laila during the second game.

The Lady Tigers were competitive for each game during the tournament. The games could've easily gone either way with a break here or there. It was a valiant effort by the Lady Tigers this weekend. Congratulations to all the tournament teams.

Bonnet Division

U-9

Lady Tigers - Hannah Arkin exploded with a beautiful breakaway goal. Emma Nidermaier made a nice pass for Hannah's second goal. Kimberly Keblish played awesome on defense. Danielle Gerbe, Aoife Fitzgerald, and Catherine Lyons handled the midfield with fantastic moves. Natalie Kariotis had a couple shots gone wide of the net. Ciara Jennings made some incredible saves. Keep up the good work!