TOPSoccer

On a soggy Saturday morning, the TOPSoccer players got in their last tune up before the parents vs. players contest next week. It has all the earmarks of a lopsided players' victory as the parents seem to have lost their enthusiasm that was in high gear just a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, the players continue to show their desire with a hearty bunch getting in one last practice. The seniors, in their final scrimmage, took it to the parents and coaches with a 6-4 victory. The players were tied 3-3 at half-time but blew it open in the 2nd half. Goals by Adam Strominger (3), Patrick Williams (1), Billy Russo (1) and David Glass, plus excellent goaltending by Robert Vittiglio, had the players in command throughout the match. The juniors were even more spectacular, winning 9-1. Kerra Thornton and Harrison Stein led the "Harrisons" against the coaches with 3 goals each. Tristan Yang added 2 more and Patrick Rau rounded out the scoring with the 9th goal. The TOPSoccer Awards Dinner is Friday night (11/14/08) at the Huntington Hilton. Then it's the final game of the season next Saturday, which should favor the players, since the parents will probably party late while the kids know the importance of getting a good's night sleep. Next week is the moment of truth.

-Rich BletschM Director

Girls Division

Travel

U-13

Division III Champions:

NHP Lady Bengals 2 Stonybrook Dominators 0 - The Lady Bengals finished in 1st place in their division with a 7-1-1 record! This has been a great season for the girls and all 18 girls saw what teamwork, practice and determination get ya ..... a winning season!!!! The Lady Bengals were well trained under the direction of Leigh, their trainer and, Coaches Steve, Rich and Joe. You couldn't have a better bunch of girls playing soccer together and the best parents cheering and supporting each of them on the sidelines! Go Lady Bengals!!!!!

Bonnet Division

U-9

Pre-Travel Season Summary

It was a very successful inaugural season for NHP Pre-Travel, with both GU9 NHP Pre-Travel teams compiled winning records. NHP Blue Thunder going 6-1-0 in the Minor Divison, racking up lots of goals, while NHP White-Lighting went 3-2-3 in the Major Division (and easily could have gone 6-1 with a better bounce of the ball here and there). The parents and coaches should be very proud of how the girls played this season on both teams, and everyone should feel good about their play. I thank all the parents for making the trek each week to meet the opposition on their home turf. Unfortunately, the final Blue-Thunder got rained out in Manhasset, but since White-Lightning played their final game on Turf, we were able to sneak it in.

Game Summary: NHP White Lightning 2 - Massapequa 2

In a wet and wild game under the lights, White-Lightning took on a very fast and skilled Massapequa club in the final Pre-Travel game of the season. Massapequa grabbed a 1-0 lead about 10 minutes in before Olivia Lugo pounced on a loose ball in the box to tie the game about half way thru the first half. Theodora Papadonio gave NHP the lead with seconds left in the first half launching a shot far post from about 20 yards out. The second half was scoreless until about 20 minutes in when Massapequa was able to convert on a corner kick to tie the game at 2-2. Despite last minute heroics by Katie Krems, Casey Sanders, Kira Crehan and Theodora P, who all charged the goal relentlessly with killer passes and shots on goal, we could not put away the game winner. The defense of Sophia Leeds, Bethany Ambrosio, Stephanie Karczewski and Olivia Baez was very solid and did a good job of clearing the ball. Midfield was held down by Mackenzie Griffin who did a super job of making outlet passes to support the forwards, and then dashing back on D to break up the Massapequa attack. In goal in the first half was Edna Dudek who made several sparkling saves and nice outlet passes. Olivia Lugo plated goal in the second half, really commanded the field well, and only let in a high one over her head that she had no chance on. All in all, a very spirited effort on an unfamiliar pitch under wet/rainy conditions. Great game and a great season by all!!

Intramural - Boys

International Division

BU8

Big Thunder vs. Yankees Championship Game

On a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, the boys of Big Thunder squared off versus the very talented and gritty Yankees to battle for the U8 Boys Championship. The Yankees jumped off to a quick 1-0 lead but the resilient boys of Big Thunder, came roaring right back with three unanswered goals to end the first half ahead 3-1. Andrew Higgins had the first goal to tie things up on a beautiful lead pass from Sujith David. Shortly thereafter, it was followed up by an unstoppable blast off the foot of Thomas Mangin from just inside the penalty box after Victor Jeronimo and Matthew Alvarado got the ball up to the offensive zone with some nifty footwork. Andrew Higgins then struck again, finishing up a nice attack that included great hustle and passing from Chris Bruccoleri, Dennis Stylianou, and Minato Fukuda-Pomarico. As usual, Jack Lynch was stalwart in goal in the first half, turning away every scoring chance after that first goal. Keeping the Yankees from scoring was a team effort led by the ever-dependable defense of David Sujith, Victor Jeronimo, and AJ DeVito. We knew that the game was far from over though and sure enough, the never-say-die Yankees scored early in the second half to make it 3-2. The game turned into a nail-biter with Chris Bruccoleri helping Big Thunder maintain the lead in goal until late in the second half. That is when Thomas Mangin got the ball out of the right corner after a lead pass from Jack Lynch, with some very impressive foot skills and crossed it across the box where AJ DeVito was perfectly positioned on the far post to slam the ball into the back of the net to assure the team of a well-deserved championship. We would like to congratulate the Yankees on a very successful season and appreciate their good sportsmanship. As far as Big Thunder is concerned, you boys made your coaches and families very proud. Your hustle, determination and hard work throughout the season were something to behold. The fact that you continued to improve in each of the last five games to where you were playing almost flawless, TEAM soccer and enjoying yourselves so much is what makes coaching worthwhile. Thank you and thank you all supportive family members for a great season.

Boys Travel

BU-10

NHP Stryker Kats 4 vs. Floral Park Thunderbirds 0

The NHP Stryker Kats finish season undefeated! At the last game of the season, the Stryker Kats knowing they were tied for first place, faced off against the Floral Park Thunderbirds. They took the field and never looked back. Goaltending was superb as Richard (Gregory) Donovan and Liam Blicher split the duties to accomplish a complete shutout. The defense was just a superb, keeping everything to the outside. With great plays by Zachary Fazekas, Francesco Maropakis, Jordan Zivan, Daniel Lee, and Justin Carnero, the shots on goal were few and far in between. There were minimal good scoring opportunities. The first goal of the game was scored by Jason Priest who received a beautiful pass from Daniel Lee to go up 1-0 early. The second goal was set up nicely by Richard Marchelos who took the ball down the sideline and hit Gabriel Moreno who was in perfect position to receive the pass and buried it in the back of the net. Giving Jordan a rest in the midfield, Jason Priest took over the duties and played a terrific pass up the middle to Liam Blicher. Liam turned on the ball went down the center and struck again, making the score 3-0. After very tough plays by Luke Laurino and Mark Niewierowski on the sidelines, a ball was played up to Richard Marchelos who took the ball all the way by himself and put in the final goal to end the game 4-0. Congratulations go out to all the Stryker Kats for their hard work, finishing the season with 7 wins and 2 ties. Your effort and teamwork really showed and paid off for your first season playing together as a travel team. A special thanks also goes out to coach John Fazekas and assistant coach/conditioning coach Tom Corey for all the work they put in with the boys during the season. A job well done!

BU-11

NHP Tigers 3 vs. Bethpage Blazers 2

They were wet, they were dirty, and they played great!! In their final game of the fall season, the New Hyde Park Tigers met up with the first place Bethpage team. The first half saw a lot of offensive attacks, including our first goal from forward John Hannah who put one into an empty net. Jacob Leeds at left mid, made some nice passes, feeding the offense and giving them several scoring chances. Nick Nikas patrolled the midfield and helped turn the play around in our favor. Husain Poonwala did a great job cutting in on the ball and using his footwork to free up the play and take the ball forward. Joe Pugliese and Michael Carrotta at midfield, played aggressively and broke up several Bethpage plays. Jeremy El Kashash at left forward was fantastic, powering through the D and pressuring the goalie with two shots on goal which narrowly missed. The second half was much more back and forth. Goalie Alex Ptacek made the save of the game (he had eleven in all) jumping and deflecting a Bethpage penalty kick. Bethpage was able to sneak one by soon after, only to be answered by a goal on a breakaway from Michael Orlik to put us up again. Bethpage was able to get one by again and the game was tied. Defender Marko Kurek made an amazing save, coming from the left side of the field to the right just in time to block a shot by the opponent, preserving the tie. Defenders Kevin Keenan and Peter Restivo denied any other scoring chances from the Blazers. The goal of the game was sprung on by the play of left midfielder Tristan Robinson, who blasted through the defense to get close enough and make a nice cross pass to John Hannah who promptly placed it in the goal. That is how it ended, 3-2 in favor of the Tigers in a true team effort. What a game! We missed Ryan O'Donnell today. The boys ended up going 5-3-1 for the season. The parents and coaches could not be more proud. Go Tigers!