Normally, a team trailing 2-0 in a shootout with three shooters left would pretty much consider the game over. But for the U-17 Island Trees boys, the situation could not have been more perfect.

The United/Jr. Rowdies had brought the Waldbaum's Cup "Major" Division Final into a shootout after over 100 minutes of very high-level soccer. Syosset, the only undefeated team left in Division 1, was ahead of IT (Division 2) in the shootout by a score of 2-0. After a key save by goalkeeper Micah Gruber, Tim Kissane put the boys on the board. Syosset scored to make it 3-1, putting the boys' backs officially against the wall. However, the best was yet to come. Matt Lucia kept the boys in it by converting his kick. After another clutch Gruber save, it would be captain Sanjay Divakaran who would have the pressure kick. He nailed it and tied the shootout at 3. This brought it into a sudden death format. Syosset shot first, but was introduced one last time to Micah Gruber, who made one last save for the boys. It would then be the quiet man of the team, T.J. Fabis who would have a chance to win the cup. T.J. put his kick toward the upper right corner, past the Syosset keeper, giving the boys an incredible victory out in Stonybrook.

In one of the most exciting games that featured two very highly skilled and classy teams, Island Trees came out victorious, winning the first "Major" Division Waldbaum's Cup in a while for the club. The game was incredible, as the boys took control of the first place powerhouse right from the start. It was pure intensity that gave Island Trees the edge, as they won most of the 50-50 balls and had the better of the opportunities. The defense, led by Kissane at sweeper, captain Peter Cona, Brian Beissel, and Sean Thomson, held the Syosset attack scoreless through 104 minutes (with help from Gruber behind them). On the other side, the offense led by captain Billy Fama, Mikey Topel, Mike Branker, captain Sanjay Divakaran, and Christian Salvage created numerous chances and kept the Syosset defense on their heels for most of the game. The game, however, was decided in the midfield. Bryan Marksteiner, TJ Fabis, Brian Beissel and Brian Spiess controlled the middle, while Sean Walsh, Matt Lucia, and Jessie Weiner dominated the outsides. Syosset, known for their midfield play, seemed to have their attack cut down right from the start, due to the intensity of the Island Trees midfield. The game featured many highlights and opportunities for both teams, but it was Island Trees, before a nice crowd, that took it in the end.

The boy's season was filled with success. Their overall record of 12-2-1 was a tremendous accomplishment. Their run at the Waldbaum's Cup saw this division 2 team defeat four division 1 teams. In league play, the boys finished second with a 7-1-1 record. They scored 35 goals, while allowing only 3 all season long. After capturing the State Cup last season, the boys set their sights on the Waldbaum's Cup and League Title in the beginning of this season. Although they came up just short of the league, this was still truly an unforgettable season that will last forever in the hearts and minds of those involved.