The PYA-Manhasset PAL Tackle Football League for fourth and fifth grade boys opened its season Sunday at Munsey Park. In the first game the Port Washington PBA Redskins (maroon) defeated the Harvey Lewis Foundation Cowboys (white) 12-0. Dylan McGoldrick was responsible for all of the game's scoring, on runs of 28 and 35 yards. The Redskins' defense was anchored by Noah Todaro, Jim Wenk and Richard Minieri. For the Cowboys, Shea Licata stood out on offense, and Connor English and Timmy Pond kept the game close with their defense.

In the second game the Manhattan community chest Jets (green) defeated the community Synagogue Rams (gold) 20-0. Mark Riley scored two touchdowns for the victorious Jets on runs of 18 and 13 yards. Ricky Buhr added seven points on a touchdown and extra point. Mack Galvin threw a nice spiral into the end zone to Kyle Geiger for a one-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Ricky DeCicco played great defense for the Jets and Ricky Blue recovered a fumble. Great defensive plays were turned in for the Rams by Ryan Castro, Steven DelliBovi, Bryan Kane and Richard Wiles.

The third game saw the Manhasset Sports Shop Giants (blue) top the Port Washington Fire Department Steelers (black) 18-6. Chase Cotter scored three touchdowns for the Giants, all on runs of more than 40 yards each. Jeff Molinari, Nick Marchetti and Kyle Lewis were exceptional on defense for the Giants. For the Steelers, John Frocarro scored a touchdown on a 40-yard run, with excellent blocking by Steve Levy and Patrick Lyons, Carmine DiGrucci recovered a fumble for the Steelers. Jeff Forcaro drew raves from the fans and coaches with his aggressive blocking and tackling.

The referees for the games were John Quirk of Kellenberg High School and Vincent Contino of Chaminade High School. Games are played each Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Munsey Park. Munsey Park is being used on a temporary basis this season while renovations are completed at Port Washington's Lions Field.

Turning in one of the most stunning upsets since the team was formed, the Manhasset Arsenal second grade boys soccer team dramatically captured its first-ever championship in the North Hempstead Cup Tournament which took place over the Columbus Day weekend. Defying overwhelming odds, the underdog Arsenal rose to the occasion against seasoned tournament clubs such as New Hyde Park, Auburndale, Albertson and Oceanside.

Facing a grueling, three-game Saturday schedule that started at 8 a.m., the Arsenal opened tournament play against a favored Albertson squad. The Arsenal, which hadn't lost a game in two seasons, grabbed a short-lived 1-0 lead before twice falling behind, 2-1 at halftime and 3-2 midway through the second half. Undaunted, the Arsenal averted an opening match defeat as William Sandoval and Joseph Mancini scored late goals to propel Manhasset to a hard-fought come-from-behind 4-3 victory.

"The win set the stage for the rest of the day," said Arsenal Head Coach Joe Gavin. "We recovered nicely, regained our composure and boosted our confidence. We were ready to take on Oceanside."

In the day's second outing, the Arsenal stormed to a 3-0 lead over Oceanside and never looked back as Manhasset cruised to its second victory. Marco Madia turned in the highlight of the day when the talented striker blasted a 15-yard goal that proved to be unstoppable by the Oceanside goalie. The offense was led by Marco Madia, John Prufeta, Connor Golden, Thomas Gavin along with Sandoval and Mancini. Other Manhasset standouts contributing to the win were Matt Conway, who turned in an exceptional performance at the goal, along with defensive stalwarts Sean Connors, Michael Heenan, Jonathan Thomas, Kevin Grimm and Bradford Greaves.

"We were riding high after posting our second win," Assistant Coach Robin Greaves said, "but we knew we couldn't relax and let down against a very strong Auburndale team. We were poised and ready to go."

The Arsenal, which plodded through a scoreless first half against Auburndale - its third opponent of the day - was in dire need of a boost after play dragged during the early stages of the second half. Sensing that a change was needed, the Manhasset brain trust substituted John Prufeta for William Sandoval. Prufeta, who has an uncanny knack for scoring goals at crucial times, quickly stole the ball from an Auburndale player, broke through the defense and positioned himself for one of his patented kicks.

The reliable Prufeta booted a perfectly placed game-winning shot in the lower left corner of the goal to give Manhasset a 1-0 victory and its third triumph of the day. Defensively, Matt Conway once again proved what a quality goalie he is by deftly handling several difficult shots.

Conway's keen sense of anticipating where the opposition is going to shoot the ball enables him to make difficult plays look routine. The defense, again playing superbly, was led by Bradford Greaves, Sean Connors, Michael Heenan, Jonathan Thomas and Kevin Grimm.

Completing a three game sweep of Saturday's opening day schedule, the surprising Arsenal held a slim lead over the tournament favorite, New Hyde Park, which posted a 2-0-1 mark. The stage was set for a sizzling Sunday showdown match featuring the Manhasset Arsenal and the New Hyde Park Wildcats. To secure the coveted gold medal, the Arsenal needed only a tie.

"We knew New Hyde Park would be our toughest challenge," said Assistant Coach Frank Mancini. "They are an extremely well trained and seasoned tournament team. The Wildcats are well known throughout the soccer community for their proficiency in winning tournaments. We would have to play our "A" game to beat this team."

In a tension-filled finale, the title game lived up to its billing. Manhasset started strong and grabbed an early lead on a goal by Joseph Mancini. New Hyde Park responded moments later with a goal, and as both teams settled down, the score was knotted 1-1 at the half. A knuckle-biting battle ensued during the second half which brought fans to the edge of their seats. With both teams effectively moving the ball and playing excellent defense, excitement swelled both on the field and in the stands.

Midway through the second half, Arsenal's Sean Connors broke through the defense and was tackled in the penalty area before he could get off a shot. He scored on the ensuing penalty kick as Manhasset took a 2-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the game. The margin evaporated after just five minutes as the determined Wildcats fought back to tie the score at 2-2 with seven minutes left to play. New Hyde Park pulled out all stops during a pressure-packed and riveting stretch run, but a determined Arsenal team was not to be denied. The Manhasset players kept cool as they methodically thwarted the attacking Wildcats to preserve the tie and earn the gold medal.

The Manhasset Arsenal played the entire tournament "with confidence and a winning attitude," said Coach Gavin. "We are proud of our team and hope this gold medal will serve as inspiration to all of our players in the Manhasset Soccer Club."

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