Playing with determination and confidence, the Manhasset Arsenal - undaunted by the heat and humidity - marched undefeated through the 28th annual Massapequa Soccer Tournament at Cedar Creek Park and captured the coveted championship.

"It was a remarkable two-day performance by a group of boys who never let up," said Joe Gavin, coach of the Arsenal. With borrowed players and a revised game plan that emphasized defense, the Arsenal advanced to its final game on Father's Day after defeating Albertson, 2-1 and East Islip, 2-0 - while tying hometown favorite Massapequa, 0-0 - during last Saturday's muggy opening day of competition.

Sunday's play was climaxed by the Arsenal's crown-clinching triumph over Valley Stream, 3-0.

In the opening game against Albertson the Arsenal leaped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Drew Belinsky, called upon to replace Sean Connors who was unable to play due to a family commitment. In addition to Drew's deft offensive performance, Bradford Greaves, Chris Haldeman and Richard Sandoval "turned on the heat defensively," to thwart Albertson's valiant comeback effort in the second half.

Propelled by its initial victory, the Arsenal took on a respected and tough opponent in East Islip which boasted the best goalie in the tourney. "He (the goalie) was extremely aggressive and smothered every one of our scoring attempts," said Robin Greaves, assistant coach of the Arsenal. Eventually, Arsenal center halfback Drew Belinsky, who more than rose to the occasion as a fill-in for Connors, scored the first goal. Willie Sandoval, on a breakaway run, wrapped up the win by outsmarting the Islip goalie as he launched a chip shot over the charging net minder.

Aware that a shutout earns a bonus point, the Arsenal defense turned in an outstanding performance led by goalie, Max Egan, fullbacks Bradford Greaves, Chris Haldeman and Michael Heenan and gritty midfielders Drew Belinsky, Richard Sandoval and Jonathan Thomas. Egan, who is not an Arsenal regular but was called to duty at the last minute, played superbly allowing the only goal in four games. The offensive attack led by Strikers Thomas Gavin, Marco Madia, Willie Sandoval and Harrison DiGia, who was recruited for this tournament, kept constant pressure on the East Islip team all game.

In what was the critical showdown battle of the hot and humid day, the Arsenal faced a favored and undefeated Massapequa team known for its winning tradition and fierce style of play. The anticipation, according to coach Gavin, "was electric" and required "the exertion of every ounce of energy from both sides."

The Arsenal, ready to tackle the "toughest opponent it has ever played," according to the coach, needed to play "a technically flawless game." It did! The underdogs, holding Massapequa to only one shot on goal during the entire game, put on an awesome defensive display as they held their own against the favored hosts. Bradford Greaves once again rose to the occasion and took charge of the game from the defensive end. Manhasset came close to winning the game on a blast by Harrison DiGia that missed the lower right corner by inches. The Arsenal preserved its championship bid with the scoreless tie as both teams went into Sunday's round with identical 2-0-1 records.

Luck sided with the Arsenal in the opening match on Sunday as Massapequa played a tough Albertson team to a 1-1 tie. The boys from Manhasset knew all they had to do was carve out a win over Valley Stream to claim the championship. Richard Sandoval drew blood first, turning a defensive steal into a score in the opening minutes of the game. He scored again, this time on a quick offensive maneuver in which he out-stepped his defender. Sean Connors, who scored the Arsenal's third goal, returned to action and turned in another one of his stalwart performances. The defense picked up where it had left off the previous day completely shutting down Valley Stream's attack. Suiting up for the first time in an Arsenal uniform was Harry Kucharczyk whose effort contributed to the team's victory.

The Massapequa championship came on the heels of the Arsenal's Sachem Tournament title the previous week. During that competition, the Arsenal dominated their opponents scoring 39 goals and allowed only four. Coach Greaves acknowledged that the competition "wasn't as stiff" as the Massapequa tourney. The Sachem tournament produced some gratifying results, such as the morale boosting achievement of each player scoring. The deluge of goals was led by Michael Heenan who bagged eight on the day.

The Arsenal reached a remarkable milestone upon winning the Massapequa tournament, as the team remained undefeated after three seasons during which they compiled a 31-0-4 recorded including tournament play. It is an accomplishment "which the community can proudly reflect on," said Coach Gavin. In addition to its roster of regular players, whose commitment and determination led to three years of success, the Arsenal was also aided by last minute recruits and players on loan from other teams "whose contributions were significant."