ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY OCTOBER 12, 2001

Sports

The Manhasset Warriors 6th grade LIJ team, led by this week's captains of Billy "the Bear" Coughlin and William "Mac" McIntosh, courageously came back from a 1-0 deficit in the first half to a stunning victory of 3-1.

In a very emotional game, the Bethpage Sharks jumped out in front with a blast in the corner of the net to take a 1-0 lead. The Warriors' defenders led by Ryan Clark (at sweeper), Richard Parsons and Dylan McGoldrick were outstanding in turning back the Sharks. Dylan made many outstanding plays with his feet and several headers during the game. The few times that the Sharks did break through, their efforts were quickly thwarted by Paul Pate and Tristan Miller in net. Paul and Tristan made many saves and did an excellent job at clearing the ball to the outlet halfbacks.

Once the defenders stopped the Sharks, the Warriors midfield players were all over the field. Drew Keneally, Rick DeCicco, Gary Mancini, Stephen Laratro, AJ Diaz and Shea Licata all controlled their field of play with crisp and sharp passing and fancy footwork. These midfield players transitioned the ball to the Warriors forwards of Billy Coughlin, Brad Lightcap and Ryan Conway, all of whom had a breakout game in controlling the ball with several rushes at the Bethpage goal.

This effort was stepped up in the second half by the Warriors who never gave up and came out in the second half with a fiery determination. Chase Cotter executed the play of the game by dribbling past two defenders and then sending a pass on to the foot of Lukas Mosakowski, who one timed it into the back of the net! This play tied the game up 1 to 1.

Further inspired, Conway, Licata, DeCicco, Mancini and McIntosh took their game up to yet another level with great traps and crisp passing. Mancini then passes to Matthew Gallo (a new player to the team) who banged in the go ahead goal!

The Bethpage Sharks attempted to get back into the game, but were expeditiously and repeatedly turned back by Pate, McGoldrick, McIntosh, Clarke and Parsons. The Warriors' defenders proved to be rock solid in their defense, consistently turning the ball back to the midfielders. Keneally, Licata and DeCicco once again changed the point of attack. DeCicco making another assist by threading a beautiful pass to Mosakowski for the final score of the day. This was Mosakowski's second score which turned the lights out for the Bethpage Sharks.

Teamwork and chemistry seemed to flawlessly be coming together for the Warriors and their confidence level has soared. Their hard work and determination at this summer's Globall camp has really paid off!