Warriors Leap Over Leopards

The 6th grade boys Long Island Junior soccer team, the Manhasset Warriors (2-1), won a 2 to 0 victory against the New Hyde Park Leopards at Harbor Links. The field was beautiful as the wind howled and the well-behaved parents shivered. The Warriors chose to face the wind in the first half. The Leopards mounted a furious attack spending nearly 30 minutes in Manhasset territory. Every kick our boys made was blown backward, but the team persevered and held the Leopards scoreless. The Warriors were led by the outstanding goal tending of Tristan Miller who made countless saves and the defensive play of the fullbacks and halfbacks Will McIntosh, Shea Licata, Stephen Laratro, Billy Coughlin, Brad Lightcap, Ryan Clarke, A.J. Diaz, Dylan McGoldrick, Matt Gallo, Drew Keneally, Lukas Mosakowski and Richard Parsons. In the second half, the forwards - Gary Mancini, Chase Cotter, Paul Pate, Ricky DeCicco, Ryan Conway - got the ball and wore down the effective Leopard defense. The tie was broken in Manhasset's favor 15 minutes into the second half by a pass from Chase Cotter to Richard Parsons who scored from the top of the goalkeeper box. Minutes later a deft cross from Gary Mancini set up a score by Mat Gallo. None of this would have been possible without the pinpoint throws of goalkeeper Tristan Miller who held the potent New Hyde Park team to a shutout.

Manhasset U Snares North Hempstead Cup

A gutsy, determined Manhasset United Soccer Club played through teeming rain, gale force winds and higher-rated competition to win the under-13 North Hempstead Cup at Mitchel Field last weekend. Man U's renewed commitment to an aggressive defense-first game play yielded only two goals over four matches. Their resulting 70-30 field advantage paved the way for numerous counter rallies and excellent scoring opportunities.

Man U's dominating backline of Richard Alexander, Mike Pelegrinin and Jonah Lovens engineered a crafty offside trap, which stifled Cold Spring Harbor's repeated breakaway attempts. Chris Marangoudakis and Demetri Nestoras played their finest games this year by dominating center midfield and shutting down New Hyde Park's passing lanes. Dean Marangoudakis notched a strong performance in net with solid positional play and a momentum turning save on Lynbrook's second-half penalty shot.

Man U's offensive showcase sparkled as John Mejia, Jay Johnson and Brian Sternemann combined for 16 of the team's 18 tournament goals. Deep corner rushes, strong crosses and flying headers were all in vogue as Garden City watched Man U's wizardry. Mike Rogers, James Anastasio and David Aguilar racked up 12 assists through feisty sideline play and terrific outlet passing.

The North Hempstead Cup marks Man U's second major tournament win this fall, which follows their hard-earned accolades in the Oceanside Labor Day tourney five weeks ago. This victory was especially satisfying since Man U played shorthanded, having lost goalkeeper Chris Iordanou and D-man Nick Tziazas to injury earlier that week.

Major congratulations were extended to Johnny Mejia, who won the F. W. Schoenhut award for Most Valuable Player, and Jonah Lovens and Mike Pelegrinin, who were voted team hardcore co-champions for defensive excellence.

You can follow the exploits of the entire Manhasset Soccer Club by visiting its website at www.ManhassetSoccer.com. And you can E-mail Man U's coaches - Mike Iordanou, Nick Tziazas and Bruce Sternemann - about the club anytime at ManhassetUnited@aol.com.