The Manhasset Tomahawks opened their soccer season with a hard fought 3-2 victory over the Franklin Square Flames last Saturday at Harbor Links Field in Port Washington. The Tomahawks are a U-11 team, playing in the highly competitive Division 3 of Long Island Junior Soccer. The Hawks are coached by Carl Pate and Joe Gavin.

Looking like they were still on summer vacation during a lackluster first half with the score deadlocked at 1-1, the Tomahawks responded to a resounding pep talk by the coaches during the intermission. "Our players came out refreshed, inspired and ready to play head's up soccer," coach Pate said. Thomas Gavin scored the tying goal in the first half on a perfect feed from Christian Zanetis.

Jack Vessa punched through the go-ahead goal (2-1) as the revitalized Hawks took charge of the second half by playing "with intensity, focus and toughness" according to the coach.

With the scored tied at 2-2, Alex Leondis threaded a perfect pass to Billy Davis who tallied the game winning goal. Several plays later, Davis prevented a tie by hustling from the opposite side of the field to thwart a break that turned out to be the defensive play of the game. Jack Vessa and Christian Zanetis dominated the middle-of-the-field and keyed the transition game.

An array of two-way players (strikers/middies), including Brandon Barry, Jake Overlander, Alex Leondis and Kevin Katzmann, turned in excellent performances as they penetrated the Flames' tough defense and consistently pressured the opponent's defense. Goalies P. J. Barry and Alessandro Troia shared time in goal, making dazzling saves much to the delight of the SRO crowd..

The defense, led by Stefan Pate, Jack Salter and Francesco Borgognone, were a force to reckon with as they turned in big defensive stands while continually making critical tackles and clearing the ball from the zone. Roger Coleman and Will Salter were exceptional on cover defense, never missing an assignment while making it look easy.

The Tomahawks play North Shore Revolution next Saturday in Glen Cove at 9:30 a.m.