Concluding a season of over-achievement with characteristic perserverance and determination, Manhasset's tenacious Tomahawks rallied from behind to tie the East Meadow Panthers, 1-1, who were eyeing the Long Island Jr. U-11 Division 3 soccer championship. It was a fitting finish to a season filled with successes that "exceeded our wildest expectations," said head coach Carl Pate, whose 'Hawks compiled a 6-2-1 record including three come-from-behind victories to take third place in the league. The East Meadow Panthers, who went 6-0-3 on the year, finished in second place.

This final game of the season was rescheduled three times due to rainouts, but when the battle took place in early December under sunny skies and the temperature in the high-50s, the setting more than made up for the frustration of waiting so long to play. An enthusiastic crowd of families and fans was on hand to lend energetic support to this season-ending effort. "We are grateful to everyone who has so loyally stayed with us all year long," Coach Pate said.

The Tomahawks and Panthers were doggedly fighting tooth and nail during a first half that saw East Meadow score late on a counter-attack play that managed to crack Manhasset's pressurized defense. Coach Pate credited the Panthers' goalie, "who was extremely effective against our attack."

Regrouping at the intermission when the coaches emotionally infused their team with renewed confidence and inspiration, the never-say-die 'Hawks came out the second half determined to get on the scoreboard. After three minutes of play, Christian Zanetis threaded a perfect feed to Thomas Gavin -- who alertly seeing the Panther goalie coming out from the net - placed a perfectly executed chip shot over the goalie's left shoulder and into the net for the tying goal.

The defense, playing tough and tenacious as it has all season, included Sweeper Will Salter and Fullbacks Roger Coleman, Stefan Pate, Jack Salter, and Jack Vessa. The wing-backs who keyed the transition game with brilliant runs and pinpoint passing, were Brandon Barry, Francesco Borgognone and Kevin Katzman. Successful soccer teams are always strong down the middle where Stopper, Alex Leondis and Center Halfback, Christian Zanetis proved to be a formidable duo. The high-octane attack which not only scored goals but consistently pressured the opposition's defense was led by the trio of Billy Davis, Thomas Gavin and Jake Overlander. Goalies P. J. Barry and Alessandro Troia proved to be the toughest goalie tandem in the league and consistently came up with the big saves all season.

"Our boys never let down all season long," Coach Pate said. "They played beyond what was expected of them and the coaching staff and their families are all proud of the way they conducted themselves. They combined good sportsmanship with a sharp competitive edge and the experience they took from this season will serve them well in the future."