The Mineola Red Heat boys' under-13 soccer team won only one of its first four games in the Long Island Junior Soccer League but went 3-1-1 in the Brentwood Columbus Day Tournament and brought home third-place trophies.

After scoring one goal in its first three games in the tournament, the Red Heat got untracked on Oct. 12 by beating Bay Shore 3-0 and Smithtown 2-1. Against Bay Shore, Sean Callahan scored on a high floater from right wing seven minutes into the game and Chris Oliveres drilled in two goals before the half ended. Goalie Brendan Canavan was brilliant, making several clutch saves to record his third shutout of the event.

Callahan also got the first goal against Smithtown 10 minutes into the game off Mike Skaliotis' feed. Skaliotis converted Callahan's pass midway through the second half to make it 2-0. Smithtown scored with six minutes left but the Red Heat defense preserved the victory, helped by Vito Errico, Peter Smith, Dan Medlock and Ramon Valente.

The Red Heat began the tournament on Oct. 10 with a 1-0 victory over South Merrick - which finished 4-1 and took first place. Matt Shanahan got the only goal, converting Callahan's pass with three minutes to play. At the time, Coach Vito Errico was trying to get Shanahan to drop back on defense to help preserve the tie. Shanahan did not hear him.

The Red Heat lost its second game that day to Auburndale 2-0 on two penalty kicks. Callahan hit the far post on a shot from deep on right wing with a minute to go in the half and Shanahan failed to convert a penalty kick six minutes into the second half. Auburndale finished 4-1 and took second place.

On Oct. 11, the Red Heat played a scoreless tie against Huntington.

The Red Heat got strong play in the midfield from Luis Rosa, Bobby Citro, Ben Molina and Michael Bencivenga. Others team members were midfielder Kevin Franciotti and defenders John Reedy, Luis Bautista and Julio Gauto.

Due to construction at the Mineola Athletic Association's Willis Avenue baseball complex, registration for the 1999 baseball and soccer programs will be held at the Community Center on Washington Avenue on Nov. 7 and 14 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. and Nov. 19 also will be held at the Community Center at 7:30 p.m.

Many thanks to the more than 20 families who provided photos of their sons and daughters for the video presentation at the MAA graduation dinner, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Jericho Turnpike at 6:45 p.m. Twelve and 13-year-old boys and girls are honored annually at this time for their participation in the program. Latecomers may provide checks ($18 per adult) to Marie Sallie at 91 Woodnut Place.

A new executive board will be sworn in at the dinner and three awards will be given: the mayor's trophy for service this year to the MAA; the Joe Bruno Award for lifetime service to the baseball program; and the Sandy Byrne Award for lifetime service to the soccer program. A guest speaker is being lined up for the event.

The MAA Christmas dinner dance will be held at the Community Center on Dec. 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The ticket price of $75 a couple covers the cost of a DJ, an open bar and a buffet dinner. A mailing will go out shortly about the dinner telling all MAA families how to pay for tickets.