The Mineola High School varsity soccer team clinched first place in their own invitational tournament, "The Mustang Cup," by defeating a tough opponent, Oyster Bay.

The victory was a bittersweet one, however, because the Mustangs lost their senior captain and stopper for the season. Billy Liakonis, who will be difficult to replace, was hit with a vicious elbow while going up for a head ball. He lost some teeth and required oral surgery. The Mustangs dedicated their trophy to Billy, the heart and soul of the team.

The two-day inaugural Mustang Cup pitted Mineola (2-1 league; 4-1 overall) versus Holy Trinity, and Plainedge versus Oyster Bay in the first round. Mineola faced a determined Holy Trinity, which wanted to have a strong showing against its public school opponents. The game was fast-paced and a physical test for both teams.

Mustang captain and tournament MVP, senior David Jose, made Holy Trinity pay for its mistakes. He scored two direct free kicks from outside the penalty area. He bent both balls around the Trinity wall and beat the keeper in the top corner of the goal.

Liakonis netted his first varsity goal by finishing a cross from senior John Randazzo to lead Mineola to a 3-1 victory.

In the finals, Mineola jumped out to an early 3-0 first-half lead before Oyster Bay brought it to within two at halftime. Junior Jason Carlos opened the scoring when he converted a cross from junior Justin Clingo.

Junior Jonathan Debrich netted his first career varsity goal when he converted a penalty kick after junior Drew Warhter had been taken down in the penalty box.

The third and final Mineola goal was scored by senior midfielder Danny Correia off a scramble in front of the net. Oyster Bay would score once in the second half to bring the game within one, but the Mustangs defense preserved the victory and the first place trophy.

Members of the "All Tournament Team": Liakonis, Debrich, senior goalkeeper Gerard Strein, Jose.