For the first time in MAA history, a Boys U-8 soccer team has taken a holiday tournament championship. Coached by Dr. Ann Forte and Mario Kowalczyk, the team completed an undefeated weekend (4-0-1) at the Commack Soccer League Memorial Day event and came home first place winners.

The three day affair began with a 10-0 washout of the Syosset Strikers on Saturday morning. After an early penalty kick miss, Mineola scored four goals in 12 minutes for a halftime advantage. Tyler Kapela, Richie Forte, Dominick Pereira and Gregory Carlin provided the early spark for the locals. The second half was no contest as the Tornadoes dominated the final 15 minutes behind scores by Jonathan Kowalczyk (3), Ryan Winters, Bobby Kelly and a second tally by Kapela. Philip Lima was superb in goal turning away five shots en route to the shutout. .

The second game of the day was a must win contest versus the northern neighbors from Albertson. Stevie Mogavero opened the scoring on an assist from Carlin while Kowalczyk converted a penalty kick for a 2-0 lead. The game was played from a defensive standpoint before Mogavero danced in for his second of the game to provide a cushion. Lima made a critical diving save late in the match to record his second blanking in the nets.

On Sunday, the Tornadoes met the Dix Hills Metrostars in an afternoon set. Carlin notched an early pair and Tommy Breslin scored before halftime for a 3-0 advantage. An own goal by Mineola prevented a scoreless tournament for the opponents but was quickly nullified when Anthony Franzini slammed home a sliding goal. Kelly to Carlin closed out the scoresheet as Winters gave Lima a well deserved rest in goal during the 6-2 victory.

The premier game of the weekend deciding the division had Mineola facing the Albertson Blue in what is becoming a budding tourney rivalry. The pace was set from the opening whistle when Carlin blasted a shot dead on the high hands of the Blue goalkeeper and Kowalczyk tried to chip home the rebound to no avail. Five minutes later, Albertson dribbled through the box for a 0-1 deficit. The Tornadoes fought back before the half on a Mogavero to Carlin one timer to tie. The first minute of the second half saw the Blue slip by once more to turn away the momentum. Mineola refused to back down when a missed penalty shot and a rocket to the goalie's midsection did not penetrate. However, at the fifteen minute mark, the Tornadoes would be rewarded. Forte boomed a ricochet off two posts for the tying goal in what would ultimately select the hardware. The game was sweet revenge for a similar tie last fall that gave the Blue a first place trophy at the expense of the Tornadoes.

The final game on Monday cemented the placement of the gold. The Levittown Arsenal was little challenge for the undaunted Tornadoes. Carlin off a face off with no angle, Kowalczyk on a penalty kick and Carlin again on a breakaway put the game to rest two thirds of the way into the first half. Coaches Forte and Kowalczyk maintained the pressure to insure no lack of complacency. Carlin would score his seventh goal of the weekend on another dash before a five on one in the box broke up the shutout with only seconds left on the clock.

The Tornadoes received their trophies in an awards ceremony under sunny skies. The boys practiced hard and were tremendously conditioned for three months leading up to the tournament. Crisp passing, key defense and outstanding goaltending was the combination for success that the MAA should be proud to demonstrate as this group matures. In a total team effort, each member of the squad scored at least one goal and keeper Philip Lima allowed only two goals in four games. Coaches Forte and Kowalczyk did a tremendous job in selecting such an unselfish contingent and should be complimented on their tireless time and effort towards a positive result. Parents are also commended for their spirited attitude and excellent sportsmanship as the boys were cheered on by family members and friends throughout the weekend.