The Mineola Girls Varsity Soccer team's season ended with a disappointing record of 4 wins and 10 losses. The season that started with so much anticipation has left players and parents alike, shaking their heads in disbelief. With an influx of seasoned JV players moving up to the varsity level, the team appeared to be primed for success. Fast forwards in plentiful numbers, game-controlling midfielders with impressive passing skills, rock solid defense and experienced goaltending set the table for what appeared to be an exciting season.

Before I delve into the recap of the season, its important to note the accomplishments of three players on the team as recognized by the Nassau County High School Soccer Coaches Association. While I have no doubt these players would give up these awards in exchange for turning their record from 4 and 10 into a 10 and 4 season, these players deserve congratulations for the recognition bestowed upon them for their efforts this season. They are: Joanna Canning for All Class, Liz Sanderleaf for All Conference and Ali Carnabuci for Senior Scholar Athlete. Congratulations to these ladies for being recognized for their talent and efforts.

Opening the season at home against Great Neck South (GNS), the Lady Mustangs took a 1-0 lead to the half on a goal by Christine Medlock. Looking to open their lead in the second half, Mineola's offense knocked on the door but could not extend their lead as GNS' defense tightened. With 18 minutes left in the second half, GNS scored on a header to tie the score. With the game ending at a 1-1 tie, the teams headed into overtime. Deadlocked at the end of the first overtime, the teams headed into double overtime where GNS scored with seven minutes left to give GNS the 2-1 win and hand Mineola a tough loss. Goalie Jess Antonison had 16 saves.

Looking to put that tough overtime loss behind them, the Lady Mustangs traveled to face Carey HS. Once again Mineola took a lead in the first half; this time on a goal by Kasey Hughes. While Carey was able to tie the score in the second half at 1-1, Nicole Peralta, off a feed from Michele McGuinness, scored the winning goal with nine minutes left in the second half as Mineola tallied their first win of the season. Goalie Jess Antonison had 9 saves.

With their record at 1-1, the Lady Mustangs next faced the Hicksville HS Comets at home. Moving quickly, Hicksville scored two first period goals. The first, on a shot over the goalie's head, the second off the post, allowed Hicksville to take their 2-0 lead to the half. Looking to get back in the game, Mineola pulled to within 2-1 on a goal by Nicole Peralta. However, Mineola's hopes were short lived as Hicksville stepped up their offensive and defensive effort to consistently keep the ball in Mineola's defensive end of the field. With Mineola effectively shut down in the second half, Hickville never looked back as they defeated Mineola 2-1.

With little time to catch their breath, the Lady Mustangs traveled to face Sewanhaka HS. Once again, Mineola allowed their opponent to move out to a quick lead as Sewanhaka scored two first period goals to carry a 2-0 lead to the half. Only a save by Jess Antonison on a penalty shot kept Mineola with a realistic chance to catch up. Having been on their collective heels all game, Mineola looked to use the second half wind at their backs to their advantage. Early second half goals by Allie Kain and Christine Medlock pulled Mineola even. However, with less than 3 minutes remaining, Sewanhaka scored their third goal to put the game, and Mineola, away 3-2.

Having lost their last two games, the Lady Mustangs looked to get back on the winning track. However, this was not to be as Mineola once again let their opponent move out to a large lead in the first half. Taking advantage of the poor positioning of Mineola's midfielders, Jericho scored three times on long arcing shots over the defense as the first half came to a close. With a change in positioning of Mineola's midfielders to a more defensive mode, the defense tightened to keep Jericho from running up the score. Only a second period goal by Caitlin Hurrera kept Mineola from being shut out as Jericho cruised to a 4-1 win. Compounding the loss was a knee injury suffered by goalie Jess Antonison on a first half save.

Desperately needing a win to keep any playoff hopes alive, the Lady Mustangs faced East Rockaway HS. In an evenly matched first half, the teams traded goals as Christine Medlock scored twice to keep the teams even at 2-2. Mineola opened the scoring in the second half on a goal by Alyssa Glenn on an indirect shot from outside the 18-yard line. Kristin Bubbles scored six minutes later to put Mineola up by two goals as Mineola got back on the winning track as they cruised to a 4-2 win. With Nicole Peralta in goal, her 9 saves kept Mineola in the hunt for a playoff spot.

With their season record at 2 wins and 4 losses, the Lady Mustangs took to the road to face Roslyn HS. Once again Mineola opened the scoring on a goal by Christine Medlock, off a pass from Allie Kain, to carry a 1-0 lead to the half. The second half saw Roslyn unable to contain Kasey Hughes as she scored three goals to keep Mineola comfortably ahead in the second half on their way to a 4-2 win. Kasey scored her goals off a sideline throw in, a rebound off a Katie Steen header shot and a shot past a beaten defender. Nicole Peralta extended her winning streak to 2 games as she had 14 saves in goal.

Sporting their longest winning streak of the season, and their record at 3 wins and 4 losses, Mineola continued on their road trip to Great Neck South HS. Having lost to GNS in double overtime in their season opener, Mineola looked to take one back from GNS and keep their playoff hopes alive. With sophomore Kasey Hughes leading the way against Roslyn, this time it was sophomore Allie Kain's turn. With a goal and two assists on her scorecard, Allie opened Mineola's scoring to pull her team close as GNS held a 2-1 lead into the half. At the 23 minute mark in the second half Mineola tied the score on a goal by Allie Kain off a pass from Joanna Canning. Continuing her scoring touch, Kasey Hughes put Mineola ahead to stay with 3 minutes left in the second half off a pass from Allie Kain as Mineola went ahead to stay 3-2 and secure the win. Nicole Peralta had 12 saves in goal and posted her third straight win.

With their winning streak at three, and their record at 4 wins and 4 losses, the Lady Mustangs came home to face Carey HS. If ever there was a turning point in a season, the second half of this game was that time. Holding a 1-0 lead into the half on a goal by Alyssa Glenn off a 40-yard free kick, Mineola's defense would find itself shell shocked, as Carey would score seven goals in the second half, five of them in a 20 minute span. Only goals by Allie Kain, Alyssa Glenn (off a direct kick from the 18 yard line) and Kasey Hughes in the second half made the score look respectable, but Carey clearly dominated Mineola's defensive zone at they won going away 7-4.

With this devastating loss to Carey, the Lady Mustangs would see their season spiral downward as they would go on to lose their next seven games in a row. Over those seven games they would be shut out four times, score only 5 goals, while allowing 24 goals. Over this span of games this team clearly lost its enthusiasm. What started out so promising from a player and parent perspective took on a silent attitude of "I can't wait until this season is over".

With 11 players in their senior year next season, the time is now, in the off season, for the team to make adjustments in leadership, attitudes, communication and teamwork from every perspective. Failing to take action, failing to correct what ails this team, will be looked upon at a later date as such a waste of talent and unrealized potential.