The Mineola High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team got its season off to a much better start than expected. The team had only four returning players from last year's squad. But, as Coach Paul Pereira said, "Sometimes youth has its advantages." The Mustangs opened the season by winning its own tournament, the 6th Annual Mustang Cup. Mineola opened with a 6-1 victory over West Hempstead in the first round. After trailing 1-0, the Mustangs scored 5 goals in a ten-minute span. Senior Michael Skaliotis opened the scoring with his first varsity goal, off an assist from sophomore Gustavo Dias, who would add to goals of his own. The scoring was capped off by two goals from junior Oswaldo Hernandez and a goal from sophomore Michael Marques. In the cup finale on Saturday, Sept. 11, the Mustangs got off to a quick start with 2 goals in the first 5 minutes from Gustavo Dias. Sophomore goaltender Claudio De Matos also made an outstanding save on a penalty kick late in the first half. Days later added his third goal of the game on a picture-perfect bicycle kick from 18 yards out. Dias was named the tournament's most valuable player. Michael Marques closed out the scoring with his second goal of the tournament, on the way to a 4-1 championship victory over Floral Park. Coach Pereira says, "The entire team deserved kudos for an outstanding job." Those Mustangs selected to the All-Tournament team are Oswaldo Hernandez, Victor Prado, Michael Marques, Michael Skaliotis, Claudio De Matos and Gustavo Dias.

The Mineola boys improved their record to 3 wins and no losses with a convincing 3-0 win over Carle Place. The shutout was sophomore Claudio De Matos' first of his career. Senior Michael Skaliotis opened the scoring 6 minutes into the game on an assist from junior Oswaldo Hernandez, who later added a goal of his own before sophomore Gustavo Dias scored his 6th goal of the season. The Dias goal came on a diving header from 10 yards out and off a cross from sophomore Bruno Rodrigues. The Mustangs were to open their league season Sept. 21 at Lynbrook. Those interested in scores, schedules, directions to schools and other information, can visit the official website of the Nassau County Soccer Coaches Association at www.lisoccer.org.

The Mineola Girls Varsity Soccer team is under the veteran guidance of Head Coach Christine Gayson, and her expectations for the season include winning the Conference and going to the playoffs. In discussing the team's prospects for the 2004 season, Coach Gayson profiled her returning players:

Jess Antonison - competitive edge and toughness

Kristin Bubelis - speed, skills, crossing and scoring abilities

Mallory Calonita - drive to succeed, effort, heart

Alyssa Glenn - speed, strength, field sense and competitive edge

Allie Kain - speed, skills, passing sense and goal scoring

Christine Medlock - speed, field vision, scoring capabilities

Jess Napolitano - defense skills, field vision

Nicole Peralta - great crosses, field vision ability to create scoring opportunities

Jenn Port - defensive capabilities

Liz Sanderleaf - captain, leadership, returning All-Conference player, hard-working, smart, great skills, tough both mentally and physically, field sense and competitive edge

Katie Steen - speed, toughness, will to win, drive to score, cross-sign capabilities

Coach Gayson also mentioned some of her "hot" newcomers:

Gigi Alas - goalkeeper

Katie Carter - midfielder, great crosses, competitive edge and scoring abilities

Marisa Jetter - midfielder, crosses, field sense, tough

Lauren Massa - defense, all-around go to player.

Coach Gayson or "Weids," as she's been known for years, says it's hard to tell which teams will be Mineola's toughest opponent. The Lady Mustangs are in a different conference this season, but, the coach says, "I think Glen Cove, Roslyn and Freeport will all give us a run for our money. They seem to be the most competitive in the conference so far."

The girls opened their season with a pair of wins. Mineola defeated Glen Cove 3-2 and followed that with a 5-0 victory over Westbury. In the win over Glen Cove, Allie Kain scored on an assist from Lauren Massa, while Liz Sanderleaf scored unassisted and Christine Medlock scored off a Katie Steen corner kick, which was redirected by Kristen Bubelis. In the win over Westbury, Gigi Alas scored twice. Nicole Peralta notched a goal on a penalty kick. Katie Carter also scored off an assist from Mallory Calonitia, while Christine Medlock chalked one up unassisted.

Mineola High School Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Coach, Kim Stopanio, wants her team to achieve at least as much as it did a year ago, while also improving its ball control during the games. In profiling her squad, Coach Stopano had this to say about her returning players.

Amanda Breen - great offensive player, could play well anywhere on the field

Jill Caputo - great sweeper, excellent control, also has excellent defensive skills

Nicole DeStafano - midfield experience, positive attitude, helps team keep possession of the ball

Maggy Garcia - experience at left wing, keeps our offense moving forward

Amanda Klein - midfield experience helps team control ball

Kristin Mobyed - speed and endurance, helps keep on attack

Lauren Mobyed - endurance and stamina, never lets up, midfielder controls many players on the field

Theresa Rauert - returning this season from injury last season, very aggressive and determined offensive player

Kim Stillwell - aggressive stopper, keeps attacking players away from out end of the field

Ashley Volino - returning defender, speed keeps players away from our goal

Diana Castellana - returning defensive player, aggressive and vocal player

Coach Stopanio also mentioned some of her "hot" newcomers, who she feels will contribute to this year's efforts - Victoria Dos Santos, Elizabeth Furuya, Stephanie Klein, Maria Massa, Alyssa Napolitano, Kerri O'Connell, Christina Peralta and Erika Privat.