The Mineola Fireballs have just completed a magical season that culminated with their crowning as division champs of the LIJSL BU12 Division 6. It has been a long hard road for this group of amazing youngsters that has been playing together for over two years. This is their fourth consecutive winning season (an overall record of 25W, 8L, 2T), which reflects their hard work, great enthusiasm and endless pursuit of excellence.

On Saturday, June 4, the Fireballs clinched their first division title and their third first place finish in a row, a streak that started during the early part of the year with a second place at King's Park Indoor tournament and a first place at the prestigious Hofstra Indoor Tournament last March. Also, just a week ago, the Fireballs were crowned champions at the Commack Memorial Tournament were they played teams ranked in higher divisions.

This group of young athletes makes us all proud, because of their tenacity and great discipline, practicing year round, rain or shine, two or three times a week.

They are a very eclectic group, comprised of kids of very different backgrounds, united by their love of this wonderful game of soccer. A tenacious defense, with Carlos Montoya and Henry Pazmino sealing the right and left side respectively, Michael Orr as the flame-thrower stopper and anchoring the defense, our exceptional sweeper Matt Feimer. The midfield is a combination of power and skills, with three magicians in DJ Feimer, Fernando Borrego and Eduardo Martinez who provide the spark for the offense to explode. Those three players are surrounded in that midfield by a cast of great players including Warner Rivera, Andre Quinteiro, Tito Pazmino and Diogo Alves.

The offense was provided by the speedy Filipe Lobato, the unstoppable Pedro Vilaca and the powerful Roger Moura, Patrick Clark and Brendan Henry. Geoffrey Shibahara is our ace under the sleeve, playing every position masterfully. Finally our great tandem of goalies, the fearless Steven "Vania" Ferro and courageous Fernando Borrego (he fractured his arm during the Commack Tournament and continued playing). A special mention to Kory Seibt and Stephen Browne, two awesome players from Carle Place, who participated as guest players in Commack.

Of course, all of these would not be possible without the continuous sacrifice and patience of their parents. They have gone beyond their way in keeping this team together. Kudos to assistant coach Oswaldo Pazmino, Elias Rivera and specially our trainers John O'Hagan and Pete Hulse. They have spent endless hours with these boys and you can see the results. Finally, none of these things would have happened without the patience and understanding of Ms. Borrego.

Congratulations Mineola Fireballs!