The Albertson Soccer Club Atomics (Boys U-11 Travel) maintained their winning ways with a 3-1 victory against the Oceanside Fireballs in a hotly contested road game on September 21. The Boys improved their record to 6-0-1 (2-0-0 in league play) on the young season in LIJSL Division N5.

The game was played in muggy conditions under a bright red sky as the first half mimicked the challenge. A scoreless half hour was dominated by tremendous defense by the combination of Michael Merlo, TJ Winters and Billy Schlesinger. The team got off to a slow start but built to a crescendo behind the play of Andrew Ines, Alex Werman and Spencer Schwartz. The units covered for one another on numerous occasions frustrating the Fireballs who were unable to penetrate the Atomic net. Goalkeeper Ben Newman was unstoppable with five saves in each half and booming boots for defensive clears.

The match was decided early in the second half. Over a three minute span, the Atomics produced a trio of goals stunning Oceanside. The first two shots came courtesy of perfectly placed corner kicks by Nick Franzini who provided Lucas Unger with ambidextrous conversions. The second goal was a solid rebound off a Werman bullet. Joey Mazzola completed the Albertson offense when he rocked a twenty footer from the left side of the goal box off a picture perfect midfield pass from Evan Greenberg. Greenberg had the golden touch on the day just missing countless other assists.

The midfield was patrolled and controlled by Ben Carus and Michael Corrado. Both players sacrificed their offensive prowess to concentrate on securing the victory at critical points throughout the contest. Matt Goldberg kept up the pressure on the opposing netminder by peppering six shots to generate endless opportunities for his teammates. The Atomics coaches, Barry Carus and Jason Schwartz, were impressed not only with the level of play but the desire and intensity that this team exhibits each time it takes to the grass. The Atomics have acquired a never give up attitude which tires opponents late into the game. To date, only five goals have been scored against the Atomics (an average of less than one per game!) even stopping an Oceanside penalty kick with three minutes remaining that could have been the tide turner.

The road warriors visit the Garden City Lions on October 5 at 11:40 a.m. before beginning State Cup competition the following day at home against the Amityville Warriors. The team journeys within the North Shore corridor for the third annual North Hempstead Cup on Columbus Day weekend before returning to league play on October 19 at Soccer Park against the Farmingdale Wolves. Away games continue the following two Saturdays versus the Hicksville Sonics and the Massapequa Eagles.