WEEKLY REVIEW Week 8
BU10/11
CSH Vipers v Man City
The play offs got underway with CSH Vipers taking on Man City in the BU10/11 division and it was City who started the strongest taking a 2-0 lead into half time thanks to two Grant Kurland goals. The Vipers pressed in the second half but Jonathan Morales extended City’s lead leaving the Vipers with an uphill task. Dylan Hayden pulled a goal back for the Vipers but City held on for the 3-1 victory and moved into the final.
Liverpool v Valencia
Thomas Carluccio gave Liverpool an early lead against Valencia in the second semi final. Lennon Harrington added a second before Thomas scored his second of the game to make it 3-0 to Liverpool. Zach Kaufman pulled a goal back for Valencia but Diego Abrego added another for Liverpool after the break and David Delcid made it five soon after. Yovanni Rivera scored for Valencia but it wasn’t enough to stop Liverpool moving into the final for a showdown with Man City, 5-2 the final score.
3rd place game
CSH Vipers v Valencia
A close 3rd place game saw Yovanni Rivera put Valencia ahead in the first half. Valencia had chances to extend their lead but it was the Vipers who scored with Peter Leavy netting the equalizer midway through the second half. The Vipers pressure finally paid off when Andrew Chelius scored the winning goal as the Vipers claimed the 3rd place medals with a 2-1 win.
FINAL
Liverpool v Man City
A tense final provided few chances in the opening stages until City made the breakthrough when Gary Alvarez followed up a shot to tap in the rebound from close range. Liverpool responded and were soon level as Lennon Harrington’s shot found the corner of the net to make it 1-1 at half time. Chances were again hard to come by after the break but it was Liverpool who got the go ahead goal as Lennon Harrington cut the ball back for Davin Li at the back post to score his first goal of the season. Liverpool’s defense held firm and a late goal by Diego Abrego wrapped it up to make the final score 3-1 in their favor.
In the day’s other games Harborfields Spurs had two good victories beating the Crushers 1-0 and the Destroyers 3-1. Brett Sullivan scored the only goal against the Crushers and was on target again against the Destroyers along with Carter Veitch and Travis Slanski.
Noah Iabonni’s two late goals helped the Crushers to a 4-3 win over the Destroyers in an entertaining game. Maricio Carasco and Callan Steel also scored for the Crushers while Zach Loeb, Jesse Giavacco and Owen Lahkani replied for the Destroyers.
Congratulations to Liverpool on their victory, to Lennon Harrington who claimed the ‘Golden Boot’ and to all the teams for another exciting season!
BU13
Chelsea v Huntington United
A hard fought semi final between Chelsea and United produced plenty of action but no goals in a competitive first half. The second saw Chelsea grow in confidence and they broke the deadlock when Liam Harrington drove a low shot from distance into the bottom corner. United attacked looking to get back on level terms but were caught on the break as Dylan Gugin raced through to make it 2-0. Peter Kellarakos added a late third goal for Chelsea to make the final score 3-0.
Ambush v Auburndale Acad. Green
The second semi final was another entertaining game and it was Auburndale who took charge early on taking a two goal first half lead thanks to strikes by Joseph Martinez and Jon Turcios. The Ambush played a stronger second half but couldn’t find a way past the Auburndale defense and Jon Turcios added his second, and Auburndale’s third, to make the final score 3-0 to set up a final match against Chelsea.
3rd place game
Huntington United v Ambush
United never really got going in the first half and found themselves 2-0 down in the opening minutes. Charlie Giramonte and Liam Lennon both found the net to put the Ambush in control and Matt Knierman added a third for the Ambush who claimed third place with a 3-0 victory.
FINAL
Auburndale Acad. Green v Chelsea
Chelsea had to be at their strongest to compete with the talented Auburndale team and they came out fired up in what proved to be an exciting final. Joseph Martinez went close for Auburndale in the first half but it was a game of few opportunities as both defenses held firm. The second half was as equally competitive, Chelsea’s defense continued to close down the impressive Eamonn Jensen and worked hard to neutralize the threat of Golden Boot winner Jon Turcios. Peter Kellorakos and Liam Harrington had shots from distance that were close but they were eventually rewarded after good work by Dylan Gugin on the right wing. His cut back was unfortunately deflected in off an Auburndale defender to give Chelsea a valuable lead. Auburndale piled on the pressure but Chelsea held firm and only an excellent save from Joseph DeVito stopped Chelsea from extending their lead as they broke away late in the game. ‘Keeper Ryan Schiff claimed his second ‘clean sheet’ of the day as Chelsea saw out the final moments to win 1-0.
The other games saw Benfica finish their season with two victories. Nick Constant was on target twice in the 3-0 win over Everton and JJ Desiderio scored four times as they came out on top 6-5 against Spurs. Spurs had led 4-0 in the first half, David Lazaro scoring a hat trick, but the second half was a different story as Benfica completed an impressive comeback. Ryan Keegan finished the season with a hat trick as Everton ended on a winning note beating Spurs 4-0.
Congrats to Chelsea on their victory in the final, to Jon Turcios who’s 22 goals won him the divisions ‘Golden Boot’ and to all the teams for an entertaining season!
BU9
Outlaws v Southdown Flyers
The Outlaws went into their semi final match against the Flyers as favorites but were given a run for their money as the Flyers pushed them all the way in a close game. Max Carino scored for the Outlaws but the Flyers came back and had good chances to level but just couldn’t make their opportunities count. Jack Kamenstein added a second for the Outlaws in the second half and they moved into the final winning 2-0.
Lazio v Milan
A competitive first half ended with Lazio in front 2-1. The second half belonged to Lazio though who dominated the proceedings, Josue Garcia scored six times and Byron Araujo twice as they moved into the final with an impressive 8-2 victory.
3rd place game
Southdown Flyers v Milan
The Flyers finished their season in style with a comfortable win over Milan, Jack Steinberg scored a hat trick as they took third place. Will Donahey was also on target twice and Colby Konisberger once in the 6-0 triumph.
FINAL
Lazio v Outlaws
The Outlaws came out on fire against Lazio in the final of the BU9 division. Josue Garcia scored twice for Lazio who missed many chances throughout the game but they were undone by some clinical finishing by the Outlaws. Michael Brandine scored twice as they recorded an excellent 7-3 victory to take first place. Henry Stein, Jack Kamenstein, Colin Lennon, Frankie Algieri and Max Carino also hit the net for the Outlaws and Lucas Flores scored with the final kick of the game for Lazio.
Congrats to the Outlaws on their first place finish, to Colin Lennon who won the ‘Golden Boot’ and to all the boys for another great season!
GU10/11
CSH Wrecking Balls v Cheetahs
The first semi final in the girls play offs between the Wrecking Balls and the Cheetahs turned out to be a nail biting affair with plenty of drama. The division provided its share of ties and close games throughout the season so it was no surprise that this game eventually had to go to overtime after ending 0-0 in regular time. Lily Bair was the hero for the Cheetahs as she swept the ball in from close range early into extra time to score the ‘Golden Goal’ to take her team into the final at the expense of the Wrecking Balls.
Northport Extreme v CSH Jaguars
Yet another close game in the Girls division was settled as the deadlock was finally broken with only two and a half minutes remaining. It looked like another game was going to be decided by a ‘Golden Goal’ or penalty kicks until Marisa John put Northport ahead. Kaleigh Howard added a second in the final minute to make sure of victory and Northport moved into the final with a 2-0 win.
3rd Place game
CSH Wrecking Balls v CSH Jaguars
The Wrecking Balls recovered from their semi final heartbreak and beat the Jaguars 5-1. Stella Quilty and Jenna Kessler both scored twice and Megan McPharlin once. Marley Joseph replied for the Jaguars. Stella’s two goals took her total to twelve which won her the ‘Golden Boot’
FINAL
Northport Extreme v Cheetahs
Both teams had half chances in a tight first half with neither team able to find the net. Northport’s pressure finally paid off in the second half with top scorer Kaleigh Howard’s strike giving them a 1-0 lead. The Cheetahs were unable to break through Northport’s defense and Emma Greenberg added a late second goal for the Extreme who held on comfortably for the 2-0 victory.
Congratulations to Northport Extreme on their triumph in the final, to Stella Quilty for winning the ‘Golden Boot’ and to all the girls for making it an enjoyable and competitive season!
BU14/15
Uniondale Vikingos v Auburndale Acad. Green
The first semi-final in the BU14/15 play offs saw the favorites, Uniondale Vikingos, take on Auburndale Academy. Kevin Zalaya and Warren Sanger scored early goals for the Vikingos but Auburndale stepped up their game and got back into the match when Jon Turcios struck to make it 2-1. The Vikingos came out strong in the second half and two Raul Sanchez goals gave them a 4-1 lead before Eamonn Jenson pulled another goal back for Auburndale. The Vikingos held on comfortably to move into the final winning 4-2.
Finley v Outlaws Green
Finley started the game with confidence and were soon two goals up thanks to strikes by Alex Martinez and Owen Husselbeck but the Outlaws reduced the arrears before half time as Ian Kaisch’s shot found the net. Things got even better for the Outlaws midway through the second half as Ian Kaisch scored again to tie it up at 2-2. Finley responded almost immediately and regained the lead through Andreas Sefarian. The Outlaws pushed forward in search of another equalizer but despite chances couldn’t finish as Finley claimed the 3-2 victory to book a place in the final against the Vikingos.
FINAL
Uniondale Vikingos v Finley
The game of the day saw the top two compete in what turned out to be an excellent spectacle! Finley were the only team during regular season play to stop the Vikingos when they held them to a 0-0 draw two weeks ago. They obviously gained confidence from that result and again frustrated the Vikingos matching their work rate while limiting their goal scoring opportunities and it was no surprise when the teams went into the half time break all square at 0-0. The second half was more open and both keepers were tested but Ethan Frasicovich in the Finley goal and Josh Ramirez in the Vikingos goal saved everything that came their way and the game went into a five minute ‘Golden Goal’ overtime period. Again, half chances came and went and the defenses held firm to take the game to a penalty shoot out. After the allotted three penalties it was still even at 2-2 so it went to ‘sudden death’. Both teams scored their fourth attempt but Uniondale’s fifth was beaten away by Ethan Fransiscovich in the Finley goal. Ethan then had the chance to finish the game taking the fifth kick himself and duly obliged slotting the ball into the net to secure a victory for Finley. It was heartbreaking for the Vikingos who had dominated the regular season but credit must go to a resilient Finley team for an excellent performance in the final.
The consolation games in the group finished even with Auburndale Academy and the Outlaws White drawing 3-3 then the Outlaws White and Green sharing ten goals in a 5-5 tie. Trevor Hubbard scored four times for White and Anthony Restivo twice for Green.
Congrats to all teams for another entertaining and dramatic season, to Finley for their victory in the final and to Uniondale’s Raul Sanchez who’s 19 goals won him the ‘Golden Boot’
BU17/18
Chaos v One Pound Fish
Chaos finished first in the regular season’s standings but went into their semi-final against a confident One Pound Fish team missing a couple of their starting line up. The ‘Fish’ gladly took advantage and Adam Debus eventually made the breakthrough to spark wild celebration scenes in the One Pound Fish camp. Ethan Kraus added a second before Adam Debus ended the scoring with his second to give the ‘Fish’ a 3-0 victory and a place in the final.
Northport Explosion v Sting
Northport and the Sting battled it out for the second spot in the final. During the regular season both teams looked at times like they were going to be the team to beat but both were also inconsistent. A hard fought first half saw the teams separated by a Johnny Tucker goal for the Sting and despite the Explosion throwing everything they had at the Sting defense in the second half they couldn’t break through and a second goal by Alex Rivera was enough to take the Sting through, 2-0.
FINAL
Sting v One Pound Fish
The One Pound Fish team and their supporters certainly made it a colorful and entertaining season and they were in good voice for a competitive final game. The first half was even with the Sting’s skillful ball movement being matched by the enthusiasm and work rate of the ‘Fish’ team. Chances were at a minimum and it ended 0-0 at the break. A moment of brilliance from Alex Rivera finally provided the breakthrough for the Sting when his unstoppable shot from the half way line flew into the top corner. The Sting grew in confidence and soon after Erin Aydin and Alex Rivera played a give and go with the latter then striking another firm shot into the corner. Fittingly, man of the match Alex, completed his hat trick late on to give Sting the 3-0 victory.
The consolation games in the division were also entertaining with Nick Thompson scoring twice in Chaos’ 4-3 win over H Footy then Will Regensberger netted five times as Northport ended their season in style beating H Footy 7-1.
Congratulations and thanks to all the teams for taking part, it was a fun season and the ability on show was very impressive. Congrats to the Sting on their victory and to Eren Aydin who after four years of being very close finally won the ‘Golden Boot’, great job Eren!
