BAM! The ball is launched into the air. It sails down from the sky and lands with a perfect thump on top of the green grass. A foward takes the shot. The ball streaks across the field. It clears the defense and flies toward the goal. The goalie leaps with outstretched arms and by the tips of his fingers, makes the save! Welcome to the exciting game of soccer.
The boys’ junior varsity soccer team started out their season by practicing five days a week during the summer. These intense practices included running for miles.
“There were a lot of days that we would have to run around the track in 90 degree weather,” freshman midfielder Thomas Cassano said. “But we did it, because we really wanted to be the best team out there.”
With a 6-1-1 record, it was clear that the team’s hard work had paid off.
“Our biggest rival this season was Farrell,” mid-fielder James Molinell said, “and we beat them two out of three times.”
The boys’ varsity soccer team knew the value of hard work. By the end of the season, the boys were Island Champions.
“Sometimes we ran up to four miles a practice in order to build stamina,” junior defender Richard Cunzo said.
Also this season, freshman John Gioeli stepped up as a goalie for the team.
“It was hard at times being the only freshman on the team,” John said, “but the guys were friendly and made me feel welcome.”
The boys ended with a 7-2-3 record. Although they were eliminated in the playoffs, the players definitely felt a sense of victory.
“We had a great season; I’m really sad to see it come to an end,” senior and captain Mike Stabile said. “Sea soccer has been a huge part of my life throughout school. Those guys are like my brothers.”