NASSAU Top 10
1. South Side
2. Massapequa
3. Island Trees
4. Farmingdale
5. East Meadow
6. Garden City
7. Oceanside
8. New Hyde Park
9. Mepham
10. Bethpage
SUFFOLK Top 10
1. St. Anthony’s
2. Ward Melville
3. Sachem East
4. Northport
5. North Babylon
6. Smithtown West
7. Islip
8. East Islip
9. Sayville
10. Mattituck
BY ADAM RONIS
So far, my predictions have been decent in Suffolk Class AA. I did pick Smithtown West to win it all and while it has been eliminated, I did say Northport was my sleeper should it beat Smithtown West. I also picked Sachem East to make the final and it's in the final four.
No. 7 East Islip at No. 6 Northport: I said East Islip would ruin the championship aspirations of a few teams and it did so against North Babylon. East Islip has played extremely well late in the season. Northport has reached at least the semifinals for seven straight seasons. Could this be a magical run? Northport beat Smithtown East 8-7 on penalty kicks in the first round (check previous blog entry for details on that) and beat Smithtown West the next day in double overtime, 5-2. PICK: Northport.
No. 4 Sachem East at No. 1 Ward Melville: Both teams are excellent. The teams have played twice and tied 0-0 and 1-1. By now, the coaches should be well aware of the penalty kick rules should it get to that point. Laura Greene has been on a tear offensively for Sachem East. Ward Melville needs to slow her down. Ward Melville has played excellent defense all season, but has allowed five goals in two postseason games, which is uncharacteristic. This should be an evenly played game. It's a tough call. PICK: Sachem East.
BY ADAM RONIS
An exciting finish to the Smithtown East-Northport girls soccer Suffolk Class AA first-round game on Monday was marred by officials mistakes. Northport won 8-7 on penalty kicks, but it should have never got to that point.
The rule is each team gets five penalty kicks in the first round following two 10-minute overtimes and two sudden death five-minute overtimes. Northport and Smithtown East were tied at 4 after the first round of penalty kicks. After that, it's basically sudden death, but the team's get to match each other. So, in this game Northport shot first and missed. Then, Smithtown East scored to make it 5-4 and the game should have ended right there with Smithtown East as the winner.
But the officials went by the wrong set of rules and allowed the second round to be played like the first and Northport scored on its next four kicks. Smithtown East couldn't score on its last kick and lost, 8-7.
The officials also made two other mistakes. They said only players on the field during the final five-minute overtime were eligible to take the penalty kicks. Any player on the roster can take the kick. The officials also did a coin toss twice, once before the first set of penalty kicks and another, before the second round. Only one coin toss before the first round should have been done.
It's a tough break for Smithtown East. For more on the story and quotes from the parties involved, check out Newsday tomorrow.
BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
The 120-minute, four overtime games and shootout finishes we've seen during the playoffs has me rethinking my stance on overtimes during the regular season. My initial reaction was, "They are kids. They can run around for hours. So why not play overtime?"
Now, I'll change my tune.
If you are one of a good number of teams which had five or six ties this season, the effects of overtime could be pretty grueling. The teams could be playing over 150 minutes of extra soccer, close to two extra games if no one scores. You still may not think that is a lot, but over the course of a compact season it can be considerable.
It was odd taking highlights of shootout finishes on Sunday. Some may say it can be a disheartening way to end a team's season, but until last time, Italy has had its World Cup hopes dashed numerous times in a shootout.
It also begs the question of how much do you practice penalty kicks with your players and your goalie? During the season your team may only take a few or have to defend a few, but your season may very well come down to making them or a diving save on one. Hopefully we will have some great finishes as the playoffs get into the deeper rounds.
The title of this post was inspired by Jerry Seinfeld, who I watched on David Letterman last night.
BY ADAM RONIS
Due to the terrible weather on Saturday, three Suffolk Class AA first-round girls soccer games were postponed and moved to today. It's extremely unfair for the winners of these games (Northport, Sachem East, and Connetquot). Now, each team has to play tomorrow on consecutive days, while the opponent hasn't played since Saturday and likely attended today's game to scout.
Northport actually played the first half on Saturday against Smithtown East. The game was resumed today with 31:30 left in the second half. The game went to two 10-minute overtimes before No. 6 Northport won, 8-7, in penalty kicks. After a tough, long game, Northport plays at No. 3 Smithtown West, which hasn't played since Saturday. This should be a very good game, and now Smithtown West gets a big advantage. Northport's streak of reaching the semifinals for seven straight years is in jeopardy.
Another interesting question arose from the game as well. Should playoff games be decided on penalty kicks? Take the NHL as an example. The league has a shootout during the regular season, but not in the playoffs. I think that's the better way to go. What do you think?
Boys soccer is featured today on Newsday.com.
Jeff Gold writes about Brentwood being the team to beat - again - in the Suffolk Class AA tournament. Click here to read that story.
In the Nassau Insider, Joseph Staszewski looks ahead to the Class A quarterfinals. Click here to read that story.
Also, you can read about players of the week, games to watch, and additional notes.
NASSAU Top 10
1. Port Washington
2. Jericho
3. Massapequa
4. Chaminade
5. Hicksville
6. Mineola
7. Oceanside
8. South Side
9. Cold Spring Harbor
10. Great Neck North
SUFFOLK TOP 10
1. Brentwood
2. West Islip
3. Sayville
4. St. John the Baptist
5. Half Hollow Hills West
6. Bay Shore
7. St. Anthony's
8. West Babylon
9. Longwood
10. Smithtown West
BY ADAM RONIS
Finally, the Suffolk predictions are here!!!! There's been an outcry for my thoughts and I'll never let you down. I needed some more time to formulate my thoughts on this county. This is going to be a very exciting postseason in each class. Don't bet your savings on my picks, because I think these games are real difficult to pick and I could see several teams winning it. Now, for the envelopes please.
Class AA
My pick: Smithtown West. If you've followed me all season, and if you haven't, welcome just in time, this is a tough bracket. I'm going with No. 3 Smithtown West. The team has reached the finals three straight years and I think this is the year for a title. The key game for them could be the second round game against Northport. That's a very arduous matchup for a quarterfinal game. I see Smithtown West beating Sachem East in the championship game.
Sleeper: No. 6 Northport. I wanted to pick this team to go far, but the potential quarterfinal matchup with Smithtown West stoppped me. Northport has reached at least the semifinals for six straight seasons. If Northport beats Smithtown West, it could win it all.
Other thoughts: All the Ward Melville fans will bash me for not mentioning it. But, read my preview prior to the season. I picked WM as a sleeper and it's a number one seed (high five!). The defense is very good, but the way Suffolk has gone this season, I don't see the seeds playing out. Again, I see six teams that could win it all...North Babylon has been good all season, but it got a tough bracket...It seems people forgot about Sachem East after it lost some key players from last season's championship team. SE is playing very well and has enough players that were part of a team that won 20 consecutive games last year. This team is dangerous...Another team that played real well down the stretch is East Islip, which could spoil a few team's championship aspirations.
Class A
My pick: Islip. There's no way I would have picked them halfway through the season. Islip, the two-time defending champs, was decimated by graduation and started 0-5. Since then, 9-1-1. I give them a slight edge over Shoreham-Wading River because Islip played in a more competitive league.
Sleeper: No. 4 Eastport-South Manor. A potential semifinal matchup with Islip won't intimidate this group. ESM has defeated and tied Islip this season. ESM doesn't have a gaudy record, but has been hampered by injuries.
Class B
My pick: Bayport-Blue Point. BBP moved down to Class B after playing in Class A last season when it lost in the quarterfinals. Almost the entire team is back and a championship is on the way.
Sleeper: Southold/Greenport. A surprising season for this team, which lost a lot from last season.
Class C
My pick: Stony Brook. It's a flip of a coin here since Stony Brook and Mercy are the only two teams. The teams tied twice in the regular season.
Picks
Class AA: Smithtown West over Sachem East
Class A: Islip over Shoreham-Wading River
Class B: Bayport-Blue Point over Mattituck
Class C: Stony Brook over Mercy
BY ADAM RONIS
As usual, there's not too much drama when it comes to Nassau. The two powerhouse teams reside in the county. Massapequa has won four consecutive Class AA titles and South Side has won 10 straight Class A titles.
Class AA
My pick: Massapequa. If there's any year the Chiefs will fall, this could be it. They have a couple of losses and a tie the past few weeks, but this team comes to play when everything is on the line. They have the talent and experience and should win again. Last season, they got off to a terrible start and finished with a flurry to win.
Sleeper: Farmingdale. Yes, I know its the two seed, but I only have eight teams to select from. Farmingdale beat Massapequa and East Meadow the last two weeks. Beating Massapequa has to give this team immense confidence, should the teams meet in the final.
Other thoughts: Oceanside surprised by making a run to the championship last season and could do it again. It has played much better down the stretch, including a win over Farmingdale...Mepham has had a great season, but has to face Massapequa in the quarterfinals. Tough draw.
Class A
My pick: South Side. Thought I would take a gamble and pick someone else? Can't do it. This year's team could be better than last year's. South Side (15-0) has won 21 consecutive playoff games, including shutouts in all seven games last season. The Cyclones have won three straight state titles. Four is in the cards.
Sleeper: Island Trees. The last time Island Trees faced South Side the Bulldogs lost 2-1 after losing 4-0 the first game. Island Trees is hampered by injuries right now and will need to be completely healthy and on top of its game to have a shot at beating South Side.
Other thoughts: Plainedge-New Hyde Park should be a good quarterfinal game. New Hyde Park has come on real strong in the second half of the season.
Class B
My pick: Wheatley. Don't let the 5-9 record fool you. Wheatley played in Conference A-I against teams like South Side, Island Trees, Garden City and Plainedge. The playoffs will be easier after facing much better teams in the regular season and Wheatley needs just two wins to capture the championship.
Here are the seeds, first-round matchups, and some other scheduling information on the Nassau Boys Soccer Playoffs.
Class AA Seeds
1. Brentwood
2. West Islip
3. Bay Shore
4. Hills West
5. Centereach
6. West Babylon
7. Longwood
8. Smithtown West
9. Sachem East
10. Newfield
11. Ward Melville
12. Whitman
13. Northport
14. Hauppauge
15. Sachem North
16. Patchogue-Medford
17. Commack
18. Hills East
Class AA Outbracket Games (Both are Sat., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.)
Hills East at Sachem North
Commack at Pat Med
Class AA First-Round Games (All games are Tues., Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.)
Commack./Pat-Med at Brentwood
Hills East/Sachem North at West Islip
Sachem East at Smithtown West
Whitman at Centereach
Northport at Hills West
Hauppauge at Bay Shore
Ward Melville at West Babylon
Newfield at Longwood
Quarterfinals are Fri., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at better seed.
Semifinals are Mon., Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at better seed.
Championship is Thurs., Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Diamond in the Pines
Class A Seeds
1. Sayville
2. Glenn
3. Mt. Sinai
4. Comsewogue
5. Huntington
6. Shoreham-Wading River
7. Miller Place
First-round matchups (All games are Thurs., Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.):
Sayville has first-round bye
Miller Place at Glenn
Shoreham-Wading River at Mt. Sinai
Huntington at Comsewogue
Semifinals are Mon, Nov. 5 at better seed.
Championship is Thurs, Nov. 8 at 4: p.m. at Diamond in the Pines
Class B Seeds
1. Mattituck
2. Center Moriches
3. Bayport-Blue Point
First-round matchups:
Mattituck has a bye into the championship.
Bayport-Blue Point at Center Moriches at 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 3
The winner plays Mattituck in the championship at 6 p.m. Tues., Nov. 6. at Diamond in the Pines
Class C Seeds
1. Southold
2. Port Jefferson
Championship game: Port Jefferson vs. Southold, at 4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 3 at Diamond in the Pines
Class D Seeds
1. Greenport
2. Smithtown Christian
Championship game: Smithtown Christian vs. Greenport, at 2 p.m. Sat. Nov. 3 at Diamond in the Pines
Suffolk Class AA playoffs
Saturday
First Round
No. 16 West Babylon at No. 1 Ward Melville, 2 p.m.
No. 9 Connetquot at No. 8 Hauppauge, 2 p.m.
No. 12 Deer Park at No. 5 Commack, 12:30 p.m.
No. 13 Centereach at No. 4 Sachem East, 2 p.m.
No. 14 Patchogue-Medford at No. 3 Smithtown West, 2 p.m.
No. 11 Smithtown East at No. 6 Northport, 2 p.m.
No. 10 Floyd at No. 7 East Islip, 2 p.m.
No. 15 Lindenhurst at No. 2 North Babylon, 2 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Monday at higher seeds, 2 p.m.
Semifinals
Thursday Nov. 1 at higher seeds, 2 p.m,
Finals
Saturday Nov. 3 at Centereach, 5 p.m.
Class A
First round
Byes: No. 1 Islip
Monday
No. 5 Comsewogue at No. 4 Eastport-South Manor, 2 p.m.
No. 6 Glenn at No. 3 Sayville, 2 p.m.
No. 7 Huntington at No. 2 Shoreham-Wading River, 2 p.m.
Semifinals
Oct. 31 at higher seeds, 2 p.m.
Finals
Sat. Nov. 3 at Centereach, 2 p.m.
Class B
Tuesday Oct. 30
No. 5 Southold/Greenport at No. 4 Babylon, 2 p.m.
Semifinals
Thursday Nov. 1
No. 5 Southold/Greenport-No. 4 Babylon winner at No. 1 Mattituck, 2 p.m.
No. 3 Center Moriches at No. 2 Bayport-Blue Point, 2 p.m.
Finals
Saturday Nov. 3 at Centereach, 8 p.m.
Class C Final
at Centereach, 11:30 a.m.
No. 1 Stony Brook vs. No. 2 Mercy
Class AA
1: 16-0-0 Bethlehem-2
2: 15-0-0 LI St. Anthony’s-CHS
3: 15-1-2 Syracuse CBA-3
4: 14-1-1 Penfield-5
5: 16-2-0 North Rockland-1
6: 14-1-1 Union-Endicott-4
7: 17-1-1 Aquinas-5
8: 14-1-1 John Jay EF-1
9: 13-1-2 North Babylon-11
10: 15-2-0 Horace Greeley-1
11: 12-1-2 Ward Melville-11
12: 14-3-1 Shenendehowa-2
13: 13-2-1 Massapequa-8
14: 11-1-3 Sachem East-11
15: 12-3-1 Shaker-2
16: 13-2-1 Greece Arcadia-5
17: 13-1-2 Cicero-N. Syracuse-3
18: 12-2-1 Smithtown West-11
19: 13-4-1 Monroe-Woodbury-9
20: 15-4-0 North Tonawanda-6
Class A
1: 14-0-0 Rockville Ctr. Southside-8
2: 13-2-1 Lourdes-1
3: 17-0-2 Williamsville East-6
4: 16-1-1 Victor-5
5: 13-2-2 Shoreham-Wading River-11
6: 11-3-2 Pittsford Mendon-5
7: 12-3-1 Island Trees-8
8: 14-4-1 Oneonta-4
9: 13-3-0 Maine-Endwell-4
10: 13-5-0 Homer-3
11: 9-4-1 Sayville-11
12: 14-2-2 Byram Hills-1
13: 11-3-4 Holy Names-2
14: 14-3-2 Grand Island-6
15: 8-5-3 Garden City-8
16: 9-6-1 Islip-11
17: 13-5-0 Cortland-3
18: 16-1-1 Massena-10
19: 12-5-0 Cornwall-9
20: 11-0-1 Levittown Division-8
Class B
1: 18-0-0 Marcellus-3
2: 16-0-0 Lansing-4
3: 17-1-0 LeRoy-5
4: 15-1-0 Mattituck-11
5: 15-1-1 Red Hook-9
6: 11-1-2 Bayport-Blue Point-11
7: 17-1-0 Watertown IHC-3
8: 17-1-0 Goshen Burke Catholic-9
9: 16-0-0 Briarcliffe-1
10: 16-1-1 Ichabod Crane-2
11: 14-2-1 Chenango Forks-4
12: 16-1-0 Nanuet-1
13: 14-2-1 Potsdam-10
14: 12-0-4 Falconer-6
15: 15-2-1 Highland-9
16: 15-0-1 Bronxville-1
17: 13-2-3 Tamarac-2
18: 14-2-2 Byren-Bergen-5
19: 15-3-0 Cazenovia-3
20: 12-3-3 NE Clinton-7
Here are the seeds, first-round matchups, and some other scheduling information on the Nassau Boys Soccer Playoffs.
Class AA Seeds
1. Port Washington
2. Massapequa
3. Hicksville
4. Syosset
5. East Meadow
6. Farmingdale
7. Freeport
8. Oceanside
9. Valley Stream Central
10. Herricks
11. Baldwin
12. MacArthur
Class AA first-round games
Byes: Port Washington, Massapequa, Hicksville, Syosset.
MacArthur at East Meadow, Oct. 28 a.m.
Baldwin at Farmingdale, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
Herricks at Freeport, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.
Valley Stream Central at Oceanside, Oct. 27, 5 p.m.
Class AA Future Scheduling Info
Quarterfinals are hosted by the top seeds on Oct. 30.
Semifinals are at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Nov. 2.
Chamionship is at Hofstra at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Class A Seeds
1. Jericho
2. Mineola
3. South Side
4. Wantagh
5. Garden City
6. Roslyn
7. Great Neck North
8. Lynbrook
9. New Hyde Park
10. Valley Stream South
11. Bethpage
12. Floral Park
13. Westbury
14. Roosevelt
15. North Shore
16. Valley Stream North
Class A first-round games (ALL GAMES ARE SUNDAY, OCT. 28)
Valley Stream North at Jericho, 1 p.m.
North Shore at Mineola, 10:30 a.m.
Roosevelt at South Side, 3 p.m.
Westbury at Wantagh, 11 a.m.
Floral Park at Garden City, 1 p.m.
Bethpage at Roslyn, 1 p.m.
Valley Stream South at Great Neck North 2 p.m.
New Hyde Park at Lynbrook, 1 p.m.
Class A Future Scheduling Info
Quarterfinals are hosted by the top seeds on Oct. 31.
Semifinals are at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Nov. 4.
Championship is at Hofstra at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Class B Seeds
1. Cold Spring Harbor
2. Carle Place
3. Wheatley
4. Locust Valley
Class B semifinal matchups (BOTH GAMES ARE Oct. 31 at Mitchel Athletic Complex)
Locust Valley vs. Cold Spring Harbor, 5 p.m.
Wheatley at Carle Place, 7:30 p.m.
Class B Future Scheduling Info
Championship is at Mitchel Athletic Complex at 3 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Anyone have any thoughts/predictions?
This week's girls soccer insider is online. Click here to read.
Adam Ronis writes about Shoreham-Wading River and second-year coach Andrew Moschetti. Plus, you can read other notes, players of the week and games to watch.
This week's polls and playoff matchups are posted below in this blog.
Class AA
First-round byes
No. 1 Massapequa
No. 2 Farmingdale
No. 3 East Meadow
No. 4 Oceanside
Friday
No. 9 Syosset at No. 8 Mepham, 2:30 p.m.
No. 12 Bellmore JFK at No. 5 Hicksville, 2:30 p.m.
No. 10 MacArthur at No. 7 Baldwin, 3 p.m.
No. 12 Valley Stream Central at No. 6 Calhoun, 2:30 p.m.
Quarterfinals: at high seed Monday Oct. 29
Semifinals: at Denton Avenue Friday Nov. 2
Finals: at Denton Avenue Tuesday Nov. 6
Class A
First Round
Friday
No. 16 Manhasset at No. 1 South Side, 4:15 p.m.
No. 13 Division at No. 4 Plainedge, 3 p.m.
No. 12 Lynbrook at No. 5 New Hyde Park, 3 p.m.
No. 15 Roslyn at No. 2 Island Trees, 3 p.m.
No. 10 West Hempstead at No. 7 Bethpage, 3 p.m.
No. 14 North Shore at No. 3 Garden City, 2 p.m.
No. 11 Jericho at No. 6 Valley Stream South, 2:45 p.m.
Saturday
No. 9 Seaford at No. 8 Wantagh, 3 p.m.
Quarterfinals: at higher seed Tuesday Oct. 30
Semifinals: at Denton Avenue Saturday Nov. 3
Finals: at Denton Avenue Tuesday Nov. 6
Class B
Semifinals: at Denton Avenue, Thursday Nov. 1
No. 1 Wheatley vs. No 4 Locust Valley
No. 2 Cold Spring Harbor vs. No. 3 Oyster Bay
Finals: at Denton Avenue Tuesday Nov. 6
NASSAU Top 10
1. South Side
2. Massapequa
3. Island Trees
4. Farmingdale
5. East Meadow
6. Garden City
7. Mepham
8. Syosset
9. Bethpage
10. Kellenberg
SUFFOLK Top 10
1. St. Anthony’s
2. Ward Melville
3. Sachem East
4. North Babylon
5. Smithtown West
6. Commack
7. Northport
8. Islip
9. Shoreham-Wading River
10. Sayville
Soccer is featured on Newsday.com today.
Newsday's Top 10 boys soccer polls are already on this blog. Check below.
In the Nassau Insider, Jeff Gold writes about the Oceanside boys and how they're out to prove they belong with Long Island's elite teams. Click here to read that story.
In the Suffolk Insider, Joseph Staszewski writes about St. John the Baptist and how the Cougars don't believe their championship window is closed. Click here to read that story.
Also, you can read additional notes, players of the week and key numbers from the past week in boys soccer.
If you're a girls soccer fan, Mitch Abramson covered yesterday's South Side-Garden City game. Click here to read that story.
Nassau
1. Port Washington
2. Jericho
3. Massapequa
4. Chaminade
5. Hicksville
6. Mineola
7. Oceanside
8. South Side
9. Cold Spring Harbor
10. Syosset
Suffolk
1. Brentwood
2. West Islip
3. Sayville
4. Half Hollow Hills West
5. St. John the Baptist
6. Bay Shore
7. St. Anthony's
8. West Babylon
9. Smithtown West
10. Glenn
BY JEFF GOLD
The East Islip-West Islip rivalry is one of the best on Long Island.
The football game between the two schools this year was a rout, as EI won 34-0 – and it could have been worse. This soccer game should be better.
Today, the schools meet for their second time this season at 4 p.m. at West Islip. West Islip won the first game, 1-0, on a first-half goal by Ryan Sepe. And as usually is the case with West Islip, one goal is enough. WI goalkeeper Dan Vignola has a program-record 10 shutouts this season.
With a 10-1 League III record, West Islip is inching close to a league title. But Centereach is right there at 7-1-3 and those two teams meet next week. East Islip (3-4-4) would absolutely love to play spoiler in this game, not to mention pick up a huge win in an effort for clinch a playoff berth.
BY ADAM RONIS
I'm usually an opinionated person and can analyze a class and have a firm stance on what team would evolve to win the championship. But as the days pass and the results roll in, I get more confused when analyzing Suffolk Class AA girls soccer.
I have no clue who will win it all. I can't even pinpoint a favorite. Neither can the coaches I speak with. Five different teams have won the championship the past five years.
Smithtown West has lost in the last three finals and returned most of the team and were mentioned by many as a favorite in the preseason, but haven't even locked up League IV with two games left. Hauppauge, which beat them 1-0, still has a shot and the teams meet next week in the regular-season finale.
North Babylon may be the favorite, but tied Smithtown East on Tuesday and tonight lost its first game of the season to East Islip, 2-1. Ward Melville has one loss this season to North Rockland (Section 1) and tied Sachem East, the defending champions, twice in League I.
Northport, Commack, and Connetquot have all played well in League II. I feel bad for the committee that has to seed these teams. I'm not sure who to pick, but I will make a prediction once the brackets are revealed. For now, help me out and give me an objective opinion on who will win Class AA.
Class AA
1: 15-0-0 Bethlehem-2
2: 12-1-0 Union-Endicott-4
3: 15-1-0 Aquinas-5
4: 14-0-0 LI St. Anthony’s-CHS
5: 13-1-0 John Jay EF-1
6: 12-0-2 Cicero-N. Syracuse-3
7: 14-1-2 Syracuse CBA-3
8: 12-1-1 Penfield-5
9: 13-2-0 North Rockland-1
10: 12-0-2 North Babylon-11
11: 11-3-0 Shenendehowa-2
12: 11-2-0 Massapequa-8
13: 13-2-0 Horace Greeley-1
14: 10-1-2 Ward Melville-11
15: 11-2-1 Shaker-2
16: 7-1-3 Sachem East-11
17: 11-2-0 Greece Arcadia-5
18: 12-3-0 North Tonawanda-6
19: 10-2-0 Smithtown West-11
20: 10-3-1 Warwick-9
Class A
1: 11-0-0 Rockville Ctr. Southside-8
2: 16-0-1 Williamsville East-6
3: 14-1-0 Victor-5
4: 11-2-1 Island Trees-8
5: 12-2-1 Lourdes-1
6: 14-1-1 Oneonta-4
7: 10-2-2 Shoreham-Wading River-11
8: 9-3-2 Pittsford Mendon-5
9: 13-3-0 Maine-Endwell-4
10: 11-2-1 Sayville-11
11: 10-1-1 Pelham-1
12: 13-3-0 East Aurora-6
13: 10-2-4 Holy Names-2
14: 7-3-3 Garden City-8
15: 6-5-1 Islip-11
16: 12-5-0 Homer-3
17: 13-4-0 Cortland-3
18: 12-1-0 Massena-10
19: 12-3-1 Wayne-5
20: 9-5-0 Cornwall-9
Class B
1: 17-0-0 Marcellus-3
2: 15-0-0 Lansing-4
3: 16-1-0 LeRoy-5
4: 12-1-0 Mattituck-11
5: 13-1-1 Chenango Forks-4
6: 13-1-1 Red Hook-9
7: 9-1-2 Bayport-Blue Point-11
8: 13-2-0 Potsdam-10
9: 14-1-0 Watertown IHC-3
10: 15-0-1 Goshen Burke Catholic-9
11: 12-0-0 Briarcliffe-1
12: 11-0-3 Falconer-6
13: 14-1-1 Ichabod Crane-2
14: 15-1-0 Nanuet-1
15: 14-1-1 Highland-9
16: 13-0-1 Bronxville-1
17: 10-5-1 Schalmont-2
18: 11-3-1 NE Clinton-7
19: 10-2-2 Tamarac-2
20: 13-2-0 Cazenovia-3
Adam Ronis has plenty of girls soccer coverage today.
In the Nassau Insider, Ronis writes about Malverne/East Rockaway goalie Kelli Hughes becoming just the second girl in the nation to record 1,000 career saves. Click here to read that story.
In the Suffolk Insider, Ronis writes about a Hauppauge team looking for redemption after a disappointing season a year ago. Click here to read that story.
And, as always, you can read about players of the week, games to watch and other notes in the 'Insiders.'
BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
The Suffolk League IV title could come down to a game between its top two teams. First-place Half Hallow Hills West (10-1-0) and second-place Smithtown West (9-1-1) will need to wins its next two regular season games to set up a game between the two teams on Oct. 24 that would decide the league title. Hills West has games left again Deer Park (1-8-2) and Bellport (2-4-5) and Smithtown West must beat Bellport and West Babylon (8-3-0).
Yet what makes this truly interesting is Smithtown West's only loss was 4-2 to West Babylon, while Hills West's only loss was 1-0 to Smithtown West. Smithown West has the obvious harder road having to play West Babylon, but could gain an emotional advantage going into the final game with a hard-fought win. Do you think both teams will win its next two games? If so, then who wins when Smithtown West and Hills West play each other?
BY JEFF GOLD
Just because it has been so good for so long, sometimes it’s taken for granted a bit how fantastic a program Brentwood boys soccer is.
On Wednesday, Brentwood clinched its fifth, yes fifth, straight League I title. It hasn’t lost a league game in 61 contests, a streak that dates back to 2002.
Stop and think for a second about what was going on in your life in 2002. It’s probably pretty different than now.
While Brentwood’s undefeated league streak is impressive, there are things I like about the program more than just the wins. This was never more evident than last year in the state final when Brentwood lost to Arlington. The players were crushed and teary-eyed after the defeat, but handled themselves with the utmost class in a difficult situation when surrounded by the entire Arlington school celebrating right in front of them.
And furthermore, how can one not appreciate the style of play Brentwood plays? It’s a possession game that looks for imaginative ways to score. It’s fun to watch.
Is this the year Brentwood wins the coveted state title? First it will have to make its way through an absolutely loaded Suffolk Class A bracket.
NASSAU TOP 10
1. South Side
2. Massapequa
3. Island Trees
4. East Meadow
5. Garden City
6. Farmingdale
7. Mepham
8. Syosset
9. Kellenberg
10. Bethpage
SUFFOLK Top 10
1. North Babylon
2. St. Anthony’s
3. Ward Melville
4. Sachem East
5. Smithtown West
6. Sayville
7. Commack
8. Northport
9. Islip
10. Shoreham-Wading River
BY ADAM RONIS
Farmingdale girls soccer coach Kevin Shanley has faced Massapequa numerous times in his eight years as head coach. Some years there were three losses to Massapequa in a season and there was the occasional tie.
Farmingdale finally defeated Massapequa with a 1-0 win tonight on senior night at Farmingdale.
"It's a hurdle we needed to get over," Shanley said. "We still have tremendous respect for them. It's all about winning the third game."
That would be in the postseason, should it occur. Massapequa got off to a slow start last season, but finished extremely strong and won the Nassau Class AA championship for the fourth straight season. This season, Massapequa opened with 10 consecutive wins before losing to South Side on Saturday and two losses in the last three games.
It's a huge boost for Farmingdale's confidence. Its three losses this season are to Massapequa, East Meadow, and Island Trees, all top teams in the county. This loss begs the question, could Massapequa be beaten in the postseason?
Two boys soccer insiders are featured on Newsday.com today.
In the Suffolk Insider, Jeff Gold writes about Mt. Sinai and how the team is trying to develop a tradition of winning. Click here to read that story.
In the Nassau Insider, Joseph Staszewski writes about Great Neck North and its surprising season. Click here to read that story.
Also, you can get players of the week, games to watch and other notes by reading the 'Insiders.'
Nassau Top 10
1. Port Washington
2. Jericho
3. Massapequa
4. Oceanside
5. Hicksville
6. South Side
7. Chaminade
8. Mineola
9. MacArthur
10. Great Neck North
Suffolk Top 10
1. Brentwood
2. St. John the Baptist
3. Sayville
4. Centereach
5. Smithtown West
6. West Islip
7. Half Hollow Hills West
8. St. Anthony’s
9. Bay Shore
10. Mount Sinai
BY JEFF GOLD
Massapequa’s season started with two surprising defeats, losing to both Port Washington and Hicksville by two goals.
But since that start, the preseason favorite has been absolutely awesome. Massapequa’s strong play continued this week, beating Hicksville 5-0, Farmingdale 3-2 and Chaminade 1-0 in a tremendous non-league matchup late in the season. In Massapequa’s last nine games, it is 7-0-2.
“I think we’ve been playing well the entire season, and now we’re getting the results that we want,” Massapequa coach Keith Stanley said. “I was pleased with the way we played early on when we didn’t get some of the results we wanted and I haven’t always been pleased with how we’ve played in all our wins. But we are getting good results.”
Massapequa and Port Washington (8-0-1 Conference AA-I) appear to be on a collision course to play in the Class AA Nassau final.
BY ADAM RONIS
Both the South Side and Massapequa girls soccer teams were disappointed when they learned of the new conference alignments this season. The new formation meant the two teams weren't in the same conference anymore. They are two of the best programs on Long Island and they played a non-league game on Saturday night. South Side won, 3-1, at Burns Park to continue another amazing season.
"For the girls, it's always been a very big game," South Side coach Judi Croutier said. "I thought it might not be the same as last season, but the girls were really excited about it. They were into it."
South Side beat two of the best teams in the county on consecutive days, also defeating Island Trees on Friday, 2-1. South Side has won three consecutive Class A state titles and is the favorite to win again. South Side lost just twice last season and posted a shutout in each of its seven postseason games. Meanwhile, Massapequa has won the Nassau Class AA championship since the class was formed in 2003. Can either of these teams be knocked off in the counties this season?
BY DARREN SANDS
The St. John the Baptist versus Holy Trinity boys soccer game today, Oct. 11, was suspended at approximately 5:30 p.m. due to inclement weather with St. John the Baptist up 3-2 at halftime.
Ah yes, a divine recipe for disaster: two competitive teams, a slim margin, and thunder and lightning.
What's a referee to do?
The rules are what they are, said St. John the Baptist coach Andrew Herr, whose team improved to a perfect 5-0 in CHSAA. To his credit, Herr acknowledged "anything could have happened if we played the second half."
Perhaps no one knows that more than Holy Trinity, who fell to 1-4-1 in the league with the, er, "loss", to the conference's first-place team. Herr said that its harder to schedule makeup dates once teams get deeper into the season.
Onto the question for our readers, first the athletes: How do you bounce back from a decision like this? For coaches, how would you reenergize your players and keep them from being demoralized in the days after a game like this?
