Pumas best Cyclones for division crown

The Island Now

The New Hyde Park Boys U11 Pumas won the LIJSL Division 1 last Saturday, with a record for the season of 7-1.  In their last game of the season, the Pumas went up against the Carle Place Cyclones in a fight for first place. 

The Pumas team is made up of some fine boys, most of whom have been together since U7.  They won the Division 3 title last year, and moved up 2 levels to Division 1 this year.  It was a bold move, but these boys were determined to give it all they had and they proved that hard work, dedication to practice and respect for each other will always prove successful.  

The U11 Boys Pumas team includes Stephen Coffey, Michael Cydzik, Christopher Dominguez, Jack Gray, Chris John, Andrew Kurian, John Patrick Maroney, Michael Merolla, Brian O’Connor, Nico Papavero, Garrett Smith, Jared Thomas, Anthony Viana and Marco Vukosa. 

It was only fitting that the last game of the season came down to the top two teams competing for the first place title.   The teams went head to head and had to fight against the wind to score.  The Pumas defense held the Cyclones scoreless with Brian O’Connor, John Patrick Maroney, Chris John, Andrew Kurian and Nico Papavero as the wall for the team.

The Pumas midfielders, Stephen Coffey, Michael Cydzik, Jack Gray, Marco Vucosa, Chris Dominguez, and Anthony Viana, had numerous shots on goal which insued lots of excitement and “ooohhh”ing and “aaawww”ing from the sidelines.  Michael Merolla was spectacular in goal with his incredible diving saves.  Jared Thomas was out with an injury and very much missed.  

In the end, the NHP Pumas were victorious with a 1-0 win.  Garrett Smith, the youngest on the Pumas team, and playing striker, had the winning goal with an assist from Christopher Dominguez.  

Last, but not least, a big thanks to the Pumas coaches: head coach Jim O’Connor, and assistant coaches Tom Smith and Matt Maroney, for all their time and effort, as well as to the Pumas trainer, Andre Higgins — the boys’ “British pal”.

Congrats to the U11 Boys Pumas team on their very deserving title!

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