The U12 Boys Gladiators Travel team started the 2004 Fall Season off this past weekend taking part in the Annual Labor Day Oceanside Tournament. The Gladiators were ready for some game play after a grueling mini-camp and matches against the U13 Fire & Comets. The weekend @ Mitchell Field started on Sat. vs former divisions rivals Baldwin and North Shore. The Gladiators were looking forward to playing on the larger fields and the 11x11 format.The Gladiators jumped out quickly and were able to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Baldwin came out strong in the 2nd half keeping the Gladiators on there heels and were able to get one past James Cauchi after a mad scramble in front of the net.The rest of the half both teams traded good chances and the Gladiators were able to take the opening game 3-1. Game 2 Sat. was against a re-vamped North Shore team that the Gladiators had played last season. Dominating the 1st half the Gladaitors jumped to an early 2-0 lead.The 2nd half was a different story as North Shore found the goal early to make it 2-1 and the game was on.Both teams played some terrific soccer and Gladiator Keeper James Cauchi was at the top of his game with the boys holding on to the 2-1 win.

The schedule on Sunday called for a triple header starting with a game against Newfield Vipers.With the sun nowhere to be found, the Gladiators came out strong and played some text book soccer,controlling the entire field of play and opened up a early 3-0 lead.The Gladiator speed up front was on display as all 3 forwards made the score sheet early.The only blemish was deflected ball that was able to sneak by keeeper Kyle Lynch and the Gladiators went on to very workman-like 5-2 win.In game 2 the Gladiators knew that they would have to step up the level of play going against former division rival Hewlett Lawrence.The boys came out playing the best 60 minutes of soccer of the weekend, controlling play in the Hew.Law. half of the field, the Gladiators had several near misses and peppered the keeper who kept the game tied at 0-0 til Hew.Law. was able to capitalize on a defensive lapse and take a 1-0 lead.Energized somehow by trailing for the 1st time all weekend, the boys stepped up the pressure and even the score 1-1 midway in the 2nd half and that's were it ended tied at 1-1. The 3rd and final game of this very long day had the Gladiators playing the host Oceanside team.Having witnessed the game prior to ours and knowing a win would clinch 1st Place, Coach Fusco had the Gladiators refocus at the task at hand and not look ahead. Oceanside came out strong and physical as 2 yellow cards were issued and teams warned about rough play.The GC boys were able to get an 1-0 lead late near the end of the half. At halftime Coach Fusco reminded the boys that if they stayed focused and kept playing Gladiator soccer good things happen.From Fusco's mouth to the playing field. Two minutes into the 2nd half the Gladiators broke open the final contest as they scored 4 times in the next 10 minutes and opened a 5-0 lead. The Gladiators eased off the throttle and came away with the win and finished 4-0-1 with 13 points and 1st place.

The Gladiators played some inspired soccer this weekend with the defensive efforts of Sean Callahan and Mark Pallai anchoring the back line with help from backs John Tarzian(1)-Nick Fusco-Joe Barbato-Brandon Badgett and Keepers Cauchi & Lynch only allowing 5 goals and netting 16 in 5 games.The front line and middie work of Vincent Tavernese (4) Sean Bingham (4) Matt Confort (4) Kyle Lynch (2) Costa Trikas (1) and mates Kevin Quinn,John Reynolds,Sean Proctor and All Fields Sean Mahon help start the season in grand fashion.

The Gladiators want to welcome the newest members to our team and who played outstanding this weekend in their Gladiator debut:Vincent Tavernese,Sean Proctor,Costa Trikas and Joe Barbato. The team starts the regular season Sat.9/11 10AM @ St.Paul's vs the Albertson Academy 92. Best of luck on the upcoming season.