Gladiators get the game plan. When you think of Harbor Links, you think of a beautiful Arnold Palmer Golf course. This past weekend the the Gladiators took to the Harbor Links pitch as they played guest to the Port Washington Dare Devils. Looking to right the ship after a few inconsistent outings the Gladiators changed things up during the week and after a brief walk over practice on friday night, the team loaded up and headed for Cluett Hall for a pizza party and video session that included the Gladiators highlights-lowlights and a little Man U.

Something must of clicked, whether it was the pizza or Coach Lynch's pregame sermon as the Gladiators came to play on this misty rainy morning. Port Washington was looking to keep its own 1st place hopes alive coming into the match undefeated at 3-0-2. Things looked good early as the Gladiators played with a grit not seen lately. Matt Conforts near miss of a bad Port Wash keeper clear had the Gladiators charged. The 1st half was a seasaw battle as both teams had trouble with the wet pitch and other field conditions. The Gladiator defense of Callahan-Mahon-Fusco-Tarzian-Proctor held the Port attack at bay as Keeper James Cauchi played his most aggressive game between the pipes and really played like a D-Back with his aggressive style. The midfield led by center mid Kyle Lynch with wingers Bingham-Reynolds-Barbato-bottled up the Port attack and made some nice clearing passes to the Gladiator forwards Pallai-Tavernese-Trikas-Quinn who had several runs deep into the Port zone only to be denied by the keeper. The team had given a solid effort and the half ended 0-0.

Bingham and Mahon on the attack. The 2nd half looked to be a carbon copy of the 1st half as both teams tried to establish themselves, but the field conditions made life miserable for all. At the 20 minute mark of the half Striker Matt Confort was able to break between 2 Port defenders and Sean Bingham put a beautiful ball on his foot and was in all alone with the keeper. Aggressive in the net, the keeper came out on Confort,who lauched a rocket that hit the keeper flush in the chest and down to the ground. After some medical attention,play continued with the Gladiators really applying pressure from all over the pitch and at the 27 minute mark, a beautiful combination pass play between the Waldorf School combo of Sean Proctor to Costa Trikas to a streaking Confort who darted past a sliding Port defender and buried it into the back of the net and a 1-0 lead. As the clock ran out, the Gladiators had played with alot of heart and pride today and without Coach Fusco and injured teammate Brandon Badgett. We hope to have everyone back next week at full strenght as the Gladiators play the last home game of the season vs Cold Spring Harbor at 10AM @St. Pauls. Great TEAM effort from a great bunch of boys.