Schwenemann with the boot and Biscone in Goal The Jaguars Soccer Team was hosted by Wantagh last Sunday afternoon in a makeup game a the result of an early season thunderstorm that caused the referee to call the game. The Jags looked as good as they have all year long and even better than their opening game shutout in the Windsor Connecticut tournament Columbus day weekend.

The first goal of the game was scored unassisted by "Mr. Consistency" Patrick Keogh who has proven himself to be a well balanced player that can be counted upon for an assist or a goal. Keogh possesses a reserve tank of fuel that keeps him going full tilt with little to no rest game after game. Also a member of the Garden City Thunder's nine year old maroon team, Keogh goes through players like they are thin air and has the ability to make a great play and follow up with an even better one.

Keogh and Bruno Attack The Wantagh squad was hungry to even things up. The solid defense of Brian Flynn, Robert Sorge, Chris Thomas and Marc Schwendemann frustrated most of their opportunities. Anything that slipped through was smothered, booted or snatched away by a particularly acrobatic Tyler Biscone in the goal. Wantagh finally capitalized on a three-on-on break to put the ball in the upper right hand corner of the net just out of Biscone's reach to even the game at one all.

Flynn Protects his Zone Biscone has developed as the starting goal tender and has been more effective in communicating with the defense since attending Sunday afternoon goal keeper clinics at St. Paul's Field. Also a football player for the nine year old White Thunder squad, Biscone's style is quite physical. One tremendous save that would have otherwise sacrificed the lead left Biscone in front of the goal with possession of the ball under a pile of two Wantagh strikers and two of his own defenders. Punt off of his shotgun of a left foot often exceed or reach half the length of the field to the delight of the offense. He will be the first to say that his made job is easier with the protection of his tight knit defense but his teammates applaud his no-fear attitude and his ability to stop shots that seem destined to hit the back of the net.

Bruno on the Move Flynn has proven to be a smart and dependable defender with a big boot and the ability to break up offensive plays by keeping the balls to the outside nearly each and every time he has the opportunity. Sorge is a true team player with high energy and a Ricochet Rabbit style. Like Flynn, Sorge is a thinker with a powerful foot and can likewise be depended upon when the ball enters Jaguar Territory. Thomas, also a football player for the Maroon Thunder, is a fierce competitor that has demonstrated phenomenal foot skills and finesse with the ability to fake out his opponents. He has no fear of the ball and is willing to take a shot to the body when necessary. Schwendemann, who also plays midfield, has become the master of the throw-ins and is never afraid to take one for the team with a header. His powerful right foot make him a force to be reckoned with.

Biscone Dives and Flynn Fights for the Ball The offense appreciated the efforts of the defensive players but knew that they needed to put some more balls in the net in order to secure a much needed win. Tim Halaby, a top notch player that possesses a combination of speed, foot skills, tenacity and toughness (you guessed it, another football player from the Thunder Eight year old squad) rose to the occasion and kept the ball on the right end of the field running rings around Wantagh's defense and drawing some penalties to boot. Thomas Bruno likewise kept the pressure on with his superior ball handling skills and ability to penetrate the Wantagh's defensemen. His knowledge of the game really shows on the field.

Thomas Holbrook, a striker that has vastly improved over the course of the season, was able to snake his way through a wall of defenders with high intensity to create scoring opportunities. It was Holbrook that put the Jaguars back in the lead with a huge unassisted goal for the 2-1 lead.

The final Jaguars goal, their insurance policy, was scored by big man Andrew Granville as assisted by wild man Holbrook. Granville has finally capitalized on his size and speed and had numerous shots on goal during the course of the game which culminated in the 3-1 final score in favor of the the Jaguar's. Granville is clearly the one to watch as the season progresses and he unleashes his potential.

As for the Sunday afternoon goal tending clinics, they are held at 3pm at the St. Paul's Field. In addition to Tyler Biscone, Jaguar teammates Andrew Granville, Robert Sorge, Thomas Bruno and Brian Flynn are regular attendees. Anyone interested in building their skills and understanding for the position is encouraged to attend.

Congratulations to the Jaguars and to Coach Bruno for the way that the team has evolved and for the win.