In an emotion filled, action packed game last weekend, the Levittown Blue Thunder defeated the U-10 Garden City Demons by the score of 3-1. In order to improve their record in the standings, the Demons had to overcome an experienced Blue Thunder squad that possesses a fine offense and defense.

The Demons anticipated this match up against the first place team in the division and in the first half the kids came out strong. The Demons defended against the wind and were tested early and often. First half goalkeeper Raymond Leto was at his acrobatic best making several fine saves on quality scoring chances by the Blue Thunder. Each advance by the opponent was met with stiff resistance by fullbacks Jack Tigh, Peter Escribano and Will Harrington. The boys did an amazing job of continually thwarting scoring chances and turning the ball up to forwards Carney Mahon, Gregory Vouzianas, and Kevin Mullin who pressed the Demon attack.

Levittown opened the scoring on some nice work in the midfield by their attackers who upon winning a 50/50 ball lofted a shot over the Demon goalkeepers head. However, the Demons came back with several quality scoring chances of their own by Mahon and Mullin only to be stopped by the Levittown keeper. The action was back and forth for much of the first half and it seemed as though Levittown would maintain their one goal advantage going into the half until with less than one minute remaining Carney Mahon outworked a Blue Thunder attacker and fed Matthew Rogers a tremendous lead pass. Rogers controlled the ball and outraced a defender and fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net beyond the reach of the Levittown goalkeeper to knot the score at 1-1.

The second half commenced and the match became a battle of wills as Levittown continued their fine display of quick touch passing and tight defense. Demon goalkeeper Kevin Mullin came up with several huge saves early on as Levittown managed numerous odd man rushes. Jack Tigh was a monster on defense sticking it to the Levittown attack. Strikers Raymond Leto, Mike Randazzo and Matthew Rogers created havoc in the mid field and twice Leto broke free on his wing side to create worry for the Levittown defense. In-close chances by Randazzo, Leto and Mahon were stopped and upon taking control of the ball during one sequence, a Levittown striker broke loose and received a timely pass that he was able to push by Mullin for a 2-1 advantage. However, there was no quit in the Demons as they stepped up their play. Peter Escribano, Mark DeSantis and Jack Gillan continued to feed the offense and the increased pressure appeared to pay off for a Levittown defender was whistled for a hand ball in his defensive penalty area with less than ten minutes remaining. However, a questionable spot of the ball by the referee loomed large as the ball appeared not to be correctly placed. It mattered not as Matthew Rogers could not convert and his kick was stopped by the Levittown goalie.

The Demons seemed to take control of the play from then on as Mike Randazzo nearly converted on a goal mouth scramble and moments later Jack Gillan hit a tremendous right footed volley that just sailed over the crossbar. A terrific strike by Gillan. Then, with the match winding down, Jack Tigh thwarted a rush by a Levittown attacker and immediately sent a long ball up wing to Matt Rogers who then raced in virtual lock-step with a defender toward the end line. Before the ball went out of bounds, he managed to cross the ball into the goal mouth, out of the reach of the goalkeeper to an onrushing Carney Mahon who just missed knocking it home. Shortly thereafter, Levittown sealed their well earned victory with an insurance goal.

The match was very well played by both sides. The Demons are clearly benefiting from playing the more experienced travel teams for the boys went toe-to-toe with their opponent throughout the match. The boys are learning a great deal in their first season together. Coaches Tom Gillan and Chris Vouzianas continue to train them hard in their practices. No pain, no gain. The best is yet to come. Great work guys.

The boys travel to Hewlett this weekend to take on the Hewlett Lawrence Blue Thunder. Go Demons!