Costa Trikas breaks through opponents to chase the ball against Auburndale at SUNY The Gladiators faced the HBC Crew in the second round of the Youth Soccer Eastern NY State Championship at Huntington on April 8th. More daunting than the Division 1 team that they were to face was the weather: steady rain, a brisk north wind and temperatures in the 30_s made for very difficult conditions for players and spectators alike. As the Garden City spectators erected two tents alongside the field, the Gladiators _warmed-up_ in their blue and gold wet-weather gear.

The Gladiators won the toss and elected to play with the wind for the first half. The boys moved with confidence, appearing to ignore the weather until they were substituted and huddled under the player_s tent to avoid the rain even if only for a few minutes. Close play characterized the first half as the teams worked to maintain possession of the ball. Both keepers were muddied before long as they worked hard to keep a firm grip on the slippery ball. Several familiar Gladiator moves drew applause from the Gladiator parents and friends, who had left the comfort of their motor vehicles alongside the field for the limited protection of the open-sided tents.

Sean Callahan maintains possession of the ball in the game against North Shore on 3/26 The Gladiators broke into the HBC goal area on several occasions, allowing some threatening kicks at goal. Michael Escribano, Kyle Lynch, Alex Sapuppo, Vincent Tavernese and Sebastian Macias kept the pressure on their opponents as they drove towards the goal with the wind at their backs. Solid kicks at goal were either deflected by defenders or controlled by the HBC keeper. Danny Miller, the Garden City keeper played a sterling half, supported by solid defensive play from Nick Fusco, Yohei Yamauchi, Brandon Badgett, Michael DiRusso and Sean Callahan. All played a steady and paced game under the tough conditions, intercepting HBC attackers with remarkable alacrity given the wet and windy conditions. The Gladiator mid-field provided their traditional support of during defensive and offensive movements; Sean Bingham, Costa Trikas, Mark Pallai and Sean Proctor directed play towards the sidelines or the center of the field as appropriate.

Keeper Danny Miller delivers the ball to the mid-field with a mighty kick The first half ended without score, and some spectators moved stiffly for the shelter of their vehicles during the break. Soon into the half the Gladiators were awarded a corner kick, and the Garden City supporters were hopeful as Michael DiRusso_s now classic kick delivered the ball into the HBC goal area, but the promising move was successfully blocked by the Crew. In the second half the Gladiators had the added disadvantage of the wind in their faces, contributing to a free kick to the Gladiators that passed over instead of under the HBC cross-bar. The Crew used the support of the weather to their advantage, charging towards the Gladiator goal. The HBC pressure was rewarded when a rare corner kick was headed into the Garden City goal. Motivated by their goal, the HBC renewed their pressure, and soon after the score was 2-0 in their favor as a loose ball after a wonderful save from Danny Miller was kicked into the Gladiator net.

The Gladiators continued to fight back, executing on free kicks and thrown-ins with speed in order to loose as little time as possible. Several exciting moves followed, as did a number of good defensive plays by Garden City. These, and additional saves by Danny Miller, drew shouts of support from the spectators. Near the end of the game the Crew scored again, bringing the score to 3-0. This score did not reflect the strength of the Gladiators_ game, nor did it do justice to their determination in the face of a Division 1 team and likely the worst weather conditions in which they have ever played.

Sean Proctor takes a shot at the Stony Brook goal as Mark Pallai moves in The Gladiators meet the Terryville Sting in their third league game, at Community Park at 11:00 AM on April 23rd.