During game action against East Islip, Carney Mahon shows great ball control despite being completely airborne. photo by Newsphoto.com The U-10 Garden City Demons took on East Islip in a long awaited second round Waldbaum's Cup match last week and came away with a well earned victory. In a rare mid-week game the Demons came at their opponent with a well balanced attack. Mark DeSantis scored the Demons first goal on a magnificent boot from near mid field. Soon after, Mike Randazzo netted his first of the season as he charged his way into the East Islip penalty area and as several defenders converged on him; he nudged the ball over the goal line. Raymond Leto, playing goal for the Demons was at his acrobatic best thwarting several scoring chances by East Islip who eventually scored. Kevin Mullin's goal made the score 3-1 Demons as halftime came.

East Islip came out stronger in the second half and cut their deficit to 3-2, but the hard charging Demon offense kept up the pressure. Sweeper Gregory Vouzianas did a splendid job of advancing the ball to his attacking teammates. Matthew Rogers scored to give the Demons some breathing room and with minutes to play Mike Randazzo sealed the victory with his second goal of the game. The Demons will verse Merrick in the third round of competition.

Jack Tigh connects and sends the ball downfield against East Islip. photo by Newsphoto.com Demons Topple Levittown

In regular season action last Saturday the Demons kicked off against previously unbeaten Levittown. On a beautiful morning at Nassau Haven field the Demons began with Peter Escribano up front with Kevin Mullin and Mike Randazzo. The trio pressured the defense from the opening whistle and before the game was five minutes old, red hot Mike Randazzo converted on a rebound of a shot taken by Escribano. Levittown shook off the let-down and came right back. Their taller strikers moved the ball well in the mid field causing concern for the Demon defense led by Mark DeSantis with Matt Rogers as his partner. Ray Leto made several saves before Levittown scored on a miscue in front of the goal. The action intensified as both teams did their best to battle for possession of the ball. The Demons took the lead on a terrific effort by Kevin Mullin to win a 50/50 ball. In doing so he sent the ball forward to a streaking Matthew Rogers who had two defenders on his heels. Rogers smartly pulled the ball back and quickly unleashed a left footed bullet into the lower corner of the net to give the Demons a 2-1 lead.

Ray Leto topples over the Levittown goalkeeper. photo by Newsphoto.com Levittown remained determined and used their size to strengthen their attack. After winning a corner kick, they nearly converted on a well struck, bended ball that just cleared the crossbar. In the second half, their tenacity paid off as once again they earned a corner kick to the right of goalkeeper Mark DeSantis. As the kicker approached the ball, the attackers rushed the Demon goal and scored on a perfectly executed head ball. For a couple of minutes, the momentum seemed to shift as Jack Tigh, Will Harrington and Jack Gillan defended against sustained pressure. Mark DeSantis came up huge with several saves and after making one such save, DeSantis punted the ball over midfield where Carney Mahon and Ray Leto were waiting. As a Levittown defender was trying to settle the ball, Mahon and Leto converged on him, stole the ball and Mahon ripped a shot into the upper corner of the goal for the game winner.

Peter Escribano shows great balance as he keeps the ball inbounds against Levittown. photo by Newsphoto.com The Demons travel to play against New Hyde Park this week and then on to North Shore this Saturday. Let's go Demons! You can see more game action photos at www.Newsphoto.com

A very happy Matthew Rogers(7) is congratulated by teammate Kevin Mullin(2) after Rogers scored in the first half, giving the Demons a 2-1 lead over Levittown. photo by Newsphoto.com Mark DeSantis puts everything into this kick against Levittown. photo by Newsphoto.com