The U-11 Demons took on the previously unbeaten Albertson Attack last Saturday at Harbor Links and came away with a hard fought 6-3 victory. Under cool, sunny conditions the Demons came out strong taking the opening minutes of play to the Albertson defense. The trio of Danny Simmons, Matthew Rogers and Kevin Mullin pressured the Albertson fullbacks and won several corner kicks for their efforts. Mark DeSantis opened the scoring for the Demons on a corner as his well struck ball was caught by the goalkeeper who carried the ball over his goal line. Albertson came right back and knotted the score minutes later and the teams settled in for a battle.

Kevin Mullin made the score 2-1 Demons by knocking the ball into the net during a goal mouth scramble. Mullin worked hard all game long and in a game where the opponent played a physical style, Mullins intensity was exactly what was needed. The lead didn't last long as the Attack tallied on a direct kick and the score was level once again. Gregory Vouzianas and Peter Escribano were terrific in midfield as they repeatedly gained control of 50/50 balls and found teammates Matthew Rogers and Danny Simmons for counterattacks. Rogers, who experienced a fabulous game by netting four goals, scored his first of the game on a nice left footed shot to give Garden City the lead at 3-2, but Albertson did not quit. By winning many balls in the air at midfield, their fullbacks were able to spread the ball wide and a striker converted the equalizer on a wonderful one timer off of a cross. After that goal, the Demons took over. Goalkeeper Ray Leto was unbeatable for the remainder of the game and his save of the game came on a diving stop on an in close chance during the second half. Jack Tigh, Mark DeSantis and Will Harrington did well to contain the Albertson strikers and consistently turned away chances. The Demons seemed to get stronger as the game went on and their hard work paid off. After winning a ball near the opposing sideline, Peter Escribano fed Matt Rogers who blasted the ball through the goalkeeper's hands and it was 4-3 Demons. Minutes later on a direct kick by Jack Tigh, Rogers captured a loose ball inside the eighteen and buried it for a hat trick and a 5-3 Garden City advantage. Teammates Mike Randazzo and Jack Gillan forced the Albertson defenders to kick the ball wide of the midfield which gave the Demons further offensive chances. The final goal came off a feed by Danny Simmons to Rogers who outraced his defender and scored again to put the game away.

The team travels to Windsor, CT this weekend to participate in the Paul R. Cody soccer tournament. Let's Go Demons!