Sports
Boys Soccer Playoffs – Garden City Defeats Long Beach
Garden City continued their march to an undefeated season with a 3-0 first round victory over Long Beach.
The day started out under ominous skies, but quickly changed to a brighter day as the Trojans of Garden City made a 3 goal outburst in the first half stand up for the first round playoff victory.
Garden City had the advantage of the wind in the first half and made it count. The first goal started the same way as many have this season, with a quick burst by Nick Prime through the defense. This time Prime got into the box and saw a closing Andy Schneider, who had a step on his defender, and with a sharp cross and a quick strike Schneider put Garden City up 1-0 just under 15 minutes into the match.
Continuing to keep the pressure up with solid midfield play Finn Connolly, Brendan Haggerty, and Schnieder, the Trojans maintained control of the ball and the game; limiting any counterattacks by Long Beach and quickly turning them into Garden City opportunities.
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The second goal came with a little under 10 minutes left in the half from a more conventional set piece. Prime was once again driving through the defense and was taken down just outside the 18 yard box. He buried the resulting free kick into the corner as he rifled the shot past the three man wall and under the keeper for the two goal lead.
Just five minutes later the attack continued as John Scarlata got behind the defense on the right sideline and he played a perfect through ball hitting Tommy Poz in stride rushing down the center of the field. Poz split the centerbacks, got the keeper moving to his left and placed a perfect shot into the opposite corner. The half ended with the Trojans leading 3-0.
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The second half, although against a strong wind, saw the Garden City boys continue their ball control and dominance of the game. With quick passing and continuous movement, the GC defense contained any scoring opportunities that Long Beach tried to mount. The back line play of a combination of Bobby Seel, James Costello, Tommy Conway, Robert Patrissi and James Healy dominated the ball and helped keeper Sammy Myers wrap up another clean sheet.
It’s a quick turnaround for the second round game against Bethpage as it gets underway at 2:00 at GCHS today, April 22nd. You can watch live by clicking the link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC3-tEbnESc
Full gallery of photos can be found at - https://zenfolio.page.link/Ya7...