SHFC Soccer this week

The spring season in the Westchester Youth Soccer League is drawing to a close.

Congratulations to the several SHFC teams who have already clinched their divisions: the 2010 Shadow, the 2009 Red Lions, the 2008 River Sharks, the 2007 Dutchmen and the 2007 Blaze. The Girls Blaze clinched in their Division 1 – the top division of their age group. They will be added to the Champions Cup and the High Division Plaque which is on display at Main Street Sweets in Tarrytown. The Boys Red Lions have clinched in their Division 3, which is a remarkable achievement for a young team. They, too, will be added to the High Division Plaque.

Two the SHFC teams have already finished their spring 2019 play: the JV Girls Strikers and the 2009 boys United. Please see the write-up below about the United, who finished strong in their first year playing as a team. Most other SHFC teams will finish this weekend, on Father’s Day. Teams playing this weekend may be in contention for a division title or simply playing to finish the season strong – the common thread among our SHFC teams is the passion that our 300+ players and 40+ volunteer coaches share for the game.

Here are each SHFC team’s results for this past week:

2010 Girls Bandits played a stellar game against the New Rochelle Purple Rebels on Sunday winning 6-2. The girls are 4-2-1 overall. The game was especially tough for both teams as they played 7 a side with no subs on a hot day. But, their energy was not wasted! Ada Chalfy wowed the fans by scoring 5 of the 6 goals with many shots on goal between. Katie Yalmokas assisted Chalfy 3 of the 5 goals and also made numerous attempts at goal herself. Between Yalmokas, Chalfy and Mackenzie Linhart on offense, the girls displayed great teamwork, positioning and passing skills, which was evident in their success.

The defense was carried by Sabrina Graham in goal for most of the game with two fabulous saves and Marley DeFilippis as sweeper for most of the game holding very tight to her man and protecting the goal with her speed and agility. Marianna Patsch on midfield was aching to get at the goal and scored a goal towards the end of the game off a pass from Yalmokas. Noa Levine had an attempt at goal as well and played very well in her position.

Great game for the Bandits and lots of fun for the fans. Their final game will be played this Sunday, 6/16 in Pelham at 2:30. Let’s end the season with another record breaker!

2010 Boys Shadow picked up their seventh win of the spring season with a commanding 6-0 performance over the New Rochelle QC Force. Luca Bruno, Joaquin Rodriguez and Andrew Lucchetti got Sleepy Hollow on the board early at Pocantico Hills Field with blistering shots that found the back of the net. Bobby Gonzalez followed with a flurry of his own, scoring two goals before halftime and prompting Coach Gary Fairley to inquire about Bobby’s cereal choice Sunday morning.

Fresh off a shutout performance during the first half, goalkeeper Leo Zohar switched to midfield in the second half and tallied the last score of the game. Next week, the Shadows hope to close out their undefeated season with another home win, this time against Chappaqua Navy, 11:45 a.m.

2009 Girls Red Fury hosted the Munay Storm. The score is not available. The Red Fury will close out their spring season on Sunday June 16 on the road against the Castleford Stingrays.

2009 Boys United
With their last game of the season United beat Scarsdale 4-0 to finish the spring with a 4-3 record. Goals were tallied by Kyle DeLucia (2), Caeser Blanco and Brandon Wang. Dylan Valenti had a shutout in goal with some strong saves. Defense was aggressive and crucial in helping preserve the shut out led by Kayden Pisani, Joseph Ruiz, Jayden De La Cruz while Julian Patino played well on both sides of the field. Overall United was 7-8 for the 2018-2019 season but after starting out 0-4 last fall United worked hard and came together as a team the last 11 games going 7-4.

Coaches Pisani and Valenti were so very proud and encouraged by the players’ growth and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in the coming months and years. They’d like to thank the wonderful, hardworking kids and enjoyed meeting such amazing parents who were so supportive and respectful all year. Sleepy Hollow is a terrific sports town and an amazing place to live!

2009 Boys Red Lions hosted the Manhattan Boca. The score is unavailable. On Sunday June 16, the Red Lions will close out their spring season on the road against the FC Transylvania Barca White.

2008 Girls Red Comets, coached by Joe Block and Sven Armster, lost a close contest by a score of 4-3 on the road against the LMFC White Pumas. They will close out their spring season on the road against the North Salem Fighting Tigers.

2008 Boys Fusion played the 2008 Boys River Sharks at Hackley School field. The game was fast-paced from the outset. Fusion immediately took control of pace and possession, but simply could not capitalize on many first-half scoring opportunities, despite attempts by Kieran Degen, Sean Mackiewicz, Jezrael Panama, Justin Paute, Ian Papadopoulos, Jaiden Brito and Jack Zhunio. The River Sharks found their own groove and also took numerous shots on goal, most notably by Abraham Achkar, Jayden Perez and Gilbert Onwe, but these were capably met by Fusion goalie Pierce Davis, who turned in an outstanding performance.

The game remained scoreless and in an intense deadlock until midway through the second half. The River Sharks started chipping away at a tired Fusion defense. Goals by Onwe and two by Achkar in the last 10 minutes sealed the River Sharks’ win. The 3-0 final score does not accurately portray how well-matched and exciting this game was!

Coaches Greenberg, Soto, Glynn, Mackiewicz, Degen and Papadopoulos were proud of the high level of play their teams put forward. Players, coaches and families alike celebrated the game’s end, feeling positively about the future of competitive soccer in this age group.

Fusion, who are now 0-5-2, will travel to Ossining’s Munay on June 16 to close out their season. The River Sharks, who are now 7-0, will host the Manhattan United at 12noon at Hackley School field with the goal of remaining undefeated this spring.

2007 Girls Blaze

You win some, and you lose some, even if you're a member of the Blaze team family.

The Blaze played the Chappaqua Cheetahs Sunday afternoon at Hackley Field having already clinched first place in the U-12 Division this year. The game was just eight minutes in when a penalty against the Blaze defense was called in their own goalie box. When the Cheetah player's strong kick to the goalie's left side went past her diving attempted save, it was the first time in the Spring season that John Sutherland's Blaze team had trailed all season. The Blaze fell further behind just four minutes later when a streaking Cheetah striker kicked to the high right side of the Blaze net, past a leaping goalie.

After a water break the two teams resumed the contest, with the Cheetah's extending their lead on a corner kick with several players attacking the Blaze net. The Blaze fought back, and after a Gabby Disney pass to Sami Marvin that went into goal was called back because of a Cheetah hand ball, Julissa Cassiano drove the penalty kick into the Cheetah net to make the score 3 - 1, which is how the first half ended.

The Blaze played better in the second half, with defenders Zoey Murphy and Penny McVey constantly challenging Cheetah players who made it past midfield, and Blaze goalie Emily Aridas making several nice saves on shots made in close range to give the Blaze time to mount a comeback and keep their perfect season alive. The Blaze offense, led by Gemma Fante in the middle and Juliana Marvin and Meghan O'Hanlon had several shots on goal, but all were denied by the Cheetah goalie. Not even shifting the versatile player Ellie Fox, who has played defense, midfield and even striker positions for the Blaze this season, into the front court was sufficient to get the Blaze another goal. With just a few minutes remaining in the contest, with all the Blaze players forward, the Cheetah's were able to recover a kick and extreme pressure netted their fourth goal of the game.

Playing as the strong team and friends that they are, no complaints were heard after the whistle and the Blaze congratulated their opponents in the postgame handshake, as they have been congratulated all season prior.

2007 Boys Dynamo won 2-0 on the road against the Port Chester Dragons. They will travel to the LMFC Yellow Gunners on Sunday, in a contest that will determine the division’s victor.

2007 Boys Dutchmen finished out the spring season with a 4-0 win against the Mt. Pleasant Wildcats ending the season at the top of their division. The boys needed at least a tie to win their division.

They ended the first half up 1-0 with a goal by Joey Barros. A few minutes into the 2nd half the Dutch were awarded a penalty kick, perfectly taken by Nico Mayor to score the 2nd goal. The last two goals were scored soon after by Conor Slattery which secured the win. It was a true team effort from everyone, Brandon Quituisaca, Carlos Almonte, Alex Lozada & Jasper Quattrone played great defense. Edwin Rojas, Brandon Arevalo, Marlon Pacheco, Tizian Steinert & Liam Grimes were great support in the midfield & front line and Henry Scheller was great in goal, making awesome saves to secure the shutout.

Congratulations Dutchmen!!

2006 Girls Storm prevailed 5-0 on the road against the Scarsdale Celtic. They will close out their season on Saturday, June 15 with a make-up game on the road against the Scarsdale Celtic. The Storm are 5-1 on the season in their age group’s Division 3.

2006 Boys Firebolts, coached by Ricardo Gonzalez, fell 2-1 at home against the Port Chester Mustangs. They close out their spring season at Washington Irving School field on June 16 at 5pm to host the John Jay Purple. Their spring season record is 2-4-1.

2006 Boys Warriors travelled to the JPSC Fire, losing 4-3 in a close contest. They finish their spring season on the road against th eLansdowne Yonkers Cougars on June 16. The Warriors have a 3-3 record so far this season.

2005 Girls Cyclones
After a tough loss last weekend, the Cyclones were ready to play Sunday. With only two subs, and playing in the 3 pm heat, the Cyclones defeated the Munay Sparks 3-1.

Within the first 6 minutes of the game, the Cyclones scored the first goal of the game. Thalia T. gained possession and took the ball down the field, and passed to an open Caitlyn O. After receiving the ball, Caitlyn kept the ball moving and passed the ball through to Belle M., who saw the opportunity, and quickly shot the ball into the back of the net. The Sparks retaliated and scored off a cross minutes later. Both teams held each other off, and the half ended with a tie score.

The Cyclones regrouped during halftime and came out in force for the second half; they would not let the heat and lack of subs affect their game. The team worked together and created passing sequences, both beginning with Christine K., that caught the Sparks off guard. For the second goal, Christine read the play and intercepted the ball, and passed the ball to Belle M. In turn, Belle saw Thalia running for a through ball, and delivered the ball down the line to Thalia. Thalia beat the defenders as she sped down the field and crossed the ball. Belle read the play and positioned herself to receive the ball and shot it over the keeper’s head. Again, Christine anticipated the play, this time handing the ball off to Belle M. Belle played the ball to Thalia who took a shot on goal that was deflected by the keeper. However, Diana C. was in position to put the ball in the net off the rebound.

Our defensive team worked together, defending against numerous well played balls. Lauren K. did a fantastic job coming out on breakaways and making some incredible saves throughout the game. The entire team worked together to defeat the Sparks.

2005 Boys Legends fell 3-2 at home against FC Somers United. They close out their season on the road against Ossining’s Munay, who currently lead this Division 1. The Legends are currently 3-4 on the season.

2005 Boys Red Devils were able to hold off the FC Transylvania Barca White with a score of 3-2. One June 16, they travel to the LMFC Orange Wolves to close out the spring season. The Red Devils, who have a 4-3 record this spring, are coached by Francisco Mendieta, Mark Taylor, and Cedric Smith.

JV Girls Strikers closed out their spring season on the road against the South Bronx United Shooting Stars. The Strikes put forth a valiant effort, but fell 6-2.

JV Boys Los Gauchos had a bye this past weekend. They will close out their spring season at home on June 16 at 10am at Washington Irving Field against Doxa. Los Gauchos are currently 4-1-1 and lead in the number of goals scored in their Division 2. They are playing for the division championship this week.

2002 Varsity Girls Mustangs Earned a tie Sunday against and older, larger, Larchmont team. The Mustangs held the edge in skill and stamina and most of the game was played on Larchmont’s half. Unfortunately the Mustang defense had a few lapses including allowing an unchallenged shot from 20 yards that led to a 0-1 deficit at halftime. Then 4th string keeper Maya Weitzen left to perform violin at the Strawberry Festival and ailing 6th string keeper Sophie Sylves-Berry was moved into goal from mid-defense where she would be more productive with less strenuous running. This move paid off and allowed the Mustang defense to settle down as Sophie kept a clean sheet with several saves and one crowd-pleasing game saving shot at close range. The Mustangs offense remained dominant with several promising attacks and many close chances. Several corner kicks were earned and nearly converted as well as a few foul kicks. Finally Anna Marisa Lara crossed a chest-high ball to Haley Wilenzick who smash-volleyed the ball under the cross-bar for the tying score with only 30 seconds left. This is the second week in a row that Haley has scored late from her midfield position garnering midfielder of the week honors once again. Lily Rodriguez was defensive player of the game winning every one-on-one battle, delivering effective goal kicks that Mustangs targets controlled 80% of the time, and even leading a sideline to sideline offensive charge that advanced the ball 50 yards creating another scoring opportunity. Offensive and overall player of the game was Juliana Largess who was everywhere all day. She supported the defense, led offensive charges, created several turnovers, and deftly corralled hard/high passes by bringing them to her feet, shielding defenders, and continuing offensive possession with smart tactical passing.

The Mustangs finish the season against second place West Side Manhattan Sunday. The girls have fared well in the strongest/oldest division in the Westchester Youth Soccer League and hope to finish with a win.

2002 Varsity Boys Horsemen fell 5-0 on the road against the Valhalla Vikings. On June 16, they will travel to the Edgemont Force to finish their spring season.

For more information about SHFC, please visit http://www.sleepyhollowfc.com.