Hills East Soccer Ends Playoff Streak

The Half Hollow Hills High School East boys soccer team gave West Islip its toughest competition yet on Monday, but a last minute goal by the Lions knocked the Thunderbirds out of the Suffolk County Class AA Finals.

At the 19:26 mark in the second half, West Islip’s senior forward Sean Sepe, who's committed to St. Johns, planted the game-winning goal off an assist from midfielder Phil Denara. A determined defense and seven saves from Sean McAllister kept the Thunderbirds (16-2-1) off the scoreboard for the first time this season. 

The Lions (16-1-2) will face Brentwood, who eliminated West Islip last season, on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dowling College Sports Complex.

had made it to the playoffs each season for the past four years, but had been knocked out after the first game each time. This year, the Thunderbirds not only made it to the semifinals, but also were undefeated.

Head coach for Hills East, Tiziano Carcone, was full of emotions as he huddled with his team, friends and family following the game.  "I'm proud of my team," he said as he walked off the field.

Thurderbirds' goalkeeper Jordan Gross had eight saves, his total since October 14. 

"I told them, it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win," said Lions' head coach Ed Pieron.  "I want to congratulate Hills East, they're a terrific team."  

The Lions participated in the finals four years ago, but lost to Half Hollow Hills West. They were determined to get back this year after coming so close last season.

"We came out strong in the first half, got a goal in the second, and we came out on top," Sepe said. 

This was the third meeting between the two schools this season; the first game on October 10 went into double overtime and ended 1-1.  The second game was on October 27, which Hills East won 3-1.