OLL Soccer Teams Make Strong Showing in Playoffs

Malverne was well represented in the Catholic Youth Organization's soccer playoffs this weekend. Five teams from the competed in the post-season action including the seventh/eighth grade boys team, who took home a championship title Sunday night.

The boys defeated Long Beach, 1-0, in a match played under the lights at Merrick Park. Matthew Cossu scored the lone goal for Lourdes in the first half and defended the lead in the second as the team's goalkeeper.

"They are a terrific team," Coach Bob Schiller told Patch after the game. "They play really well together. They passed the ball really well and they played the right way...with class and good sportsmanship. They're a pleasure to coach."

Even though the team competed in the Grade 8 division this season, Schiller explained that all but four of the players are actually in the seventh grade.

"Most of these guys will be back next year," he said. "We're looking forward to a fun season next year."

The team celebrated their victory with donuts, and accepted a plaque and T-shirts.

The O.L.L. Blue Sharks, an all-fourth grade girls team, also played up this season in the Grade 5 division, and made it to the finals Sunday. They squared off against another Lourdes team in the semi-finals on the new turf field at Saturday afternoon and won, 3-0. Fourth graders Marie Muessig, Jasmine White and Maureen McNierney each scored a goal for their team. Dominic squad.

"I couldn't be more proud of them," Coach Anne Marie McNierney told Patch after Saturday's victory. "They played with a lot of heart. They played like a team and everything we have been working on all year game together."

The Blue Sharks advanced to the championship game, where they fell to undefeated St. Dominics. The O.L.L. fifth and sixth grade boys also made a strong showing in the playoffs this year. The fifth grade team won their semi-final game Saturday to advance to the championship Sunday afternoon. The boys played solid against a tough Long Beach team, but lost in overtime. 

Did you attend one of the games? Upload your photos to this article. Send your congrats to your team!