New Hyde Park Firecats Win Girls-Under-12 State Open Cup

The following article was posted by Geoffrey Walter. it was written by Randy Vogt.

The New Hyde Park Firecats were crowned Girls-Under-12 State Open Cup champions with a 4-2 win over HBC Sudden Impact from Huntington on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

New Hyde Park scored four unanswered goals, two in regulation and two in overtime, after HBC had gotten off to a 2-0 start in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) title game.

New Hyde Park’s goals were scored by Caitlin Kennedy, Marina Pappas, Irene Tsahas and Logan Ward.

“We were down by two very early in the game but the players settled in and the match became even in terms of play,” commented New Hyde Park coach Dawn Ward. “At halftime, we had our normal team talk, but this time it was the girls who really figured out the changes they needed to make. Shortly after the whistle to begin the second half, we scored and then the girls were off to the races. They had a lot of spirit and worked hard to keep the pressure on the opposing defense and the game ended in a 2-2 tie after regulation. All I can say is it was a total team effort and each girl rose to the occasion and I am very proud of each and every one of them!”

New Hyde Park will play at the Regionals from June 28 to July 2 at the University of Rhode Island. Eastern New York is donating $2,000 to the team and paying all expense fees for the Regionals.

HBC received the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award as selected by the match referees. Now retired, Mr. Rubenstein was seemingly involved in every facet of New York soccer for decades and is a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

“I would like to mention that HBC was very kind, caring and helpful when my daughter, who suffered the worst of the team injuries, needed help,” added Coach Ward.

Get New Hyde Park news on Facebook