Wantagh Boys Soccer Moves to Nassau County Title Game

The School boys soccer team came into Friday evening's Nassau County Class A semifinal matchup with Manhasset with determination. The Warriors never doubted themselves for a moment up against the number one seed in the bracket and instead and took out a feisty Manhasset (14-2-2) squad 1-0 at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale. Senior captain Sean Devito scored the games lone goal with six minutes remaining in the first half. The Warriors (11-1-5 now move on to the finals and will play South Side at Hofstra for the Nassau County championship.

Hero- There wasn't a player on the Wantagh club that didn't contribute one way or the other in Friday night's win. According to coach Tom Liguori, "Everyone from the guys who get the water to the guys on the pitch are all part of this win today. It was definitely a team effort and is the reason why we won." It was true as players were scrambling around the sidelines, constantly subbing in and out of the game and cheering on their teammates. There wasn't a quiet mouth on the bench as they were screaming out, "man on, or switch field." The whole team was involved with one another. When one player went down with a cramp, there was another ready to go at a moments notice. Even if they were playing out of position, they got the job done. It is fitting that the whole team dyed their hair blond, as they play as one cohesive unit and one player is no different from another.

Turning Point- After numerous scoring chances early on, Wantagh finally was able put a goal in with six minutes remaining in the first half. Jordan Zucker broke away from his marker and sped off to the goalkeeper. However, Zucker got caught up on a defenders foot and fell down. He was able to nudge the ball to the charging Devito who had been lingering around the net all game. Devito got a foot to the ball and scooted one by Manhasset's goalkeeper. This put Wantagh up 1-0 and the score stayed that way as the Warriors were like bees on honey to the ball and wouldn't let Manhasset get many shots off.

Quote- Coach Liguori said after the semifinal, "These kids weren't going to be denied. We would have liked to have added an insurance goal, but we were going to do whatever it took to win this game. That has been our mindset all year and it wasn't going to change today. It was chaos, but we got the job done. If we can play like this in the finals next week, I think it would prove we have a team good enough to challenge for the Long Island and state championship."

Bottom Line- The Warriors will play last year's county champions South Side at Hofstra University Soccer Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.. South Side beat Island Trees after Wantagh's game and will be some tough competition. Seeding has not proved to be a determining factor of a teams greatness, so the rankings will have little to do with this game. It is a matter of finding the will to win and getting the job done when the time calls for it. The coaching staff of Wantagh and the group of players fit that description perfectly. When the time matters, they all rally around one another and make it happen. It is a deep squad with more role players than standouts, which is what perhaps makes them so good. As some teams get good play from a handful of players, Wantagh gets solid contributions from all 24 on its roster.

Key Stats-
Sean Devito- one goal
Jordan Zucker- one assist
Dan Hagan- four saves

Box Score-
Teams                1                      2                        Final
Wantagh             1                      0                           1
Manhasset         0                      0                           0