Facutly Fan of the Month

The Athletic Department would like to recognize Mr. Greene as FACULTY FAN OF THE MONTH. If you went to one of the boys or girls soccer games you most likely saw him mixed in with the enthusiastic Portledge supporters eagerly cheering on the players. Thank you Mr. Greene for all your support over the month of September!!

Founders Day Varsity Soccer Matches Live Up To Billing

The cloudless electric blue sky matched the trim of the Portledge Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer jerseys as they warmed up for their respective Founders Day contests against the Varsity teams from Lawrence Woodmere Academy. All involved knew that these would be some great matches and that the results would go a long way in determining the look of both the PSAA Girls Soccer League and IPPSAL Division I Boys Soccer. The games did not disappoint, and those in attendance were treated to some great "football".

What Happened in the Varsity Girls Match?
Right from the opening whistle the Portledge girls took to the offensive against the very tough and well disciplined side from LWA. The Lady Panthers had several great scoring chances early in the game as wingers Alex Siwiec and Chelsea Caracciolo consistently turned their defenders and drove in on goal. The unlucky bounces that had plagued the team in their last match against Columbia Prep continued though, as one Portledge attempt after another seemed to dance along the goal line, but not enter the net. Then, in a deflating blow, which definitely came against the run of play, LWA'S fantastic forward Domonique Robinson blew by the Portledge defense and fed a perfect pass to an unmarked winger who deposited the ball in the back of the Portledge net. Before the Portledge girls could regain their composure, Robinson was off again. This time she evaded several defenders on a dash down the right side and slotted a perfect shot past the Portledge keeper, Chelsea Estevez, giving the defending league champs a 2-0 lead. Portledge continued to control possession, but had little to show for it as the first half ended with the aforementioned score in place.
After a rising pep talk from assistant coach Kelly Luken, the Lady Panthers took the field for the second half determined to break their scoring drought and show the LWA team that they were a force to be reckoned with, not only on this afternoon, but later on down the road and quite possibly in the PSAA Girls Soccer Play-Offs. Portledge immediately pressed the play and before to long the home side was consistently drawing corner kicks down in the LWA penalty area. Finally, the girls broke through as Sophomore Addie Reilly banged in a loose ball from in front of the LWA goal. Suddenly the game was alive once again and the Portledge side pressed hard for the equalizer. The champs held off some furious Panther attcks though, and eventually demonstrated why they are so tough. After Portledge was called for a foul just outside the area
but all the way in the corner, the LWA captain and #9 stepped up and sent a beautiful direct kick into the corner of the Portledge goal, thus reestablishing the 2 goal lead. The Lady Panthers were not done yet though, and more players pushed forward in an attempt to once again draw close to their rivals from the South Shore. As time was winding down, Freshman winger Ashley Wade made a nice shielding move to free herself down the right side. Wade then sent a well struck cross into the area where Caracciolo drove the "rock" into the LWA net. The game was on again as the Portledge girls tried once more to draw even as the final minutes eroded. In the end, however, the strong Lady Panther effort was not enough, and the final whistle blew as the LWA girls celebrated a well earned and hard fought 3-2 win.
The Portledge Varsity Girls Soccer team definitely illustrated that they have the capability to play with what is arguably the best team in the PSAA league. It will be important for the girls to regain their focus and restore their energies before a huge game with Berkeley Carroll this coming Thursday. Hope to see you fans at what is always one of the best matches of the year!

How Did the Varsity Boys Soccer Team Do?
Coach Kevin Coleman has the VBS team on a roll. Coming off of an emotional 1-0 victory over LuHi earlier in the week, the Panthers were ready to state their case as the top boys soccer team in IPPSAL Division I. The LWA Varsity Boys team usually has something to say about such a statement though. Thus, the stage was set for what turned out to be a fine display of skill and teamwork from both these fine sides.
The key to this game was to be found in the midfield. Portledge Senior captain Ray Weinmann returned from his ankle injury to dominate the center of the field. He was supported by some fine play from outside half Nick Leask, and through some excellent and hard nosed defending from Junior Renny Kraft. Because of an injury to starting Senior back Alain Mathieu, the line-up had been shuffled a bit and Kraft had moved into the stopper spot. He excelled at his knew position and certainly was an important part of the eventual Portledge victory. Also key was the contribution of Sophomore Mark Dourmashkin,who vacated his stopper spot in favor of Kraft, so that he could to take the place of the injured Mathieu on the back line. Dormashkin combined with the other backs, Aaron Lee, Mike McCloskey and Vishal Chinchwadkar to form an impenetrable wall in front of the Portledge net. The only goal of the game came late in the first half as Portledge striker Trevor Wolfson broke through the LWA defense and perfectly slotted a shot past the keeper to put the Panthers in front.
Throughout the game the Portledge side demonstrated some excellent ball control, and their classy possession game frustrated the LWA team. If the Panthers can continue to improve and maintain their "teamwork", they certainly have the potential to win an IPPSAL crown in Division I Boys Soccer. There is a long way to go though, and the Panthers face two tough road tests this week against Solomon Schechter and OSNA. GO PATHERS!

Were There Any Other Soccer Games Played On Founders Day?
The response to this query is a big YES! After all the commotion had died down and most Portledge families had left the campus for the day, the most imporant soccer game of the year took place. This was the Annual Alumni-Faculty Game played on Founders Day afternoon every year. Although there were only a few fans in attendance, the competition was just as hot as the games played earlier in the day by current Portledge students. You see, the alumni don't like to lose to the faculty, and the faculty have never beaten the alumni, but are determined to one day do so. This is a no holds barred all out affair!
Like most years the faculty came out with some slick passing early on. Midfielders Mr. Coleman
and Mr.Lewis controlled the play, and just before half time yours truly sent a left footed rocket past the alums keeper, Walter Roll, and into the "back of the ol' onion bag". The inevitable collapse was not far off though. During the second half the dynamic sister-brother duo of Naomi and Julian Daniels took over the game. By the time Naomi, a former All MAAC Division I player at Loyola University, fired a 40 yard blast past the helpless Mr Sandoval to put the alums up3-1, the faculty was done. All retired to the Powers Courtyard for food and refreshments and the faculty was once again left to ponder,"when will we ever beat these guys". Well just like the Mets-there is always next year!

Varsity Soccer Teams Play Tough Matches v Columbia Prep

On Thursday,9/27 the Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer teams took on their their opposing sides from Columbia Prep in a pair of very competitive games.

What Was The Result of the Boys Game?
Playing without injured seniors, captain Ray Weinmann and starting right back Alain Mathieu, the Portledge side was at a huge disadvantage against a rather polished team from Columbia Prep. The Panthers played a strong defensive game, but were unable to mount much of an offense without Weinmann's customary orchestration. The baby blue Lions tallied once in each half and went on to a 2-0 victory over Portledge. Credit should go to senior Corey Axelowitz, who did a nice job filling in on the right flank, and to freshman Steven Dourmashkin. The youngster was called up from the reserve team to see his first Varsity action. The Panthers resume league play this Saturday at Founders Day when they put their unbeaten league mark on the line against the dark blue of LWA. "Football" aficionado, and JV Boys Soccer Coach Marcelo Sandoval commented that, " this Saturday will tell us a great deal about the potential of this year's Varsity side. I'm sure Coach Coleman will have the Panthers ready to go, so I say ROAR PANTHERS....ROAR!"

How Did the Varsity Girls Do?
Was it a forcefield generated from the Starship Enterprise, some sort of VOODOO spell cast by a west side shaman, or just an amazing lack of lucky bounces that led to the Varsity Girls Soccer team to take over 30 shots on the Columbia Prep and come away with no goals to show for it? After watching this excruciating game I really can't say for sure, but I'm definitely leaning towards the supernatural. All kidding aside, a tremendous amount of credit should go to the determined defensive effort of the Lady Lions and the excellent play of their goalkeeper, who made more than a few memorable saves.
The Lady Panthers will have to shake off this disappointing 0-0 tie and the loss of two potential points in the PSAA standings because this Saturday brings the defending PSAA Champions from LWA to Portledge for what should be one incredible game. Portledge supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer their hearts out as this critical test unfolds. GO GIRLS GO-BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN YOU!

7/8 Boys Soccer Remains Unbeaten

This was an excellent week for the 7/8 Boys Soccer team. They played Green Vale on Tuesday and Holy Child on Thursday, with both results being quite impressive.

What Happened in These 7/8 Boys Games?
When then 7/8 boys first saw their competition this Tuesday at GreenVale they were a bit intimidated. The blue and gold team was full of 9th grade boys, many of whom were of the very large variety. After a quick start by GV, the Portledge boys began to settle down and play some really excellent soccer. 8th grader Eric Diamataris was a rock on the back line where he was supported by fine play from wing backs "TJ" Roberts and Nick Lobley. During the last few minutes of the first half Portledge even carried the play, consistently threatening the Green Vale net. As the first stanza ended, however, the Young Panthers found themselves trailing by a score of 1-0. The powerful GV side went for the kill early in the second half but several outstanding saves from emerging team leader Ian Estevez kept the blue and gold at bay. Then, as time was winding down, 7th grader Danny Trentini stole the ball in the Green Vale end of the field. He was able to get off a cross that found center midfielder Justin Starrantino just above the eighteen. Starrantino avoided a defender's challenge and deposited a left footed rocket in the back of the GV net. The defense held throughout the rest of the game and the Portledge boys came out with a tie that felt like a win. Outside halfs Michael Bruschi and Brendan McGovern were both outstanding in this very hard fought match.
On Thursday the 7/8 boys travelled to Holy Child for their second road game of the week. After a back and forth first half during which both sides subbed liberally, the score stood a 0-0. The second half would be a different story though as the Panther offense, sparked by 7th grader Joe Sartori (2 goals), erupted for four talleys. 7th grader Myles Keyes played well b/w the pipes and Portledge went on to win 4-2. This puts the Young Panther's record at 2 wins, o losses and 2 ties. Keep up the fine team play boys,and good luck in your coming matches.

Athlete of the Week

Congrats to Liz Lanza of the Varsity Girls Soccer team, our Upper School athlete of the week for her efforts to tie the game v. LuHi.

Varsity Soccer Teams Win & Tie v. LuHi

The VGS and VBS teams took on their opposing sides from LuHi on Tuesday, 9/25 in a pair of critical league games. Both matches were fiercely competitive and the results are certainly favorable for Portledge soccer.

What Happened in the Varsity Girls Game?
There is no question that all the tight games played b/w the Portledge and LuHi girls teams over the last few years has created a spirited rivalry among these sides. Some could even say that the opponents don't like each other too much. Whatever the case may be, Tuesday's game was yet another example of hard fought and skillful soccer from both teams.
Portledge pushed the pace of play in the early going, only to see LuHi awarded a penalty kick when their first attack culminated in a foul in the box. Portledge goalie Chelsea Estevez stood tall though, and turned back the effort of the LuHi striker. This energized the Lady Panthers, and a few minutes later freshman Ashley Wade challenged the LuHi keeper for a loose ball and created a scramble in front of the opposing goal. Sophomore Chelsea Caracciolo found her way to the ball and deposited it firmly in the net. Later in the first half, a similar scramble in front of the Portledge net allowed LuHi to tie the score at one. As time was winding down in the first stanza one of the Crusader midfielders sent a perfect volley from outside the box over the head of Estevez and into the Portledge net. Down 2-1 at half Coach Coope attempted to rally the girls
to raise the level of their intensity in order to meet the LuHi challenge.
The second half was hotly contested with several hard challenges and many fouls being called on both sides. Portledge generally controlled the play as the ball spent much more time down in the Crusader side of the field. As time was running down Caracciolo sent a long cross into the box. After some obvious contact b/w Alex Siwiec and a LuHi defender went uncalled in either direction, senior captain Liz Lanza got control of the "rock" and slotted it past the LuHi keeper, all the while fighting off a tough challenge from another Crusader defender. Portledge pushed for the game winner, but it was not to be, as this extremely competitive game ended in a 2-2 draw. The result is a positive one for Portledge though,as they remain unbeaten in PSAA league play. Special recognition should go to the Portledge keeper, sophomore Chelsea Estevez. She played a brilliant game turning away several excellent chances by the opponents. Congratulations Girls and KEEP IT GOING!

What About the Guys Game?
The intensity of the VBS game v. LuHi certainly rivaled that of the girl's game. Even though the Portledge side came out on top, the boys have a ways to go in terms of controlling their emotions, if they want to become league champs and advance to the NYSAISAA Tournament.
An early goal from yet another Trevor Wolfson throw in headed in by young Chris McCloskey put Portledge on top in this very physical contest. Both sides jostled each other consistently and it was the Portledge side that allowed the rough play to distract them a bit. This distraction came in the form of a generally disjointed attack that was prone to the quick counter. Keeper Austin Prey was forced to make 16 saves overall, as the Crusaders threatened his net on several occasions. The most tense moment of the game occurred when Prey was yellow carded for protest following a call against him in the box. Trevor Wolfson had to go into the net to face the LuHi penalty as the Portledge bench and fans collectively held their breath. No problems though as the Crusader attempt went sailing over the crossbar. The Panthers kept the pressure on the LuHi side, thus preventing them from creating any organized opportunities. The game ended 1-0 with some feelings of "see you next time" hanging in the air.
This type of attitude is something the evolving Portledge side must stay away from. They are playing some solid team soccer and the success of the group is what is most important. I realize that I have been a bit more editorial in this post, however, sometimes things are apparent and must be commented on. These hard fought games with LuHi have caused me to reflect about the nature of competition, and come to the conclusion that competing without composure will always lead to a loss in the bigger picture of things. Good luck in your future games Portledge soccer players, but remember that victory without sportsmanship can be quite hollow. This is something we all can learn from!

A Week of Major Rivalry Games

This coming week should be a very exciting one on the soccer pitches at Portledge. I think it should definitely be dubbed rivalry week. Things get going on Tuesday when all the Middle School teams take on Green Vale. The 7/8 girls and boys games will be at GV, while the 5/6 teams will tangle with the blue and gold right here at Portledge. That same afternoon the Portledge Varsity sides will face the LuHi Varsity Girls and Boys. The girls game will be at LuHi and the boys game will be at Portledge. On Thursday the Carolina Blue of Columbia Prep will invade Locust Valley for Varsity boys and girls games, as the 7/8 boys and girls teams venture to Holy Child. Finally, this Saturday, at Founders Day, the Varsity sides will kick-off against the LWA girls and boys. Everyone is invited to come on out and see some great soccer!