Ryan Winkoff nets three goals as Cold Spring Harbor gains 'C' final
Cold Spring Harbor attacker Ryan Winkoff is checked by Mineola midfielder James Gerstner in a Nassau Class C boys lacrosse semifinal playoff game on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Most teams believe the way to beat Cold Spring Harbor is to stop Notre Dame-bound midfielder Jordan Walter. The Seahawks decided to put their own spin on that strategy Tuesday night.
Attack Ryan Winkoff scored three goals, including an impromptu whirling move on his final tally, to lead Cold Spring Harbor to an 11-5 victory over Mineola in a Nassau C semifinal at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium.
"Most teams got the message to shut off Jordan, so that gives us a chance to do a little more," said Winkoff, who scored twice in the second quarter when Cold Spring Harbor (12-4) took a 7-3 lead. Mineola finished 11-5.
Of his spin move in the fourth quarter, Winkoff said with a sheepish grin: "I don't know where that came from. I saw the goalie come out and I just reacted."
CSH coach Dennis Bonn said he is used to teams focusing on Walter, who still managed a goal and two assists. "However you defend us, we have an answer," Bonn said. "They tried to shut off Jordan so he just stood there and we scored three goals. All four of our attack men can finish."
Freshman Ian Laviano is the Seahawks' leading scorer and he had two goals Tuesday night. Colin Burke also scored twice and Justin McBride added one goal.
"Ryan is the shiftiest of them all. He can change direction and he's tough to stop," Bonn said. "McBride is a crease man. Laviano is a feeder. Burke is a shooter. And the best thing is they will ride and hound you. If you don't play defense here, you don't play -- and that goes for the attack."
The ride continues for the Seahawks, who advance to the Nassau C final next Tuesday at Hofstra against the winner of Wednesday night's Locust Valley-Friends Academy game.
