Alex Giordano’s two goals drive Commack past Sachem North
If Alex Giordano had a goal for every time he practiced through an injury or played while sick or put Commack’s boys soccer team above himself, he would have entered Wednesday’s regular-season finale with more than three.
The senior added two more goals to his season total in his first multi-goal varsity game, and the visiting Cougars defeated Sachem North, 3-2, to secure second place in Suffolk I.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
Shortly after Giordano’s goal in the 54th minute broke a tie at 2, coach Dave Moran decided to give the forward a breather. He wrapped Giordano in a hug when they met on the sideline, and said, “I’m so proud of you.”
“Alex is such a hard worker, and he earns every minute he gets in practice,” Moran said after the game. “He plays through injuries, he comes in sick. He’s all about the team. When a guy like that comes up big, it’s a sentimental moment and a good reward for all the hard work he puts in.”
Giordano scored his first goal in the 10th minute, negating Brian Wittemann’s early goal for Sachem North (8-4-2). Matt Newfield kicked a dangerous ball towards the right post, Jordan Anderson redirected it toward the center and Giordano swooped in and knocked it into the net.
Despite Giordano’s quick response, the Cougars (10-3-1) seemed slower than Sachem North throughout the first half and into the second. They trailed Sachem North, 2-1, at halftime on Drew Scally’s 28th-minute goal.
But in the 52nd minute, Scott Cebollero took a pass from Giordano toward the left side of the 18-yard box. He ripped a left-footed shot from 25 yards out into the top left corner.
That ignited the Cougars — from the players on the field all the way down to the self-proclaimed “Bench Mob” — and Giordano followed with the winner two minutes later.
“That’s what Scotty does all the time,” Moran said. “He puts the team on his back. He’s done it 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade. He’s done it in the summer league. Scott just wants to win. He doesn’t have it in his DNA to not give his all.”
Just like Giordano.
“It’s a great feeling when other people can pick it up and also score the goals,” said Cebollero, who leads the team with nine goals. “Everyone works hard. Everyone works together. We work in practice, and it shows off in the game.”
