Featured Center Moriches boys soccer coach Chris O’Brien during a...

Featured Center Moriches boys soccer coach Chris O’Brien during a Suffolk League V game against Greenport in Center Moriches on Monday, October 3, 2022. Credit: Peter Frutkoff

The record sat at an impressive 9-2 heading for the weekend, but it was victory No. 5 for this Center Moriches boys soccer team that stood out above the rest. There were 300 reasons to be happy at the end. 

It was win No. 300 for coach Chris O’Brien leading the varsity. It came Sept. 23 via a 4-1 decision at home against Southold, the alma mater of O’Brien, an all-Suffolk forward from the Class of 1979.

So let the celebration begin. It came courtesy of athletic director Jeremy Thode. 

“My AD had bought some treats for the boys, which was nice,” O’Brien said.

OK, so it was “a low-key celebration” in the words of O’Brien. That was fine with the 61-year-old retired social studies teacher, considering there was another game the next morning as well as his view toward the milestone.

“I try to keep anything personal like that or individual records kind of on the down-low only because I’m more interested in the game at hand as opposed to what’s happened in the past,” O’Brien said. “My philosophy has always been I’m blessed to coach at Center Moriches. This is my 26th season, and I’ve had some really good teams and really good players.

“The game is certainly about the players and buying into what we try to do. And luckily for us, we’ve been able to do it more times than not.”

His overall record was 304-133-26 through Friday’s play, with nine Suffolk titles, four Long Island championships and two Class B state crowns.

Two coaches in the program played on his 2009 state title team, JV coach Sonny Saguto and volunteer assistant Harvey Houpe. O’Brien’s top assistants are Eric Bielski and Mike Russo.

“It’s really a collaborative effort that makes us kind of go,” O’Brien said. 

This season’s team has clinched the Red Devils’ 25th consecutive playoff berth. It’s led by seniors Liam McDermott, Tyler Stewart, Noah Nolan and Beau Davidson.

“I think that we’re trending in the right direction now,” O’Brien said.

Hampton Bays homecoming

Hampton Bays had to cancel its varsity football season. There weren’t enough upperclassmen. 

“So soccer, for the first time ever (here), is going to be the focal point of Homecoming,” said George Carney, the boys soccer coach.

The Baymen will host Mount Sinai Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Carney said there will be a pep rally and a Homecoming parade during the day.

“I’m happy for my kids,” Carney said. “My kids are excited. I’m happy for the community. It’s also Senior Night for the six seniors I have. So we’re looking forward to it. I think it’s a pretty cool thing for our team.”

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