Commack's 'Soccer Under the Stars' event a big success
Local first responders were honored during a ceremony at Commack High's "Soccer Under the Stars" night on Oct. 11, 2022. Credit: Courtesy of the Commack School District
The “Soccer Under the Stars” event held at Commack High School last week wasn't just about soccer.
Yes, the Commack boys beat Central Islip to cap a doubleheader on Oct. 11 that began with the girls team defeating Kings Park. But there was more to it.
The event included a ceremony at the start to honor local first responders — police, firefighters, EMS workers, nurses and doctors. Additionally, both boys and girls youth teams played on the varsity field during halftime of each game.
“We had not had this type of night since 2013,” boys coach Dave Moran said. “So, [new superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox] wanted to make sure we had a community event for soccer … but also honor all the first responders that put their lives on the line during COVID.”
State Senator Mario Mattera and several Suffolk officials were on hand for the event that drew more than 1,000 spectators.
“I think it was just an absolutely wonderful night,” Moran said. “It was a great way to say thank you to all the people who put other people first. And it was a great night to honor the game of soccer in a soccer town.”
Will this soccer town become title town again for boys soccer?
Commack, which won the Suffolk Class AA title in the spring of 2021, opens the postseason Tuesday.
Striker GianCarlo DiFava and defenders Zach Fawaz and Tyler Kurtis have helped lead the Cougars to a 12-1-2 record. They went 9-1-2 in Suffolk League I, finishing second behind Brentwood (11-0-1).
“I think these playoffs are wide open,” Moran said. “I think this is the most difficult year to pick a team that you better watch out for.”
Watch out for Amityville
Amityville is the defending Long Island Class A champ and is looking very formidable again. The team starts postseason play Thursday as the top seed after going 14-1-1 overall and winning the Suffolk League III title with a 10-0-0 record.
“I think we’ve grown as the season went on, and I think the boys are locked in,” coach Mike Abbondondolo said. “We have high goals. But right now, everyone’s 0-0, so it’s just one game at a time.”
Striker Roberth Perez totaled 14 goals and seven assists during the regular season, center midfielder Hugo Rodriguez added nine goals and nine assists, and goalkeeper Matthew Katz has nine shutouts.
“I think overall this is one of the most well-balanced teams we’ve had over the last few years,” Abbondondolo said. “We have different players that could come up [big] in a big moment.”
