Joannou stands out in net as Port makes playoffs
Port Washington's Lucas Joannou instructs his team's defenders after making a save late in the second half. (Oct. 25, 2010) Credit: James Escher
Lucas Joannou stepped onto the field in the second half, knowing if he did his job as a goalkeeper Port Washington would be going to the playoffs.
With his team's postseason fate resting heavily on his shoulders, Joannou made five saves Monday to preserve a scoreless tie for Port Washington (4-6-4, 4-4-4) against Plainview JFK (5-5-4, 4-5-3), earning the Vikings the final Conference II playoff spot in boys soccer.
"Nothing goes through your mind until after you punt it, then you have to settle yourself down because you know they're coming back,'' said Joannou, who combined with Mike Moraitis (one save) for the shutout. "Just keep calm, do what you're supposed to do . . . They were pouring it on.''
Plainview JFK controlled possession of the ball and pace of the game for nearly the entire second half, steadily sending more players up the field as time ticked away in an attempt to score and earn the victory and playoff berth for the Hawks.
The Hawks fired four shots on goal in the last eight minutes, including one final effort with four seconds remaining, but Joannou was right there to make one save after another.
"It's frustrating; we sent the kitchen sink,'' Plainview JFK coach Christine Ho said. "We sent every player we could in the box; we can't ask for any more opportunities."
Roey Heymann made three saves and Derek Schear made one save to combine for the shutout for Plainview JFK.
As the Vikings celebrated punching their ticket to the playoffs, the harsh reality of the end of the season sank in for the Hawks.
Plainview JFK senior Andrew Newman said yesterday's game was likely the last competitive soccer game he ever will play.
"It's just total devastation,'' Newman said. "For me, I know I'm not going on to play club ball or anything in college, so I'll probably sit here on the bench for another hour just thinking about playing.
"It's just not a good feeling knowing that you've got to go home.''
