Lone goal by Adam Feldstein leads Plainview JFK past Westbury
Adam Feldstein #9 of Plainview JFK moves the ball downfield against host Westbury on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. Credit: James Escher
Most soccer players envision their first goal as a beauty — a 30-yard shot bent inside a top corner or a soaring powerful header, for instance.
But while Adam Feldstein’s first varsity goal lacked pure beauty, it nonetheless carried Plainview JFK to a 1-0 victory over Westbury Friday afternoon. The victory gave the visiting Hawks (6-3-2) their third straight Nassau AA-III title.
“Honestly, no it’s not how I envisioned it happening,” the senior said, “but a goal’s a goal and a win’s a win, so I’m happy.”
In the fifth minute, Feldstein saw Sam Rozenbaum preparing to take a shot on goal from the left side. Feldstein anticipated Rozenbaum would shoot toward the far post, so he sprinted down the right side of the 18-yard box. Hector Salinas (three saves) could only get a hand on the shot, deflecting it to Feldstein.
All he had to do was tap the ball into the open net.
“I just saw the play going on in my head, and I ran towards the net even before he shot it,” Feldstein said. “I got lucky enough to get the rebound.”
For coach Christine Ho, Feldstein’s goal epitomized the Hawks’ improvement.
“As a team we’ve really focused and worked on mentality and being a worker every single time you’re on the field,” she said.
The improvement has also manifested in three straight shutouts, after a three-game skid against Uniondale and perennial Class AA powers Massapequa and Syosset. Will Price has been at the center of that winning streak.
The sophomore goalkeeper drew his first start in a 1-0 victory over East Meadow Sept. 28. He made four saves in a scoreless draw with Baldwin Oct. 6, and stopped six Westbury shots Friday.
In the first half, Price dove to his left and got a fingertip on David Avelar’s shot. He also dove to bat away a dangerous free kick in the final minute.
Things seem to be clicking for the Hawks as they enter the playoffs. And a deep run? That would be beautiful.
“I’m happy to be here,” Price said, “and hopefully we can go far.”
