JUNE 7, 2000 WEDNSEDAY 8:00 PM

What a difference a day makes. From Monsoons to a beautiful spring/summer evening with the sun just behind the bleachers to avoid the glare. But Melville played like they had sun in their eyes for much of the first period. Credit the Chiefs for some aggressive play that helped things along...but paid with some successful man-up opps for Melville. The Patriots were not quite settled in for the early going and let numerous chances slip through their sticks. Undaunted and unperturbed, the Patriots continued their attack. But tonight's story is probably best told from the defense. One early goal by the Chiefs, on a man-up -  behind-the-back shot that looked great! It was a goal that the Melville D-men would talk about all game and after the game! It was the first, last, and only goal the Chiefs would score in this Long Island Final. 

The close D of Belvedere, Kelaher, and Passavia was intense and vigilant. Nick B held his man in check; Ryan K worked the ball loose and picked passes out of thin air; Chris P was everywhere...checking, stripping, clearing, and shooting...and tonight he drew the penalties as he threatened on numerous breaks. The unit was superb...the ball moving crisply to the nearest and best open man. Nicky G helped the cause with some well played clears...avoiding trouble along the way. The Melville D fought many short handed sets in the first half and shut down all but one.

The Massapequa game plan was to shut down Matty Mo and see what would happen next. The first half saw limited scoring and the 4-1 status had to be encouraging for the Chiefs. With the Patriots uncharacteristically missing feeds and being slightly out of step, Massapequa was in position to mount a comeback in the second half. But the defense would have none of it. The Pats scored quickly in the third to open a 4 goal lead and never looked back. Matt Monfett worked his way around and created a 2 and 6 score card while spending much of the time locked out on the end line. Jon Matsui added 2 and 2 as he drove and cut his way to four points. Nick Miaritis was hot. He created and executed for 3 goals and could easily have had three more...(saved for thursday?) 

There was much exceptional play tonight that will be written later on (it's late). But one more highlight that must be mentioned is tonight's energized performance and outstanding play from Kurt Gerry. Kurt hustled for everything and had his shot working for a two goal performance. Great time for Kurt to get his outside burner working again. It is a pleasure to watch this team create from all areas and be lifted by different players in a given game. It's the mark of unselfish and dedicated team play. It's the method that gets good teams to reach their goals. 

Great job! Keep working! Go Patriots!