WARD MELVILLE 15      NORTHPORT 5

MAY 19, 1999

This was to be one of the better contests of the season because of Northport's rising star after having beaten Farmingdale in a shocker. Northport had shown that they were not to be taken lightly and maybe have even come of age. Since that win they have faced teams in their own league that have been better prepared than they would have been had they not beaten such a highly ranked team. They have losses (including Sachem and Smithtown) but have played well throughout the season. For all these reasons today's game was marked on our calendars as one to watch. So the dutiful fans came out to cheer on their Patriots despite the thunderstorms in the forecast and the rain pouring down in neighboring towns to the west and to the east. But in Northport the rain had stopped and the field was slick but playable. The Patriots picked up their gear and went to work.

Melville scored first in less than a minute on an unassisted goal by Nick Mayer. (nice dodge Nick!) The second score went to Northport to tie at one. The Patriot's movements were challenged by their pumped up opponent but they managed to get enough of what they needed to score 2 more for a 3-1 lead after the first quarter. Matt Monfett scored on a play that showed great determination by getting his own rebound and finding the back of the net.  Northport was getting some possessions during this time and choosing left handed outside shots that were either saved or missed their mark. The defense gave them little opportunity for quality shots which left them out on the perimeter. The couple of times they got inside Kunkel stoned them. Derek had an outstanding game facing 37 shots and making 18 saves. (The long sticks were joined early by Chris Mele to give the squad a breather on rotation). Ryan Kelaher had a great game with some timely checks, ground balls, and clears. Northport attempted a physical game which seemed to satisfy some of their players. Melville, being accustomed to some teams 'coming at them' answered back in the loudest way....scoring goals and dominating the field play 

The second quarter began with Will Passavia scoring an unassisted goal from the left side. Brett Raboy scored on a nice feed from Matt Monfett. Derrick Pruess scored unassisted.  Northport Added two goals in the quarter to go into half-time 7-3 Melville.

The second half saw complete domination by the Patriots.  There was a flurry of goals scored quickly in the third quarter. Biel (unassisted), Preuss (two goals), Casino (from Monfett), Mayer, and Matt Monfett.  The Patriots went on to finish the scoring with Nick Mayer converting the "hat trick" and "Big" Cole Ferraro scoring in the last minute. The final score was 15-5.

The game was not perfect...with some slips on the turf, marking errors, and errant passes that contributed to some of Northport's 5 goals. But, on balance, the Patriots played hard for forty minutes, not wanting to offer easy goals. They played with pride and scored goals from all positions, not giving their opponent an opportunity to settle on any defensive scheme that might slow them down. Too many looks, too many weapons, and a lot of heart.

Midfielder Nick Mayer had a great game scoring 3 goals with some very effective field play.  Melville's Drew Casino controlled his face-offs missing only one on the day to a procedure call. Derrick Preuss and Matt Monfett scored their multiple goals off of different looks than in some previous games (they are very difficult to defend). The balance of the scoring came from the midfield with one each from Brett Raboy, Willy Passavia, Drew Casino, and Chris Biel.

Keep working hard. Go Patriots!!

STATISTICS