Massapequa aims for first state boys soccer title
Brian Nichtern of Massapequa and Alex DiSalvo go after the ball during the Long Island Class AA boys soccer final. (Nov. 10, 2013) Credit: Bob Sorensen
Massapequa seeks its first state title in boys soccer.
A journey that began in August continues Saturday in Middletown when the Chiefs play Monroe-Woodbury in the Class AA state semifinals at 11:15 a.m.
"At this point, we need to come out and continue to play our game at the pace that we play at," coach Keith Stanley said. "Every part of the game, we need to be playing it fast, hard, and a lot of pressure on the ball. Turning mistakes into opportunities. This group, if they're not having fun, we're not playing well. They feed off of each other."
Senior forward Brian Nichtern summed up the Chiefs' season best thus far following Massapequa's 5-1 Long Island title game win over Smithtown West last Sunday at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
"Since the beginning of the season, we've always talked about wanting it more," Nichtern said. "This is a great run we're on that we want to keep going all the way to the state championship. Hopefully, we don't let up."
MASSAPEQUA (14-1-2)
Class AA
Playoffs
Beat Plainview JFK in the Nassau quarterfinals on Oct. 30, 5-1.
Beat Farmingdale in the semifinals on Nov. 3, 1-0.
Beat Syosset in the final on Nov. 6, 2-1.
Beat Smithtown West in the Long Island Championship on Nov. 10, 5-1.
Top players
Brendan Gallivan, senior, midfielder
Dan Vitiello, senior, goalkeeper
Nick Bernhard, senior, forward
John Romano, senior, defender
Chris McGrath, senior, defender
Brian Nichtern, senior, forward
Kevin Mazol, senior, defender
