Port Jefferson SC defeated Albany FC, 4-1, to capture the U-23 ENYSSA title. (Photo courtesy of LISFL)
By David Harris
Special to FronxRowSoccer.com
HICKSVILLE, N.Y. – Port Jefferson SC continued its dominance in the Long Island Soccer Football by winning the league’s Under-23 tournament before following that by winning the ENYSSA U-23 final over Albany FC, 4-1, Sunday.
James Hayes, Simon-Peter Omooba, Dennis Bocanegra, and Vince Erdei led the way with a goal each for Port Jefferson SC to win its first Eastern New York State Soccer Association U-23 championship.
Manager Craig Korobow and head coach Al Meneses brought a team comprised mainly of players from Suffolk County up to LaGrangeville, N.Y. to represent the LISFL in the annual Final, which brings together the champions from the other U-23 leagues. This year, Albany FC won the Eastern District Soccer League’s U-23 tournament, which meant it would provide the opposition for a Port Jefferson SC team that has been in dominant form throughout the summer.
Port Jefferson was undefeated throughout the group stage of the tournament with a 5-0-1 record. The team defeated Dix Hills Elite, SUSA ISA, Southamption FC Colonials, East Islip Impact and Brentwood Long Island Thunder before a 1-1 tie with Smithtown Arsenal.
In the playoffs, Port Jefferson defeated Oceanside Empire State 8-7 on penalty kicks. The side then defeated PDB Academy, 2-1, B.W. Gottschee 6-4 on penalty kicks, and in a final dubbed as an “instant classic” by LISFL president Gus Xikis, defeated Rosedale Super Eagles, 4-3. Mosiah Whyte and River Seybolt each scored twice for Port Jefferson in the final.
“There were many times that Port Jefferson could have been eliminated in the playoffs,” Xikis said. “They’re a very talented team though and that along with their heart carried them through each time.”
“Port Jefferson are on a terrific run. They’ve either won or been in contention for just about every competition they’ve played in over the last several years, particularly within the league. If they continue on this pace, we’ll be able to compare them with the best clubs in our league’s history such as Glen Cove and New York Irish Rovers.”
