Two teams remain from the 14-team Long Island contingent that competed in the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships
this weekend in Lancaster, PA. The Smithtown Arsenal will contend for the Boys U14 championship, and the Albertson Red 98 Fury will play in the Girls U12 championship final on Tuesday morning.
The Smithtown boys outscored their opponents from Maryland and New Hampshire, 5-1 in the first two games of pool play over the weekend before tying the team from NJ, 1-1. In Monday’s semi-finals, they defeated Vermont, 6-1 to advance to Tuesday’s final against Manhattan at 10 am.
"We have played this team before and we are very evenly matched," said coach Dan McDonnell. "We beat them in the State Cup, but we are battling injuries now. We like to play ground and pound, so speed of play will be key."
The Albertson girls dominated, defeating teams from New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Delaware in pool play and accumulating a +6 goal differential. In Monday’s semi-final against Connecticut they pitched another shutout, winning 2-0. Tuesday’s final takes place at 10:45 am against New Jersey.
"We only have 12 players who can go right now," said coach Joe Gambino. "So we have to play smart and keep possession. that will be important for us."
Region I champions qualify for the US Youth Soccer National Championships being held in Phoenix, AZ at the end of July. For full details on the Region I competitions click here.