Garden City, N.Y. – Monday, November 1, 2010 – It was Friday, October 29th – just two days before Halloween. Waldorf’s Boys Varsity Soccer team traveled north to the Portledge School in Locust Valley, N.Y. and served up a few “tricks” against the undefeated Long Island Lutheran High School (LuHi) giving their enthusiastic fans and friends a ton of “treats.”

Waldorf’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team – accompanied by a strong contingent of 125+ students, parents, faculty, and staff – were rewarded with a 2-0 win over LuHi to capture the 2010 Independent Private and Parochial Schools Athletic League (IPPSAL) Division 1 Soccer Championship. “For the second time in three years,” said Paul LeSueur, Waldorf’s athletic director and boys varsity soccer coach, “the League Cup is back in our hands!”

LeSueur’s first “trick” of the Halloween weekend was to reposition senior Michael Escribano – the leading scorer for the team and the league – from his usual front-striker spot to the back sweeper position. Michael’s brother, freshman Peter Escribano, was also moved up front as one of Waldorf’s strikers along with sophomore speedster Orin Pearce. Freshmen Axel Epie also saw plenty of action at striker.

The next “trick” was to shut out LuHi’s top three goal scorers with some outstanding defensive marking by senior co-captain Deni Carmon. His classmates, outside back Ian Gagot, covered man-to-man on LuHi’s leading goal scorer, and Sean Proctor shadowed LuHi’s midfield player. “The entire team executed the game plan to perfection,” saie LeSueur “and LuHi could never find their rhythm.”

“With 15-minutes gone in the first half and Waldorf putting all sorts of pressure on LuHi’s defense, we finally got the opening we sought,” said LeSueur. Senior defensive midfielder Sun Sarnkingthong took a loose ball from about 14-yards-out and struck the ball past LuHi’s goalkeeper setting-off a well deserved celebration.

Senior goalkeeper Cristian Longoria was on top form for the game. He and classmate Michael Escribano played like seasoned field generals putting the defensive “lock on the door.” Sophomore outside left fullback, Caleb Yuan, again showed his resiliency keeping things quiet on the left flank.

The LuHi defenders were constantly chasing Waldorf and could not deal with the speed and agility of senior right-halfback Seaton White who kept providing beautiful crosses to Waldorf’s forwards. Senior co-captain Costa Trikas – who has seen plenty of action as a combination midfield striker – was too much for LuHi throughout the game.

With about 15-minutes left to play, Trikas scored a goal on a great solo run that started about 35-yards out from LuHi’s goal. Trikas’s shot to the left post beat the LuHi goalie and helped seal the game.

When the final whistle blew, Waldorf had won the cup and a slew of dedicated fans, family, and friends charged the field to congratulate the players. Said Susan Braun, Waldorf’s School Administrator, “It was so wonderful to have our students, faculty, and parents there, embracing each other, and relishing in this hard fought victory for our entire Waldorf community!”

The final “treat” of the afternoon was the presentation of the winner’s plaque and the IPPSAL Championship Cup by league president Phil Hills to Waldorf’s Tri-Captains: Sean Proctor, Deni Carmon, and Costa Trikas. “The cheers went up louder than ever,” said Braun. “It was a great day!”

Later that afternoon, the team received the good news that they had qualified to play in the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Tournament – receiving an “outbracketed-seed” that has them playing against Staten Island Academy this Wednesday, November 3rd, at 2:30 p.m. The kick-off will take place at Adelphi University’s Motamed Field (South Avenue, Garden City, NY, 11530).

Photos courtesy of Deanna Bertini.

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