Playing in their first indoor tournament in over 2 years the POB Cyclones rode a 2 win, 1 loss & 1 tie performance to a 3rd place finish in the 7 team bracket. Aside from a short stretch in the 3rd game in which the North Babylon Red Lightning was able to score twice, the Cyclone effort was flawless. Diana was awesome in net, stunning the crowd with both spectacular and routine stops on the way to a 3 shut out day & a well deserved Goalkeeper of the Tournament honor. This was a complete effort by the Cyclones. Game 1 vs the North Babylon Blitz, a team that swept the Cyclones 3 years earlier in this same event was controlled by the Cyclones, but remained scoreless until the final tics of the clock when Kiera, who was outstanding all day, pounced on a rebound to give the girls the W. Game 2 vs North Babylon White Lightning was eerily similar to the first game with one major exception, the score. With the familiar figure of #18 on the left side it was only going to be a matter of time before the goals started coming. Dana's cameo return for this event was highlighted by her 2 goals in this game. The victory was punctuated by a goal from Ariel whose persistence was rewarded leading the Cyclones to 3-0 victory. Game 3 was a see-saw affair. After falling behind by 1 the Cyclones battled back to tie it on a gritty, never give up effort by Anna L, who was truly a force the entire tournament. The girls then took the lead on a shot that can only be described as "cracking" as Jessica "J-Lay" drilled a one time laser beam past a stunned keeper from the middle of the field. To their credit the White Lightning never quit and were able to pull off an upset with 2 goals late in the game. The opponents for game 4 needed no introduction, they were the newest rival on the Cyclone radar, the NHP Cheshire Cats. The previous contests with the cats had resulted in a win, a tie & a loss for both teams in what have become physical battles unlike the Cyclones have been involved with before. Despite a thorough domination of the game the pesky cats kept the Cyclones off the board, resulting in a 0-0 tie. For the Cyclones a 3rd place finish in a 7 team tournament was something to cheer about, the best indoor tournament finish in team history. Great teamwork, passing and a commitment to competing were all keys to the result. As has been the case throughout the winter Ravid was the glue in the middle of the field, while Jordan & Deniz did whatever was needed to get the job done.
Congrats to all the girls, they played outstanding. Despite having to endure one of their coaches and his questionable decision making and the other coaches questionable dance moves.
Special thanks to Dana & Jessica for joining us for the event, we couldn't have won without you.
When the spring season ended and it became apparent that we were going to lose 4 original Cyclones I have to admit that I was very concerned about our future. My first worry was would we even have a team for the fall season. My second worry was if were able to put together a team would we be competitive. After all we had won only one game in the spring and scored only a handful of goals. How could we possibly compete after a season like that and then losing 4 players that we counted on so much for scoring, defense and goalkeeping?
I am very thankful for the Cyclone team we have right now, the great group of players and parents that make this such a pleasure to be a part of. In honor of my favorite holiday, I wanted to say thank you to each player individually, by uniform number, because it’s easier for me.
#2 Ariel- Thank you for your tireless effort on defense, I think you even gained a step this season. All the while playing with determination every game and always smiling! Not such an easy task with Dad on the sidelines coaching.
#4 Ravid- Thank you for raising the level of play of our entire team with your understanding of how to play the game, your passing ability, your all around skill & scoring touch. Your willingness to play physical is more than just an added bonus.
#5 Kathleen- as the saying goes “you’ve come a long way baby”! I am especially proud of your desire to play and your willingness to not only compete for the ball, but win the battle. Thank you for giving 100%.
#6 Deniz- It’s been a long road from watching your sister and the rest of the Cyclones play a few seasons ago to being put into the most difficult position on the field, maybe the most difficult position in the entire age group even when you may not always feel like, Thank you for your unselfish commitment.
#7 Olivia- Thank you for having the courage to come back to soccer after years away, it is something that lots of kids and adults should try no matter what the activity. You not only improved each week on the field, but you also added so much to the team with your personality and presence.
#8 Sevinc- Thanks for coming back and trying out again, I should have taken you the first time, skirt or no skirt. Your natural instinct for the game is truly remarkable. You aggressiveness and attitude are an added bonus.
#10 Kiera- You are a great addition to the team and a key reason that we ended up taking a step forward this season, not backwards. It’s not just the strong leg and hustle that you bring to every game, but the mature positive attitude & big smile you bring with you. Thanks for helping us improve.
#14 Anna- You may be the most courageous Cyclone. From the time we started in 2nd grade to now you have improved every season. It’s time to take credit for stepping up to the challenge each season and turning yourself into a good soccer player. Thank you for the effort every game.
#15 Marissa- is the only Cyclone in team history to never ask to come out of a game. Your dedication to the team has always been first rate no matter where the coaches ask you to play. Getting a Rabbi to say POB Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah earns you special recognition and a special place in this coach’s heart. Thanks for your dedication.
#17 Jordan- Yes you probably get your name yelled out the most of any player, but you are always going to be (my apologies to the rest of the girls) my favorite player. As you’ve improved, you have done a great job with the added responsibility of playing sweeper. Thanks for giving me a thrill every time you touch the ball.
#20 Lisa- No other player symbolizes what can happen when they work their hardest on the field than you. Our leading goal scorer this season you put yourself in the right place at the right time to score some very timely and important goals for the team. An excellent job mentioning the Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah will pay you dividends for sure. Thanks for giving us your best.
#21 Diana- With your arrival this August the Cyclones gained something they had been missing for sometime, along with your enthusiasm, leg strength, foot skills, a great smile & confidence; you also brought that swagger that lets other teams know they had a battle on their hands every time they stepped on the field.
#23 Jenna- No Cyclone player has inspired more post game comments by the opposing coach or referee than you. They are always amazed at your courage, toughness and grit. It’s not news to anyone on our team we’ve gotten used to all that. What is news is that you do it every game, every season, with a beaming smile and genuine enthusiasm. Mentioning the Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah earned you some serious brownie points.
#25 Alexa-There is no Neutral, Reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear in your engine just OVERDRIVE! They say some players give 100%, the ones who play harder they say give 110%. I say you always gives 111%. Thanks for always leaving everything you have out on the field, even if it means carrying you off it every once in a while.
#26 Anna- You have been the quiet leader on the field since day one. At the same time you are always modest, focused and determined.There is no doubt who has played the most minutes of any player in Cyclone history. Thank you for giving your all for every one of those minutes.
#42 Rachel- no other player in team history has been able to play all 4 positions on the field as well as you. You have been able to score on offense. You’ve shown your speed and skill in the midfield. You may not love it, but you play a solid defense. Finally, you’ve proven yourself to be one of the Cyclones top athletes by playing solid in goal. Thanks for your willingness to do whatever you’re asked and do it well.
With the addition of Diana V the Cyclones have once again reached the 16 player roster mark. Diana who will wear #21 this season joins the Cyclones after playing for Hicksville the past few seasons. Although a skilled keeper and defender the Cyclones plan to use Diana in many different roles this season. Diana joins Kiera, Sevinc & Olivia as the newest team members.
For the 3rd time the Cyclones have been honored for their sportsmanship. The girls finished just 4 points behind a deserving Syosset Infinity team to place second in the division for sportsmanship. The 396 points earned was good enough to qualify the Cyclones for their 2nd Chevron, their 1st Silver. This is not just about the girls, it is about the parents & coaches as well.
The Cyclones will be returning to Division 7W for the Fall season. There are several other teams returning that the Cyclones had some tight games with including the Syosset Infinity, Plainedge Fury & NHP Cheshire Cats. The other teams in the division are Hewlett-Lawrence, Little Neck, NHP Lady Leopards & CSH Firecrackers. The season schedule can be found on this website in early September. The Cyclones bid farewell to 2 former opponents who folded after the Spring, the Syosset Dynamite & Floral Park Mahicans.
The Cyclones are excited to announce the arrival of 3 new players for the fall season, Kiera, Sevinc & Olivia. After losing 4 players following the spring, the Cyclones concerns about their future were alleviated by the 3 new arrivals. Kiera a player with travel experience from neighboring Bethpage will wear #10. Olivia returning to soccer after taking a break from a solid intramural career will wear #7. Sevinc, who despite the lack of experience ,had a strong showing at the tryout will wear #8. All 12 returning Cyclones and their families are excited and grateful to have all 3 players join the family.
The POB Cyclones have announced their 2009 Hall of Fame inductees and it is a true star studded cast. The 4 original Cyclones will also be the first players in team history to have their uniform numbers retired. That means that no future Cyclones will ever wear the #18, #21, #22 & #24, a fitting tribute to 4 players who have meant so much to the team. The Hall of Fame also welcomes it's first adult member as Lon becomes the first coach to be enshrined. Click on the POB Cyclones Hall of Fame link on the right to read more about the inductions of Dana, Lisa, Jamie, Maureen & Lon.
Cyclone parent and club Secretary Sandy Rosenstein was honored at the annual LIJSL dinner as the POB Soccer Club Volunteer of the year for 2009. It is a well desrved honor for a person that has dedicated his time and efforts to our community for the past 8 years. Sandy is running unopposed for club president in June. We are excited to support him and know that he will bring the great passion, organization and fairness he has always demonstrated to that position.
The Cyclones will begin their 8th season as a team on March 22nd. The team will hit a milestone on March 29th playing our 100th game as a team, a nice accomplishment. It should be a challenging, but fun season.
March 22nd 9:00 AM vs Syosset Dynamite at Home (Waldbaums Cup) March 29th 12:30 PM vs NHP Lady Leopards at Home April 5th 11:00 AM vs Port Washington Jaguars at Home April 26th 11:00 AM at Levittown LunaChics May 3rd 12:20 PM vs NHP Cheshire Cats at Home May 10th 10:30 AM at Rockville Centre Blasters May 17th 3:50 PM vs Mineola Tigers at Home May 31st 9:00 AM vs Syosset Infinity at Home June 7th 12:00 PM at Plainedge Fury June 14th 3:30 PM at Floral Park Mahicans (followed by a bbq)
The Cyclones finished off the 16 game indoor season with a 2 game sweep of the HBC Fury Saturday afternoon at Coindre Hall. Rachel T playing her 2nd full game in goal remained unbeaten and picked up her first shutout in a 4-0 win in the first game. Offensively the Cyclones were led by Jordan who supported her friend in goal by scoring her first 2 goals of the indoor season. The Cyclones also received a goal each from the Xrossfire Connection of Emily & Lauren to complete the victory.
Game 2 saw the unlikely tandem of Anna & Ravid split the goaltending duties in a 5-1 win. Before going in goal Ravid began the scoring, then Marissa scored twice in a game for the first time in her Cyclone career, Deniz scored her 3rd goal of the season on a great pass from Emily and Emily reached double figures when she scored her 10th goal.
The Cyclones came within 1 goal of qualifying for the playoffs after tying Syosset 1-1 the week before. With no subs the girls had built a 1-0 lead on a goal by Lauren S. But the shorthanded Cyclones couldn't hold on to the lead as they tired in the second half settling for a 1-1 tie when they needed a win.
All in all a fun and competitive indoor season. The Cyclones finished with a 7-8-1 record. Included in the 7 wins were big victories over the eventual champ Elwood Spirit 4-1 and eventual 2nd place finisher South Huntington 2-1, both U-14 teams. The team got great performances on all sides of the ball from longtime Cyclones Ariel, Deniz, Ravid, Marissa, Anna, Jordan, Lisa & Rachel. The team benifitted greatly during the winter break getting outstanding efforst in cameo appearances from Dana, Jenna & Alexa. Enough cannot be said about the contributions recieved from 4 members or the POB Xrossfiire. Gabby B & Rachel S came by 1 time each to not only help the Cyclones avoid a forfeit, but to help lead the team to victory. A major contributor from the Xrossfire was Lauren S. Lauren bailed the Cyclones out week in and week out by not only playing a superb defense, but by scoring some big goals as well. Finally, thanks to Emily who had asked to play with the Cyclones for the winter and was among the league leaders in goals scored througout the season. Emily not only found the net 10 times, but set up her teammates a bunch of times as well.
Thanks to all the parents for a great season and workig together to get the girls to and from the games!
The Cyclones swept their first two games of the year for the second year in a row beating the HBC Fury & Elwood Spirit 6-0 & 4-1. Game one featured a dominant performance by the Cyclones who went into possession mode midway through the second half. The game featured 3 exciting firsts. Ravid who plays an outstanding midfield and stopper outdoors opened the scoring with her first indoor goal, her first goal since returning to the team and her first Cyclones goal since October 14, 2006. Then it was Emily's turn to take over the game scoring 2 goals to end the first half giving the Cyclones a 3-0 halftime lead. Emily then completed her first Cyclone hat-trick with a goal to open up a 4-0 lead. Finally, it was Deniz's turn. Deniz who has played in over 50 games mostly on defense, midfield and most recently in goal scored not just her first goal, but her first 2 goals to help clinch the 6-0 win in game one. Once again the Cyclones benefitted from their relationship with the Xrossfire. This time it was Gabby B who stepped in and had 2 huge games. The defense of Gabby, Jordan, Ariel & Lisa was airtight and flawless.
Game 2 was a rematch between the Cyclones and the Elwood Spirit who had shutout the Cyclones back in week one. There would be no shut out in this game. The Spirit came out strong, but it was the Cyclones day. It was 1-1 at halftime with Dana scoring the Cyclones goal. Late in the first half Deniz made a great save...with her face. She was willing to stay in, but with the blood starting to flow she had to replaced by Lisa who shutout the Spirit the rest of the way. Meanwhile Deniz fully recovered and out on the floor set up Emily with a beautiful pass to give the Cyclones a 3-1 lead. Then it was Dana's turn. Hobbled by a toe injury Dana scored the final goal of the game icing the 4-1 win. It was only the Spirits second loss of the season. Dana's final goal was her 60th a tremendous accomplishment. It was her 5th career hat-trick and the 13th time she has scored 2 or more goals in a game.
The Cyclones have won 3 of their last 4 game and are an even 4 and 4 on the season.
A makeshift Cyclones lineup went into Coindre Hall for week three of the 8 week indoor season. With 5 regulars missing from the lineup the Cyclones dug a bit deeper into their roster to make up for the players who could not be there. The Cyclones also picked up another player on loan from the POB Xrossfire to fill out the team. The combination of Dana, Alexa, Jenna & Lauren teamed up with indoor staples Ariel, Deniz, Jordan, Emily & Lisa S and shocked the U-14 South Huntington Red Storm 2-1 in the opener. As they have countless times before the Cyclones benefited from Dana’s offense to take a 1-0 lead. It was Dana’s 23rd indoor goal scored in her 23rd indoor game. Then it was the Xrossfire connection of Emily & Lauren combining to give the upset minded Cyclones the 2-0 halftime lead on Emily’s second goal of the season. The Red Storm threw everything they had at the girls in the 2nd half and were able to pull within 2-1. But, Deniz was too sharp and made the big saves in the final minutes to preserve the win.
In the 2nd game of the day the Cyclones took another crack at the Elwood Mias who had beaten them 4-1 the previous week. This time things looked different as Lisa S, playing great positional defense stepped up and drilled home the first goal of the game to give the Cyclones the 1-0 halftime advantage. Despite the continued strong play the Mias came back strong in the second half to win the game 3-1.
With 2 wins in their last 4 the Cyclones are currently occupying 4th place and the final playoff spot with 5 weeks to go.
It took 2 weeks and 4 games but the Cyclones got into the win column on a snowy Saturday afternoon at Coindre Hall. At game time in the first game the Cyclones had only 5 players ready to go against the D4 bound Elwood Mias, Jordan, Rachel, Ravid, Deniz & Emily. In a classy move the Elwood coach removed his extra player to even things out. The Cyclones kept things close and had their chances but were still in search of their first indoor goal at half time of this their third game. Trailing 3-0 in the second half and with 6 players on the field, Marissa arrived midway through the first half. The Cyclones scored what might have been their prettiest goal ever as 4 players combined to give the girls their first goal of the indoor season. Ravid cleared the ball up from defense where Marissa one timed a pass to Emily on the wing. Emily then sent a perfect centering pass to Rachel whose one timer beat the Elwood keeper who was unable to even get a hand on it. It was a Tic-Tac-Toe combination goal that was worth the trip in the icy conditions. With the arrival of Anna the Cyclones had a full roster with no subs for the 2nd game of the back to back matches. Although they were tired the Cyclones completely dominated the HBC Fury, out shooting them by a wide margin throughout the game. It wasn’t until late in the second half when Emily finally converted to give the Cyclones a 1-0 advantage and their first victory of the indoor season. It was a fun and exciting afternoon as the short-handed Cyclones stepped up and played very well against a strong Elwood team. Then even though they were tired the girls played their best game of the 4 so far in the 1-0 win over HBC.
It was a perfect fall afternoon and the Cyclones were not dressed in their sparkling home whites or in their striking road blacks. But they were sparkling and striking nonetheless as they were on hand to celebrate Dana becoming a Bat-Mitzvah!
Dana did an outstanding job at her service, surpassing her many great Cyclone performances.
Going into what should be a tough indoor league this winter the Cyclones have added some punch to the roster. The Cyclones have signed Emily K (aka Bam-Bam) on loan from the POB Xrossfire for the winter season. Bam Bam has been a fixture on the U-12 Xrossfire since their inagural season in 2006. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Cyclones finished out the fall season against the Smithtown Freedom at the Field of Dreams. It was another short handed Cyclone roster in a season where the girls had learned that it's not who is missing that matters, but who is there. The girls put forth one of their best efforts of the season going toe to toe with one of the division favorites. In the end it was a penalty shot goal that gave the Freedom a 1-0 win.
The Cyclones closed out the fall with a 4 win, 4 loss record. The record does not tell the whole story as the girls could have very easily won 6 or 7 games. The constant shortage of players may work out to benefit the Cyclones in the long run. Many girls showed their versatility by not only playing different positions, but excelling at them.
The Cyclones will take 9 players to Coindre Hall for what should be an exceedingly challenging and fun winter indoor league.
For the first and last time in the fall season the Cyclones dressed and played all 16 players in Sunday's early morning wind chill bowl in Dix Hills. After 8 weeks and 7 games the Cyclones welcomed Lisa S back from a broken arm, so you knew the defense would be strong. For Alexa the matchup with the Dix Hills Demons would be a camp reunion of sorts with several Camp Wah-Nee buddies on the opposing team. Alexa carried the Cyclone offense in the 2-0 win scoring both goals, 1 in each half. It was Alexa's 2nd multi goal game and the Cyclones 3rd victory in tries vs the Demons.
The Cyclones were rewarded last night by the LIJSL for their 1st Place finish in Sportsmanship during the spring season. 13 Cyclones were on hand to enjoy the Ice Cream, Soda & Accolades.
No the Cyclones did not beat themselves, which is not unheard of. This time it is the POB Cyclones beating the Cold Spring Harbor (CSH) Cyclones. Rarely has the prospect of a victory looked dimmer than it did on Sunday morning as the POB Cyclones missing 3 of their 4 regular defensive starters traveled to CSH for a 9:00 AM start. Compounding matters for POB was the fact that 6 of the 12 players dressing were cited for breaking the 11:00 PM curfew by attending a Bat-Mitzvah the night before most not arriving back at their homes until 1:30 in the morning. With the rain streaming down during the ride to CSH, it looked like the bleary eyed Cyclones might catch a break and get a rain out. But the weather would not cooperate and the rain stopped just in time for kick-off. As things turned out the girls from POB were ready after all and took the play to CSH from the opening kick. After taking the ball in the chest and being assisted off the field the gutty Rachel T was ready moments later to blast home a ball that Dana put off the post to give the Cyclones a lead that they would not relinquish. POB would continue to control the play in the second half when Dana would score her 1st of 2 goals on the day on a gorgeous feed from Marissa to make it 2-0. To their credit the "other" Cyclones did not quit and with Alexa down in the box with an injury CHS capitalized as the ref allowed play to continue and scored to make it a 1 goal game. But, an illegal pass back to the keeper by CSH gave POB an indirect kick in the box. Jenna's subtle tap left the ball for Dana to deposit in the far corner thus icing the victory. The win put the POB Cyclones in a virtual tie for 1st place at the Columbus Day break, the latest that the Cyclones have held that position since the fall of 2006, their first season. After the game the coaching staff announced that there would be no players suspended for breaking the curfew at the Bat-Mitzvah the night before and are now actually encouraging the girls to stay out later.
