It was March 27th 2010 about 10 minutes into the season opener against Syosset that Amanda made her Cyclones debut. It took about 10 more minutes before she launched a rocket from about 35 yards out into the top corner of the Syosset net. It was then that we knew Amanda was something special. For almost a full calender year the Cyclones have had the pleasure of watching Amanda's combination of grace, power and skill. She has not only helped the Cyclones to there strongest stretch ever, but helped her teammates lift their game. Her time as a Cyclone culminated in an outstanding 12 goal performance in leading the Cyclones to their 1st First place finish ever at the Andy Desperito Indoor Tournament in Bellport. We wish her the best of luck and success in her return to the XP. Here are the numbers in 25 games
- 26 Goals (2nd in team history) - 8 Multiple Goal Games - One 4 goal game - Three 3 goal games Most important in games that Amanda played the Cyclones had... 12 Wins 9 Losses 4 Ties
It has taken 205 games, over 5 ½ years, 26 players, 4 coaches, 4 trainers and strangely enough 13 tournaments for the Cyclones to win their first tournament. That’s what happened this Friday night. At approximately 9:44 PM the whistle blew to end the 5th and final game for the Cyclones at the 2011 Andy Desperito Tournament in Bellport. The Cyclones exited the gym with a 4-0 win, their 4th straight win to clinch first place. After a 2-2 tie to open up the evening the Cyclones went on to dominate the rest of the event outscoring their opponents 16 to 2 in the final 4 games. The evening was a showcase for Amanda. Amanda, playing in her last event as a Cyclone had scored the lone 2 goals in the 1st game and would go on to leave her stamp on the event. Following the 2-2 tie with Mattituck the Cyclones faced a familiar old foe in the Plainedge Magic. The Cyclones had not beaten the Magic since October of 2005, but this night was different. Amanda scored 3 times, Jordan scored once and Marissa finished a great individual effort by Rachel to lead POB to a resounding 5-1 win. The Cyclones continued to roll in Game 3 vs the Bellport Phantoms. Amanda had 2 more goals, while Dana and Jordan added the other 2. Meanwhile Diana, who was by far the best keeper in the tournament, recorded her 1st shutout of the night in a 4-0 win. Game 4 was the most physical game of the night as the Bellport Blaze targeted Amanda, the Cyclones main threat. But the Blaze would learn what so many teams who have faced the Cyclones in the past year have learned, that Amanda not only wouldn’t be intimidated, but could give back more than she would get. The game was scoreless for the 1st 6 minutes, but in the final 8 minutes the Cyclones would get 2 more goals from Amanda and another one from both Jordan and Dana cruising to a 4-1 win. As the whistle was about to blow to begin the Cyclones final game of the tournament Amanda was reminded from the sideline that this was her final game as a Cyclone. Amanda smiled, waved and went on to score once in the 1st minute and 2 more times in the next 2 minutes to lead the Cyclones to an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Ravid’s bomb from the defensive end and Diana’s great goal keeping iced the tournament clinching 4-0 win. Amanda’s goal scoring and Diana’s Goaltending were an obvious advantage but this was truly more than that. Every Cyclone in attendance played well. Ravid was outstanding on defense while Dana and Jordan chipped in 5 goals combined. Ariel, Deniz, Danielle, Jordan, Marissa & Rachel all played an excellent midfield, helping limit the opposition to 4 goals all night. Due to the tournament rules the Cyclone roster was limited to 10 players, but this first 1st place finish belongs to all members of the Cyclone family, not just the 10 players in attendance. This victory also belongs to current Cyclones Kiera, Anna N, Lisa, Jenna, Alexa and Anna L. It belongs to Coach Rich who could not be there and Coach Lon. The current Cyclones would also like to share this victory with former Cyclones Kathleen, Olivia, Elena, Sevinc, Kristen, Maureen, Jamie, Lisa S, Sabrina and both Emily’s!
On September 12th the Cyclones begin their 11th season together. Over the past 3 seasons the Cyclones have gone from being on the verge of extinction to fielding their strongest team ever. This fall the dark horse Cyclones look to build on the success they had in the spring and challenge for their 1st ever division title.
To reach the peak of Division 6W the Cyclones will have to grab points off of a couple of teams that have given them trouble over the years in Jericho & Cold Spring Harbor. Beyond that the girls will have to be on their best when they face friendly old rivals from Rockville Centre & Levittown, while taking care of business against Plainedge. This season there are two New Hyde Park teams to deal with, the Lady Leopards and the chippy, scrappy arch rival Cheshire Cats.
Fall 2010 Schedule
12-Sepvs RVC Blasters6:00pm @ Field of Dreams in Massapequa
26-Sep at Levittown Pride 1:20pm
3-Oct vs CSH United 6:00pm @ Field of Dreams in Massapequa
17-Oct atJericho Force2:10pm
24-Oct vs NHP Cheshire Cats 10:00am @ POB Travel Field B
31-Oct atNHP Lady Leopards 10:30am
7-Nov vs Plainedge Fury6:00pm @ Field of Dreams in Massapequa
14-Nov at RVC Blasters 3:00pm
21-Nov vs Levittown Pride 12:40pm @ POB Travel Field B
For the 3rd season in a row the Cyclones have bolstered their roster. A year ago it was the dynamic defensive duo of Kiera & Diana. Last season the Cyclones added the divisions best player, Amanda & most prolific scorer , Dana. This season they've done it again. The addition of Danielle C. from the June tryouts gives the Cyclones an experienced forward and midfielder from West Babylon. From the preseason scrimmages the chemistry between Danielle and her teammates has been very evident. Danielle will wear #27.
It was another strong performance by the Cyclones as they fought until the final whistle playing the RVC Blasters to a 1-1 tie on Saturday afternoon. The 3rd place Blasters came into the game having won 3 in a row against the Cyclones including an evenly played 2-1 game in April. As they did in April it was the Cyclones grabbing an early lead on Dana's 5th goal of the season. Dana's goal was the result of both Rachel & Jenna fighting to keep the ball in and push it up the wing. Anchored by Kiera, Amanda & both Anna's the Cyclone defense was once again virtually impenetrable. Meanwhile the midfielders, Rachel, Jenna, Jordan, Lisa, Ravid, Marissa & Kathleen did an outstanding job keeping the ball deep in RVC territory feeding Alexa and Dana. The scored remained 1-0 at halftime, but as good teams do the Blasters came out strong in the 2nd half and kept the pressure on until getting the tying goal. With their newly signed teammate observing from the players bench and determined to play for the win the Cyclones turned up the pressure and threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Blasters the rest of the game. There were many chances and many 50/50 battles won by the Cyclones as they gambled with 4 and sometimes 5 forwards pushing for the winning goal. At the same time the Blasters got several breakaways only to be snuffed out by a brilliant performance in goal by Diana. In only her 2nd appearance in net this season Diana was as sharp as she would have been playing all season. Definitely one of the most exciting games we've seen this season. The final score 1-1.
For the Cyclones the final record of 3-3-3 was an indicator of so many positive things. The team played more aggressively and physical than we have ever seen. The camaraderie was once again as good as ever. The maturity and leadership of the girls showed up on the field and on the bench. Here are the numbers... - The 3 losses tie for the lowest in a season with our 1st season - 12 goals allowed in 9 games a team record, congratulations to Deniz and the defense - 4th place finish best ever in team history
Thanks to Lon & Vicki here are the pictures... The 1st one is my favorite!
Pay back is a...pleasure, at least it is for the Cyclones. After going winless in 12 previous games against 3 different Syosset opponents the Cyclones have made it 3 in a row increasing the margin of victory each time. Saturday's 3-0 win at Stillwell fields was the most complete victory the Cyclones have had in some time. From the opening whistle the Cyclones were in control. Goals by Jordan on a breakaway and Alexa off a great cross from Dana gave the girls a comfy 2-0 halftime lead. When Anna L scored on a breakaway off a beautiful pass from Amanda the Syosset Infinity were done. Deniz was tested little on the way to her 5th career shutout as the Cyclone defense once again put the lock down on another opponent.
If ever there was a sign that the Cyclones were turning a corner it was in Saturday May 8th's match up with undefeated, first place Little Neck. Coming into the game the Titans were 5-0, had allowed only 1 goal and were reputed to be the most physical team in the division. At 1-2-1 the Cyclones were hardly considered a threat to a team looking at a perfect record. But, these are not your mothers Cyclones. By halftime Amanda had scored 2 goals against the team that had only allowed 1 in their previous 5 games. Anna L had earned a penalty kick and her first career yellow card, the 2nd by a Cyclone player ever. With the referee swallowing his whistle throughout most of the game and Little Neck's confidence turning into frustration the 2-2 game in the 2nd half got chippy. The Titans could not break through the Cyclones back 8, or Deniz's clutch goalkeeping and started to target the Cyclone goal scorer. After receiving a violent smack across the face and neck while trying to maintain possession Amanda's retaliation earned her a yellow card the Cyclones 2nd of the game and 1 more than they had in the previous 170+ games. The Cyclones showed their mettle in the 2nd half, showing a conviction to fight to the finish as the Titans spent the final minutes appealing to the referee for calls against the more physical Cyclones. It is the first time in Cyclone history that they were not beaten by the eventual division winner.
It was the 10th meeting between the LunaChics and Cyclones. The series dominated in recent series by the Chics has seen its share of close games and this was one of them. The LunaChics got an early goal on a rare foray into Cyclone territory. But other than that and another shot that Deniz made an outstanding save on the game was played in the chics zone. The Cyclones had plenty of opportunities, Amanda wiyh at least 5 or 6 of her own. In the end the Levittown keeper got the shutout despite the Cyclone dominance.
In a short period of time the Cyclones and the Cheshire Cats have built a healthy rivalry and Saturdays game was possibly the best one yet. Both Dana & Anna L scored 1st half goals to give the Cyclones a 2-1 halftime lead. The Cyclones came out strong in the 2nd half and when Anna scored her 2nd goal of the game from over 40 yards out the Cyclones had a 3-1 lead. BUT, as the Cyclones know the Cheshire Cats never quit. The Cats scored 2 late second half goals and almost had a 3rd before the final whistle blew. The 3-3 tie was the 1st in Cyclone History.
The Cyclones, fielding their strongest line-up ever faced an old, yet familiar foe in the RVC Blasters. Things were looking up when Amanda blasted through the RVC defense and scored for the 2nd straight game to give the Cyclones an early lead. But that lead was short lived as the Blasters came right back to tie it up. The Cyclones played well in what was an evenly played match. The only difference a single breakaway that gave RVC the one goal victory.
It’s been a great week for the Cyclones. First and foremost the entire Cyclone family is thrilled to add Amanda and welcome Dana back home. For the 2nd season in a row the Cyclones have been blessed with the addition of talented players who want to play soccer and have fun although not always in that order.
After a great effort in a losing cause vs New Hyde Park on Saturday followed by arguably the worst practice in team history on Thursday, the coaches had no idea what to expect as the Cyclones opened the season by hosting the Syosset Infinity.
What they got was a great team effort, including a dominant second half en route to a solid 2-0 win. Aside from missing 2 key players, you couldn’t have written a better script. All 15 Cyclones competed for the entire 70 minutes. About 10 minutes into the game the 2 newest Cyclones stepped onto the pitch and it wasn’t long before they made their presence felt. At the 22 minute mark Amanda created just enough space to launch a majestic shot from about 30 yards out that snuck in under the crossbar stunning the Syosset keeper and some of her own Cyclone mates to make it a 1-0 game. Syosset fought hard the rest of the half and created several chances that were snuffed out by Deniz and her bend but not break defense.
The 2nd half saw the Cyclones shut down the Syosset offense by applying offensive pressure of their own. That offensive pressure resulted in several corner kicks. Each corner kick came closer and closer to ending up in the net. Finally, Diana looped a perfect corner over the keeper and onto Dana’s reliable left foot and the ball knew exactly where to go. All 15 Cyclones contributed to shutting down the Infinity the rest of the way. With the win the Cyclones have reached the 50 win milestone. It is also only the 3rd time in 10 seasons that they have begun the league season with a victory.
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.
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