Nassau Boys Soccer Finals: A Halloween Showdown

The Nassau Boys Soccer Finals represent a unique twist on trick-or-treating this Halloween night.

This season’s Class AAA finale features the defending champions, Syosset, facing off against the sixth-seeded Helix, which last claimed a championship back in 2005.

“I think it’s about time we bring that trophy home—it’s been 20 years,” Helix head coach Adriana Mendrinos shared after her team secured a 1-0 win over Port Washington in the semifinals.

With emotion in her voice, Mendrinos admitted, “I was holding my breath… and then the tears just started to flow.” The team’s journey has been tough, especially after winning only two games last year, making this moment feel particularly sweet.

Seizing Opportunity

The Highlanders’ resurgence can be attributed to a strong senior class, led by Mendrinos, who joined the varsity squad as a ninth-grader and is now seen as pivotal for the program’s future.

“They’ve really grasped my expectations from the beginning,” she mentioned.

In a reflective moment, senior center midfielder Robert Profeta recalled a time when he felt that “we were probably the biggest joke in the county” after being brought up as a freshman.

“This program has really changed dramatically… We’ve all committed ourselves fully,” he said.

That commitment is contributing to the confidence in goalkeeper Brayden Haase, who has impressively kept a clean sheet for four consecutive games.

“Playing behind the backline is everything to me,” Haase said, noting he stepped into the goalkeeper role in 10th grade due to team needs.

His determination shines through. “I have no plans of letting any goals slip by me,” he asserted.

Striker Saif Khan, who netted the winning goal with under ten minutes left in the semifinals, emphasizes the team’s grit, which has pushed Helix to elevate its game despite past struggles.

“It’s the same group, just with a different mindset. Everyone’s really stepping up,” the junior stated.

“Winning the championship would mean so much; it’s a great way to cap off our high school careers and put Helix back on the map,” he added.

Chasing Glory

Syosset is determined to fend off Helix and secure back-to-back titles. They narrowly edged out Oceanside with a 1-0 victory in double overtime during their semifinal.

“I just kept thinking, ‘This isn’t a penalty shootout; this ends here,’” recalled senior co-captain Xavier Paltz, who scored the decisive goal with just under four minutes remaining.

“I could barely speak; I was overwhelmed with excitement,” he shared about the moment.

Coach Brett Waxer stressed the importance of not resting on last year’s achievements, emphasizing that this team is not taking anything for granted as they approach the final.

“The players are eager and ready for this challenge,” Waxer noted, mentioning strong support from alumni who care deeply about the team’s success.

Syosset is aware that Helix is a serious contender, especially after suffering a 2-0 defeat to them in September.

“When we faced them earlier, we didn’t play like ourselves,” said co-captain and senior midfielder Cole Maguire.

“Teamwork is crucial; that’s what we need to improve,” he added, underlining the shift in strategy they’re implementing.

One tradition the Syosset players are sticking to is their pregame stop at Frantoni’s in Woodbury for pizza.

“Maybe we’re a little superstitious,” chuckled center midfielder Jake Dapis, who is also a co-captain.

With ominous weather predicted for Halloween, it’s understandable why Maguire remains committed to his well-loved Sicilian slice from the corner.

“This isn’t a corner. We’re stepping up our game,” he quipped.

Regardless of personal preferences in food, a win come Friday night would be monumental for either team.

“This is our final shot, so we want to make it count,” Dapis stated on behalf of the trio of captains, who have been with Syosset since 10th grade.

Haase from Helix also has a fierce message: “Get ready, because Helix is here to make a splash.”