Blue Devil Boys’ Soccer Knocked from Playoffs
A season that started with such promise late last August ended much too prematurely for the Huntington boys’ soccer team as the Blue Devils were knocked from the Suffolk Class A playoffs by fourth seeded Comsewogue, 3-2.
Huntington trailed at halftime, 1-0 and struggled throughout the game to mount an offensive attack. Comsewogue extended its lead in the second half to an insurmountable 3-0. Senior Matt Scott and junior Nick DiPaola scored for the Blue Devils in the final 12 minutes to make it a one-goal game. Marcelo Guardado recorded 11 saves in goal.
Earlier in the season Huntington (10-5-3) appeared almost invincible, earning a spot in the state rankings. The Blue Devils then hit a rough patch and never really recovered their footing, despite the efforts of head coach John Pagano.
Comsewogue (9-5-2) scored what ultimately proved to be the game winner when Nick Hionas outmaneuvered three Blue Devil defenders to put the ball in the net. The teams split a pair of regular season games.
Despite the playoff loss, the Blue Devils are expected to bounce back and be competitive in league and county play next fall. Huntington will lose 13 seniors to graduation, but eight current juniors and a sophomore will be back. Pagano’s goals will remain the same, namely winning league and Suffolk crowns.
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