BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
Massapequa vs. Hicksville 5:00 p.m. today at Mitchel Athletic Complex
Last season No. 3 Hicksville won the Conference I AA title but, saw its season halted in the second round on penalty kicks. It has itself in position to make a county final appearance, but will have to get through a loaded No. 2 Massapequa squad. Tyler Arnone is the one to watch for Hicksville. The sophomore has eight goals and six assists for team that has only been shutout twice this season. Two of his goals came in a 3-1 win over Massapequa (9-3-3) on September 20. Ryan Reichmann and Jhon Sanchez each have four goals and four assists each. Where Hicksville (8-7-1) will struggle is in controlling Massapequa’s offense. Hicksville can not try to trade goals with a team that beat them 5-0 in its last meeting on October 10. James Diana and Jim Altadonna had three and two goals respectively. Hicksville only has one shut out this year, a 2-0 win over East Meadow. This does not bode well against an 11-goal scorer in Altadonna and Diana and Daniel Thompson, who each have six. Massapequa has out scored opponent’s 12-3 in its last four games. In the end Massapequa’s depth of talent and veteran poise with be too much for Hicksville.
Pick: Massapequa.
Syosset vs. Port Washington, 7:30 p.m.
The late game should be extremely intriguing. Port Washington struggled last season, its nucleus of seniors and a stingy defense helped it earn the top seed and a 12-0-2 record. Port Washington and goalie Joe Gil has an absurd 11 shutouts this season. One of its two ties was against Syosset, 1-1 on October 23. Port Washington won the first meeting 2-0. Stephan Brossard has been Port Washington’s most consistent offensive weapon with 12 goals and five assists, but the team has gotten a spark from Ryan Goldstein who has scored in a goal in the last three games. Syosset (5-6-3) is not an explosive offensive, but does have a serious offensive weapon to contend with in Jon Blank. The onus here falls on the Syosset defense and goalie Scott Kessler to keep the game close. This game has the potential for overtime or a comfortable Port Washington win if they get ahead early. Anything is possible here, but I can’t see Port Washington’s running ending in the semifinals.
Pick: Port Washington