Patchogue-Medford Soccer is known for its large community of players and families, and on Wednesday, October 4th, this community filled Raider Stadium in support of the program. The night was a special one, as the boys’ varsity team held its Senior Night and the girls’ varsity team held its annual “Kicks for Cancer” game.
Playing against a tenacious Riverhead side, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team commended their 16 seniors before the game, having each player walk out onto the field with their family in a touching ceremony.
“The day was an awesome way to recognize all the hard work we’ve put in for the program, all the dedication we’ve had for the last few years,” said Senior Edson Munoz.
Zachary Maggiacomo, another Senior, then added, “Overall, it’s a great day to get our team together and just have fun, remembering how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished.”
The boys’ squad won their match against Riverhead 5-1, with two goals from Junior Ryan Lazaridis and one goal each from Seniors Keith Garcia, Jakob Ortega, and Jason “Suco” Guzman.
“Today is a day to remember since we can honor our older guys and get everyone a chance to play,” Team Captain and Senior Logan Guzik explained. “Getting the win was a huge plus, and we can’t ask for anything more than that.”
This win was momentous not only because it occurred on a day of such celebration, but also because it secured the Raiders their 4th consecutive playoff berth, a record for the program.
Being a part of the varsity squad for each of those four years, Senior and Team Captain Kyle Montalvo feels that this year’s team is one for the books.
“A lot of us have been playing together since we were 7 years old, so getting to fight for a county championship with one another in our senior season is certainly a fantastic send-off,” commented Montalvo.
Hosting Brentwood on October 17th in their final league match before playoffs, the Pat-Med Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team will hope to get their revenge against the squad after losing to them earlier in the season.
Immediately after the boys’ team finished their match, the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team held their annual “Kicks for Cancer” game, in which raffles were sold to raise money for cancer research.
“It’s not just another soccer game,” asserted Senior Kaylee Elliot. “Since so many other schools have an annual ‘Kicks for Cancer’ match, it creates a sense of unity among girls’ soccer teams on Long Island as we join to fight cancer.”
Coach Chris Grieco added, “Since we’ve been doing this annual game for the past 14 years, it’s become a storied tradition for our program, and having a family member that passed away from cancer makes it that much more special for me personally.”
The girls faced off against Sachem North, drawing 1-1 with a goal scored by Junior Olivia Hanley in the first half.
“Though we didn’t get the result we wanted, we got the chance to come together as a team and play for something bigger than ourselves,” stated Senior and Team Captain Sophia Emr.
Senior Lara Granja also mentioned, “Every year, regardless of the final scoreline, the ‘Kicks for Cancer’ game is one of our most rewarding matches knowing that we are playing for a great cause and supporting those in need. Seeing the soccer community come together for it is always an amazing sight.”
Now sitting in 7th place in the first division of LI Girls’ Soccer in Suffolk County with a record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw in the league, the girls’ team can possibly qualify for the postseason with another 3 to 4 victories.
In the coming weeks, both teams will focus on the matches to come, aiming to make the most of the rest of their seasons, but those within the larger Patchogue-Medford Soccer community will surely focus on Wednesday, October 4th, recognizing it as a day of celebration and unity.
