Ten teams claim Eastern New York Premier League titles

(ENYYSA / Randy Vogt) – The ENY Premier League finals showcased great teamwork and many competitive games as they were played from morning to night, under the lights, on Saturday, June 20 at Owl Hollow Fields on Staten Island.

The Staten Island United Gunners defeated Buenavista Futbol NY Kids, 7-1, in the Boys-Under-15 final in their home borough. Staten Island adds the ENY Premier League title to their growing team trophy case which includes the 2012 State Open Cup and 2015 ENY Champions Cup.

“Buenavista had some great talent but I thought we played more as a team,” commented Staten Island coach George MacDonald.

Another highlight was two cousins from different clubs becoming champions. Nisa Cortez, who lives Upstate in Schenectady, won the Girls-Under-18 ENY Premier League championship with FC Dutchmen Intensity while her Downstate cousin, Samantha Flores of Brooklyn, was a Girls-Under-17 champ with Manhattan Kickers Red.

The refs from the Staten Island Soccer Referees Association (SISRA), including 2014 Eastern New York Referee of the Year Albert Calise, officiated the games.

“As the Gateway to Regional Play, the teams that won the ENY Premier League title will be looking to move on to play in the Region 1 Champions League,” explained ENY Premier League Director Steve Padaetz. “I’d be remiss if I did not thank all our wonderful volunteers in helping make the ENY Premier League finals a huge success.”

The 10 championship matches were organized by the volunteers of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL). The results from a day of great soccer:

Boys-Under-12: HBC IA Real ‘02 2, Lynbrook/East Rockaway Sting 1 in overtime
Boys-Under-13: Garden City Gladiators 2, West Babylon Pride 0
Boys-Under-14: Uniondale NYSLA Leones 4, Hicksville Galaxy 1
Boys-Under-15: Staten Island United Gunners 7, Buenavista Futbol NY Kids 1
Boys-Under-16: Westchester United FC and FC Dutchmen Roughnecks tied 2-2 after overtime. Westchester won the title, 4-3, in the shootout.
Boys-Under-17: Lake Grove/Newfield Warriors and Hampton United Gladiators tied 2-2 after overtime. Lake Grove/Newfield won the title, 4-3, in the shootout.
Boys-Under-18: Commack Soccer Academy ‘98 2, FC Dutchmen Patriots 1
Girls-Under-14: Merrick PAL Storm 3, Lake Grove Blast 1
Girls-Under-17: Manhattan Kickers Red 2, FC Dutchmen Fury 1
Girls-Under-18: FC Dutchmen Intensity 4, Sachem Alliance 0