A week after securing the Region I Boys Under-13 championship, Dix Hills Thunder coach Bart Nason still was sky high. "It was a great feeling," he said. "It still is a great feeling."
After losing 1-0 in last year’s final, Nason and the Thunder knew what they had to do to come away as regional champions in
Portland, Maine. They did so and then some, not allowing a goal in five games, capping their performance with a 2-0 victory over Rochester Junior Rhinos July 1.
"We were focused," Nason said. Indeed they were.
"We put our team together years ago," he added. "One of our goals was to win a national championship. We can’t win it this year."
That’s because the U.S. Youth Soccer Association nationals start at the U-14 level.
Nason felt proud representing Long Island and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association. The Thunder has won four consecutive ENY Open Cup championships. The team has run the table since capturing the U-10 crown (the state has since down away with the U-10 State Cup tournament).
"We’re from Long Island," he said. "People have doubts there is good soccer out here. There is."
Asked how he thought his team performed at the regionals, Nason replied, "I was happy. We didn’t give up any goals. Obviously you’re not going to lose games if you don’t give up goals.
"I don’t think we played our best soccer."
But it certainly was good enough.
The Thunder started it off with a 2-0 win over Bruno United FC (R.I.) in its opening Group B match. Dix Hills continued its winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Beachside (Conn.) and added a 5-0 triumph over Arsenal (PA West), 5-0, in its final group encounter.
"In our third game we played our best soccer," Nason said. "In the semifinals, we did what we had to do."
The Thunder defeated Syracuse Blitz Samba Beat, 2-0, in the semifinals before blanking the Rochester Junior Rhinos (NY West), 2-0, in the championship match.
"We had a lot of scoring opportunities," Nason said. "The Rochester team -- they came out and had a tremendous tournament. We never played them before. They really battled."
Which helped Dix Hills raise its game as well.
"Every kid contributed on the field and that’s very important from a coach’s standpoint," Nason said.
Richard Robinson scored 10 minutes into the second half to lift the Thunder into a 1-0 advantage.
"Once we scored that first goal, we knew were had them," Nason said. "We knew it was done."
Jake Freeman added the insurance goal in the 64th minute.
Even though his team has done quite well defensively -- the Thunder outscored its opposition in the Northeast Region I League -- Nason said he uses three defenders and five midfielders.
"We try to work the middle of the field," he said. "A lot of teams tried to pack us in the back. They’re not trying to beat us. They’re trying not to lose to us."
It didn’t work in Portland.
The Thunder certainly is not resting on their laurels as they already have made plans to prepare for next season. As champions of the Northeast Region I League, Dix Hills received an automatic invitation to play in the Region I Premier League. So, the challenges week to week will be greater.
"This year we lived it and enjoyed it," Nason said. "Then you move on."
The Thunder also plans to participate in several tournaments.
Its fall schedule includes the Spirit Tournament (Pa.), OBGC Capital Cup (Md.), YMS (Yardley, Pa.), Bethesda Cup (Md.) and Howell Tournament (N.J.).
The team’s spring schedule is just as busy with the Ultimate Spring Kick Off Cup in Dix Hills, L.I., Jefferson Cup (the winner goes to the Oregon Cup, and the OC champion qualifies for the Manchester Cup in England) and the Dallas Cup.
"The reason why we do all of that is to get acquainted and see all the other teams in the region," Nason said.
Nason added that he plans to take the team overseas next summer, although the country has not yet been finalized.
"We have a few choices," he said. "We haven’t narrowed it down."
Before then, the Thunder hopes to win a fifth consecutive State Cup -- which certainly would be a rare accomplishment for a Boys ENY team -- and another Region I crown. That would mean Dix Hills would reach the U.S. Youth Soccer Association national Boys U-14 championships, which would be another step toward the team achieving its goal.
MEET THE DIX HILLS THUNDER
Here is a look at the Dix Hills Thunder, the Region I Boys Under-13 champions.
Thunder coach Bart Nason gave a quick synpopsis of each player on the team.
Jordan Gross ("J-Man") -- Everything starts with having the best goalie in this age group. Has led our team to four State Cup championships in a row, regionals, tournament success everywhere we go, etc. He is a "money goalie."
Myles Bent (Myles "Smiles" Bent ) -- Our defense is lead by our sweeper Myles "Smiles" Bent - who I think is the best sweeper in the country. Fast, strong, quick, smart and one of many leaders on this team.
Dylan Greenberg -- Next to Myles on his left is Dylan "Mighty Mouse" Greenberg who is the best little defender you have ever seen. He knows how to play that position better than anyone. He is also the youngest player on our team at 12-years-old (truly a U-12 player). This kid has no fear of anyone and he is our smallest player by far.
Matt Sherr -- On the other side of Myles is Matt Sherr. Fast, smart, and a true winner. I think when he grows up he wants to be a referee. He knows the game and supports our defense extremely well.
Alex Leondis (Alex "the Greek" Leondis) -- He is as tough as they come. Hard worker who never gives up on a play. Great kid and ultimate team guy. Plays midfield and defense. Sees the field well, plays tough and physical.
Brett Nason -- In the midfield we play with a stopper. He smart player who is one of our leaders on the field both verbally and by his play. He controls the tempo of the game for us from the defense to the forwards. He makes a lot of the on-the- field decisions as far as what plays to run off direct kicks, etc. Refuses to lose.
Richard Robinson -- In the middle of the field we have Richard Robinson (who I just found out made the regional 1994 team) and who controls the upper midfield. Ferocious tackler, great speed, sees the field extremely well and plays the game with a passion.
Eric Mckenna -- We call him baby big head. This kid loves to work hard. Best throw-ins. They're like a corner kick. Gets his head on any ball he could find. Tough as nails.
Sam Ferber (Sam "The Man") -- Hard worker and always makes the most of his opportunities.
Jake Freeman (Jake "The Snake") -- Tremendous lefty strike from the outside left midfield position. Could score with either foot. Scores lots of goals on headers for our team.
Donovan Fraser (Donovan "Thunderfoot" Fraser) -- He has one of the best crosses and shots you will ever see. We play him usually up top but sometimes as outside right midfielder. When he is on his game. nobody can stop him. He and Jake rainbow balls from the left and right hand side towards the goal regularly.
Dakota Barnathan -- Last year he on was on regional team and in the national pool. Hard working player who always gives 200 percent for the team. Plays attacking midfield or forward for our team. Forces the opposing teams to make lots of mistakes.
Jonathan Interiano ("Shorty") -- Our 6-2 player plays at forward. Three goals in state cup finals. He is a handful. Most teams try to triple team him, because that is the only way to stop or slow him down.
Chris Chavez -- New to the team. Brings great skills and determination.
Luke Stampfl -- One of our most skilled players. Could strike a ball with either foot equally as well and better then most players at this age on any team.
Gregory Silvestro (the "Iceman") -- Great player, tackler, team player and leader on our team.
The coaches -- Bart Nason is the head coach. Joe Freeman is the assistant coach at Dion Oppolzer is the trainer.
