Getting a few days to put his team's experience at the U.S. Youth Soccer nationals into perspective, Hicksville Strikers coach Kenny Parker realized it could not get much better outside of winning it all.  "It was phenomenal," he said.

The Strikers were the only Eastern New York side -- out of four representing the state association in Lancaster, Mass. -- to reach the finals, falling to Dallas Texans 93 Red, 1-0, in the Boys Under-16 championship game on Sunday.

But that didn't dampen Parker's enthusiasm about the tournament or the way his team had played.

"The overall experience was great," he said. "They boys learned a lot."

The Strikers reached the Region I tournament for the first time this year, so qualifying for a higher level put the team into higher orbit.

"We didn't know what to expect," Parker said.

But now the Strikers do.

"We walked away knowing we can play with some of the best teams in the country," he added.

Parker said he saw "his boys grow up."

"I saw their seriousness and focus of the week."

Parker admits he is more of a manager than a coach, as a trainer, Gary Nemeth, makes the strategic decisions prior and during matches. Parker said he saw Nemeth raise his level as well. "His in-game decisions were tougher to make," he said.

Especially in the championship match.

"Both teams played real well," Parker said. "It was just a hard-fought game that came down to one goal. We had chances, but we didn't capitalize on it.

"It was a very good game, not a dirty game."

Parker praised Dallas. "It was a class team," he said.

Striker goalkeeper Christopher Maierle was named the winner of the Golden Glove as the best keeper of his age group.

After a memorable spring and summer, the Strikers will shut down for a while. The players will return to high school ball; pre-season training begins in August.

The Strikers might be temporarily gone, but certainly not forgotten.

"We'll try to go once a week during school ball to keep the chemistry alive," Parker said.

After the season, practice will begin, three to four times a week.

When the Region I season and State Cup (Open Cup) begins next spring, no one has to remind Parker that Hicksville will be marked team.

"We'll have a target on our backs," he said. "But we'll be focused. We know what it feels like" the boys know what it takes to get there."

There is the State Cup final, the Region I championship and the youth nationals.

Asked what was his most memorable moment of an incredible season full of memories, Parker replied, "Winning the regionals in a penalty-kick shootout."

The Strikers already have their goal for next year -- to be playing soccer t Overland Park, Kansas -- for the 2010 youth nationals.

"We want to be there," Parker said. "We'll work hard to be there."

end it

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