By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
June 16, 2016-In one of the most dramatic finishes in Arch Capital Group Cup history, the Smithtown Warriors’ Arianna Rodichok trapped the ball at midfield at the start of second half stoppage time, dribbled past two defenders and slotted the ball past the keeper to give Smithtown the win and the Girls-Under-14 Arch Capital Group Cup. Smithtown, from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), topped Latham Circle Brehm of the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), 1-0.
This Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) championship game was played at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview on June 11. Smithtown keeper Madison Flynn made a couple of important saves in getting the shutout and she handled a cross at the end of the game to preserve the lead.
Smithtown’s win avenged a 4-0 loss to Latham Circle in group play in April 2.
“I thought we worked hard and created a lot of chances,” said Smithtown coach Rick Koenig. “Our team has worked hard all season.”
Latham Circle received the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Now living in Kentucky, Mr. Rubenstein was seemingly involved in every facet of New York soccer for decades and is a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the LIJSL.
“This cup competition is a great event in that it gives young people an opportunity to experience high levels of competition. And you don’t have to be the best team in the state to win a championship with the Arch Capital Group Cup,” said Brian Hughes, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of Arch Capital.
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.