The fourth-seeded Port Washington boys varsity lacrosse team concluded their postseason run with a 18-8 loss to top-seeded Syosset Braves on Wednesday, May 25. These two teams faced off in the Nassau A semifinals at Hofstra University under the bright lights of James M. Shuart Stadium. This is the second straight year the Vikings have been eliminated by the Braves in the semifinals. The Braves also won their only regular season meeting against the Vikings back on May 6 in Syosset (14-3). In this year’s semifinal clash, the Braves’ high octane offense was the difference in the game and it was too much for the Vikings to contain. Vikings Head Coach Isaac Neal stressed that his team was prepared for the game and was frustrated that the effort and execution didn’t translate.
“Our preparation was there and we knew exactly what was coming at us,” said Neal. “I just don’t think we responded well to some of their punches.”
In the first quarter, the Braves outscored the Vikings 6-3. Senior attacker Christian Athanasian netted the game’s first goal in a minute and 12 seconds in, but the Braves responded back with two goals to take the lead. Senior attacker Seth Obadia would knot the game at 2 with 7:58 left in the quarter. After that, the Braves would go on to score four more goals and they never relinquished the lead. Junior midfielder Robbie Connors would round out the scoring for the Vikings with less than a minute to play in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Braves outscored the Vikings 5-2 and would take an 11-5 lead into the second half. Connors would score his second of the game and sophomore attacker John Athanasian would find the back of the net for the Vikings.
In the third quarter, the Braves kept the edge in play and outscored the Vikings 6-2. They would take a commanding 17-7 lead into the final quarter. Hayden Braider would score the first two goals of his three goal night in the third.
In the fourth quarter, each team scored a goal apiece to cap off the scoring. The Braves would go on to win the game 18-8, as they would once again put an end to a great season for the Vikings. Braider would get the lone Vikings goal in the final quarter and complete the hat trick. Although it was too little too late, Neal felt the boys went out there one last time and competed with pride despite the 10 goal deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
“We had an opportunity to throw in the towel and we didn’t,” said Neal. “The guys kept fighting and playing the game. I thought we played a clean game and because of that, I’m proud of them.”
Looking back on the season, the expectations were pretty high. The Vikings will be graduating 16 seniors this year. Neal gives a lot of credit to these boys for their experience and ability to propel them to these games. He expects the younger players to grow as the team goes on and to have a chance to add their names to this rich program.
“They should be proud,” said Neal. “I think they have kept their names in the books with other graduating seniors. Those guys got us to this game because of their leadership.”
Although the team didn’t fulfill their goal of winning a county championship, Coach Neal believes that they exceeded expectations.
“We didn’t fulfill our goal but at the same time, we were one step away,” said Neal. “Our season had a chance to tank in March and we didn’t. I’m proud of these kids for fighting back.”
Overall, it’s been a good year for Neal in his inaugural year as head coach. He couldn’t be any more proud with the team’s campaign and can’t wait for next season.
