Garden City tops MacArthur for title

In search of its second Nassau County boys’ soccer championship in four years, MacArthur entered the Class A title game on Nov. 1 at Hofstra looking to avenge its only loss of 2017.

Unfortunately for the fifth-seeded Generals, they fell behind No. 6 Garden City early and became its fourth straight playoff shutout victims, 2-0. The Trojans, who captured their first county crown since 1999, got all the offense they’d need at the 3:54 mark off the foot of Owen Wieland.

“We had a great season,” MacArthur coach Andy Atkins said. “We came up against a team riding three consecutive shutouts and you have to make the most of your chances in a game like this when you get them. I thought we played a strong second half. We just couldn’t cash in.”

Garden City goalkeeper Joe Griffin, who acts like a fifth defender at times and spends a lot of time at the top of the box, made seven saves for his second shutout against the Generals (13-2-3.) MacArthur created two golden opportunities in the second half, with Griffin denying junior Dan Conigliaro on a partial breakaway with 24 minutes remaining, turning aside senior Nick Gino’s try with 21:30 left, and having senior Ken Barrett’s shot roll just beyond the far post with 18:30 to go.

The eventual winning goal was a left-footed blast from 15 yards out. The second goal came from James Basile with 16 seconds remaining as MacArthur was pressing for the equalizer.

“We didn’t play from behind much all year,” Atkins explained. “I thought our guys showed a lot of heart and character. We have 17 seniors and 10 of them started. We really started to jell around midway through the season and our defense to set the tone.”

Seniors Andrew Sweeney, Brandon Buchan, Jack Kipnes and Sean Duffe led the defensive effort in front of senior keeper Christian Bellia, who stood tall in playoff victories over Bethpage, Lawrence and Wantagh.