Blue Badgers advance to Long Island Cup final

Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club team to play at Stony Brook

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It’s not the Stanley Cup, but playing in the Long Island Cup final of the Long Island Junior Soccer League is a big enough accomplishment for the U9 Blue Badgers of the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club.

The Blue Badgers were victorious in the first four rounds of the annual tournament, which included a thrilling 1-0 victory in a semifinal contest on June 4, according to head coach Ronny Nagar, who along with assistant coach Ronen Leshem and trainer Tana Weekes guides the team.

On June 18, Father’s Day, the Blue Badgers will face the Stony Brook Hawks in the final on the turf of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the campus of Stony Brook University.

“The boys fierce competitive nature is what has taken this team all the way to the finals,” Nagar said.

Jonathan Hillsberg, Stefano Borsellino and Daniel Pross lead what the coach labeled a “powerful” defense. Nagar said Samuel Murcia, Shaan Patni and team captain Tamir Nagar spearhead the strong midfield, and the forwards, Ryan Leguillow, Kenny Lopez and leading goal scorer Jojo Kaplan are “explosive.” Roy Leshem is considered the top goalkeeper in his age group on Long Island, both coaches said.