By Tom Jordan
The Lady Cyclones soccer team's 3-1 loss to rival Massapequa on Oct. 1 snapped their remarkable run of 56 games without a defeat (52 wins, four ties), a string that included a pair of state titles.
But The Streak began taking on a life of its own, as they all do, and after losing for the first time in nearly three years, this is what's changed for the Cyclones: nothing. They're still going to be a very tough out when the playoffs start later this month, and the loss may actually end up being a positive as South Side sets its sights on a third consecutive New York State title.
Maybe it will take some of the pressure off the girls, coach Judi Croutier said. At least we got it out of the way early. Hopefully, it will be our only one.
South Side fell behind early to the Massapequa Chiefs, an unfamiliar position for them. A pair of goals by the Chiefs' Gina DiMartino in the second half put the game out of reach. Katherine Stritzl scored the Cyclones' only goal. But there were no tears for the Cyclones, no panic. Everyone loses sometime.
As newspapers, including this one, focused on the winning streak, Croutier looked at things differently from the start.
We were focused on this season, she said. Each year is different. Even though you're playing for South Side, there are different players and it's a new season. Losing a game definitely wasn't the end of the world.
Apparently not, as the Cyclones have started a new winning streak by responding with a pair of victories over Oceanside and East Meadow.
Two days after their disappointment against Massapequa, the Cyclones shut out Oceanside 3-0. Brittany Morrisey, Lauren Koppel and Jenna Lucchesi each scored goals.
On Oct. 7, the Cyclones jumped out to a 2-0 lead over East Meadow on first-half goals by Koppel and Christine Abrams, and their defense held.
The way they bounced back shows what they're made of, Croutier said.
The Cyclones are 6-1 in Conference I, 8-1-1 overall. They've outscored opponents 24-8, with Christine Abrams' seven goals leading the way. Lucchesi is second with six. They have five shutouts on the season.
Before the loss, there were close calls against Valley Stream Central, who the Cyclones fought to a 2-2 tie on Sept. 26, and Sacred Heart, who South Side beat 1-0 in double overtime. Each time the Cyclones found a way.
One loss doesn't finish them, just like it doesn't erase all they've done in the past two years, or in the past 22. They're resiliant and promise to be tough in the playoffs.
South Side was set to play Garden City on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and will finish the regular season with games against Valley Stream Central, Hewlett and a rematch with Massapequa.
