By Tom Jordan
Oceanside was set to host Port Washington on Wed., Oct. 9. They'll play at Massapequa on Fri., Oct. 11. Home games against Syosset on Oct. 16 and Calhoun on Oct. 18 round out the schedule. Oceanside faced each of those teams in September, losing 2-0 to both Calhoun and Syosset, 4-0 to Massapequa and 5-1 to port Washington.
But the Sailors came thisclose to pulling off their first conference win last week, before falling 3-2 to Bellmore JFK on Oct. 5. Brian Siergeij's second-half goal brough the Sailors even with the Cougars at 2-2. It was Siergeij's fifth goal in conference play this season. Midway through the half, the Sailors had a one-on-one break and a chance to go ahead, but couldn't get the break they needed.
It's been a common theme, the Sailors lack of luck.
"We've had games where we had 20 shots on goal and just couldn't find the net," Phelan said. "We just have to continue to do what we're doing and hope things turn around."
Two minutes after they missed their own opportunity, the Sailors provided the Cougars wih one and saw them capitalize. Michael Greenberg made a steal, dribbled down the sideline and knocked home the game-winning goal. Final score: Bellmore JFK, Oceanside 2. Another close game, but another tough loss to swallow.
It was the fourth time this season Oceanside lost by a single goal. They also battled Freeport to a scoreless tie on Sept. 10.
Phelan knew it would be a tough haul for his team this season, considering the team had few seniors and many underclassmen. While the young talent has continued to develop, the long season is nearing it's close. Much to the disappointment of Phelan's seniors.
