Over the past ten seasons, Garden City and Syosset have played one another in their season opener. From 2010 to 2014, Garden City started their season 1-0. However, over the past 3 seasons, from 2015 to present day, Syosset has gotten the best of the Trojans.
If you view today’s box score, you’ll notice an evenly matched game. Clears, shots on goal, turnovers, and ground balls were all very comparable. Where Syosset separated themselves was in net and in their ability to put the ball in the net. Syosset’s Anthony Celuaro made 8 saves, only letting in 5 goals on the day. Offensively, Syosset peppered 26 shots on goal, netting 9 of them. Shooting 35% isn’t spectacular, but it proved enough to beat Garden City in their home opener.
Jack Monfort (Left) celebrating after his 3rd goal of the day with teammate Matt Benus (Right) The Braves won 9-5 in their season opener against Garden City
Syosset displayed some key intangibles throughout the game. Their toughness was evident. Every player picked up ground balls with two hands, running through piles, and blowing through stick checks. They did a great job dodging downhill towards the goal and getting their momentum moving towards the cage on each shot. While GC had the edge in the GB game today, Syosset did a much better job picking up first time grounders and maintaining possession soon after.
I’m sure it won’t take long for Garden City to bounce back from this loss. Their experienced staff will look at this game as a learning experience and move forward. With an intense non-league schedule, GC will get right back at it this Saturday against Smithtown West.
Below were some stand-out players form today’s game:
Jack Monfort, Syosset #8, Midfield, FLG Offensive Player of the Game, 3G
Daniel Ochs, Syosset #13, Defense, FLG Defensive Player of the Game, 2GBs
Anthony Celuaro, Syosset #9, Goalie, 60% Save Percentage on the day, 8 Saves
Kieran Gunn, Syosset #18, F/O, 10/15 facing-off
