The Mineola 6th Grade Chiefs, on the road again, banged up from injuries and stomach bugs, played in the rain and mud against a big and tough Roslyn team. Matt Grimm led Mineola, going a perfect 4-of-4 on face-offs.
The Chiefs were down 1-0 for most of the first half until Philip Arnold, fresh off IR, broke through the Roslyn midfield line and ripped a long skimmer shot across the wet grass finding the back of the glistening net to tie the game 1-1 just before halftime.
Phil Arnold finished with three goals, while Tristan Gilbert lit up the midfield today with his lightning speed and to set up a goal to attacker Ronan Cooney (2 goals). Jack Duff (2 assists), at less than 100 percent, came off the bench in the second half to give strength to the struggling Mineola offense.
The Mineola offense was led by a tough Sante Nicolia (1 assist), who fed Ronan Cooney on for the go-ahead Mineola goal, Vincent Aidala, Michael Cardinal, Ryan Dailey, Nick Rusciano, Liam Gormley and Joe Gonzalez, all moving the ball quickly.
The Chiefs’ defense was led by Alex Marchiselli, who has been on fire this season, stopping the Roslyn fast break along with Joe Carr and Zach Koerber, who make up the “The Big Three D”.
Goalie Matt O’Connell knocked down four rocket shots and made some very nice clears in the first half. “The Closer” goalie for the Chiefs – Sean Hembach – shutout Roslyn in the second half with five saves and quick clears to bring Mineola to a 5-1 victory.
