Dix Hills Hurricanes Are State Champs Once Again

By John Grimaldi

info@longislandergroup.com

The Dix Hill Hurricanes boys U-16 soccer team became State Open Cup champions for the third consecutive year following a 3-0 win over the Pleasant Valley Cobras on June 4. Photo courtesy of Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

With a 3-0 win over the Pleasant Valley Cobras earlier this month, the Dix Hill Hurricanes boys U-16 soccer team became State Open Cup champions for the third consecutive year.

The Hurricanes brought home the Livio D’Arpino Cup, a trophy was named after the late Livio D’Arpino, former vice principal of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association. He was heavily involved in youth soccer before passing away in 2002.

“We started the season with a lot of injured players,” Jose Luis Rebay, coach of the Hurricanes said. “When everyone got healthy, we played our game and got back to the finals.”

Midfielders Leo Mussachia and Ethan Holmer were the source of Dix Hills’ offense against the Cobras. Mussachia scored on a penalty kick, which would prove to be enough for Dix Hills goalkeepers Mark DePasquale and Nick Gaviria. Holmer added two goals of his own.

Coach Rebay said about 90 percent of this year’s state championship team has been together since the Hurricanes’ first title in 2013.

“It’s great to establish a bond with them,” Rebay said. “They’re all great players, but they’re also really great kids.”

The Hurricanes, part of the Long Island Junior Soccer League, had already qualified for the national championships this July in Frisco, Texas. But, before they head out west, first the Hurricanes will head south to West Virginia to compete for the regional championship from June 30-July 5 as the representative of Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association.

“Everyone will be looking forward to that,” said Rebay.