Fenerbache, Istria, NY Polet, Lindenhurst, 2013 Joe Goldberg Indoor Champions

Uniondale, NY - A tremendous week of soccer concluded on Sunday as the LISFL 2013 Joe Goldberg tournament came to close. Read more

LISFL 2013 Joe Goldberg Indoor Tournament wraps up a terrific week of soccer on Long Island

Article originally appeared in Soccer Long Island Magazine.

by David Harris

Fenerbahce USA Division 1 winners, Photo by Michael Anderer

Uniondale, NY - A tremendous week of soccer concluded on Sunday as the LISFL 2013 Joe Goldberg tournament came to a close. Mitchel Field in Uniondale, NY was home to the week-long men’s tournament where competitions were held for the LISFL’s 1st division, a combined group (with some of the 1st division reserve teams, Division 2, and Division 3), Over-30, and Over-40. The teams in each division were divided up into groups with round robin play throughout the week that led to the knockout stages, which were held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Over-40 division concluded on Saturday with Lindenhurst defeating Polonia by a score of 3-1. Also on Saturday, the combined group final was held. New York Polet’s Reserve Team defeated Division 2 side Deer Park by a score of 1-0.

Istria SC O-30 Division winners, photo by Michael Anderer

Finals were held on Sunday for the O-30 and Division 1 competitions. Istria SC defeated last year’s winner Port Jefferson by a score of 3-2. Then it all came down to the last stages of the Division 1 competition. The games generally were very close and tightly contested. The quality of the teams and talent of the players was easy for all to see. It made for a very exciting afternoon and a series of tough losses for the teams that were knocked out of the tournament. Many of the games could have been won by either team. In the end though, Fenerbahce USA played very steadily and were able to prevail. They retained the championship from last year and created some momentum ahead of the resumption of the outdoor season, which begins on March 17.

Fenerbahce USA goalie Andre Wilkinson receives the Division 1 trophy from LISFL President Gus Xikis, photo by Michael Anderer

As the LISFL celebrates its 65th anniversary, the 2013 Joe Goldberg tournament demonstrated that the league is better than ever. With players who’ve played in MLS and other pro leagues, national team selections, and top college programs, the LISFL continues to provide some of the best amateur soccer in the country. Soccer fans on Long Island don’t have to go far or buy expensive tickets to see terrific action. The LISFL provides terrific opportunities for youngsters throughout the region to learn more about soccer by watching these terrific teams and players in the various league games, cup competitions, and tournaments that are held every season. The league also provides a place for these talented players to continue playing at a very high level, further develop their skills, and pursue their dreams on the field. The LISFL is indeed a special contributor to soccer on Long Island that hopefully more people will appreciate in the days, months, and years ahead.

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