The 2013 Fall season that was . . . Martin Luther Soccer

There was no shortage of entertainment throughout the fall season of sports at Martin Luther, which included the varsity soccer team, coached by Matt Moran.

The Cougars entered the 2013 season with a bull’s eye on their back as they won the PSAA Div. II championship the year before in the 2012 season. Any time a team wins it all, the next season other teams are willing to give their full effort and then some in an attempt to defeat the champs. Martin Luther knew the challenges they faced and would try to make another run at it in 2013.

As the Cougars battled this season, they picked up pivotal victories along the way, none bigger than against Staten Island Academy by the final score of 2-1 on their home field, the Metropolitan Oval, according to Coach Moran.

“Beating Staten Island Academy was our biggest victory this season because it was the first time we beat them in over a decade,” said Coach Moran.

Despite having some tough matchups and carrying that bulls eye on their back, the Cougars managed to put together a fine regular season, finishing with a record of 7 wins – 3 losses.

Moving into the postseason, the No. 2 seeded Martin Luther Cougars were faced with the challenge of Lexington in the PSAA semi-finals in the most eventful game of the year.

Defense and goalkeepers were oft missed in the bout as the teams combined for 11 total goals in the match. The Cougars looked as though they would cruise past the semi’s as they grabbed an early lead in the match with two goals in the first ten minutes. Lexington proved to be much tougher than anticipated though as they tied the game up just minutes later. Each team would add another goal even before the first half commenced.

With the score tied 3-3, Lexington pushed ahead with two unanswered goals in the second half. With just eight minutes remaining, the Cougars put together one of the most memorable comebacks in school history. They tied the game up and took the lead in the final minute off a free kick by senior Steven Fonseca. Martin Luther went on to win 6-5 and advanced to the PSAA finals where they faced Kew Forest.

The PSAA finals took place on a neutral field at Portledge on October 24. This game would prove to be much more defense based as only three goals combined were scored. Unfortunately, the Cougars fought hard but fell in the end by the final score 2-1 to Kew Forest.

Although the PSAA season had come and gone, a few select Cougars still had work to do. Seniors Steven Fonseca and Alex Ortiz were selected to play in the 2013 Mayor’s Cup All-Star event. This event lasted two days where the best senior soccer players all throughout New York City were chosen to play in a few all-star matches. Ortiz and Fonseca represented the Cougars on the Independent School’s team.

“I’m very happy for Steven and Alex,” said Coach Moran. “Being chosen as one of the best high school soccer players in the city of all cities is something special,” he added.

The 2013 Martin Luther soccer team proved to be an extremely talented one. Coach Moran is still ‘very excited’ about the future soccer program. Underclassmen Tyler Fayconsolo, Joseph Gannon, and Andres Buitrago will have a larger role moving forward. Coach Moran also has his leading goal scorer in Jay Kim returning along with Franco Libano.

This Martin Luther Cougars’ team will be saying goodbye to nine seniors who will be graduating come spring, including Alex Ortiz, Steven Fonseca, Sal DiPrisco, Marcos Freire, John Lawrence, Kyle Morrissey, Carlos Mosquera, Jerry Pico, and Nick Williams.

By: Frank Stampfl