Port Washington boys soccer's Luke McNaughton scores penalty kick for lone goal in win over Syosset

Every team on Long Island could use a player like Port Washington’s Luke McNaughton.

Between his relentless hustle and quick feet, the senior forward helped make the Vikings’ home match against Syosset feel like a playoff game. That effort led McNaughton to draw a foul in the 18-yard box, and a subsequent penalty kick in the 50th minute, with a chance to give Port Washington the lead.

He took three steps and buried the shot in the bottom right corner, serving as the winner as Port Washington took down Syosset, 1-0, Thursday night in Nassau’s Conference AAA. McNaughton didn’t even celebrate as he turned around into teammate Sam Adler’s embrace.

MCNAUGHTON BREAKS IT OPEN.

1-0, Port Washington with 30:30 to go after he draws the foul to earn the PK. pic.twitter.com/jYN3rYOjav

— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) September 18, 2025

“I was just so locked in during the game,” McNaughton said. “Once I scored, I’m just thinking, ‘We’re up one-nil, let’s go get back on defense.’”

McNaughton’s effort off the ball — showing the stamina of the midfield role he held a year ago — was matched from teammate to teammate throughout the game’s 80 minutes. Senior Nicolas Lopez was outstanding at right back, winning seemingly every tackle that came his way in just his second start of the season after being sidelined by an injury.

“He looks like he’s been playing for the past couple weeks,” coach Stephan Brossard said. “Tonight’s performance was fantastic from him.”

Port Washington (5-2) hit the crossbar twice in the first five minutes of the second half.

Best scoring chance of the game: McNaughton draws the free kick, and teammate Peter Russo just barely avoids breaking the scoreless tie here with his strike off the crossbar.

Getting closer. pic.twitter.com/OJnn2uOapV

— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) September 18, 2025

Sophomore midfielder Antonio Capobianco won numerous 50-50 challenges in the middle of the field for the Vikings and did well to keep possession.

“We call him ‘Capo’ — our boss in the middle,” Brossard said. “The kid is like the Energizer Bunny. He’s everywhere you need him to be, even when you don’t think he can get there.”

Gavin Neville was one of many who made key plays in critical moments, with the junior’s tackle in the 73rd minute denying Syosset’s Xavier Pultz a one-on-one chance. Seniors Matt Kokkalakis and Luke Magalli added crucial defensive clearances.

Syosset (4-2) battled to the final whistle, challenging Port Washington’s defense numerous times in the closing minutes as senior Jake Dapice did well to control possession and create build-up play.

But in a game between two county contenders, Port Washington brought just a bit more to the table. In McNaughton’s eyes, that’s exactly what should be expected of the Vikings every time their cleats get laced up.

“Every single kid on this team just works so hard, no matter if they’re on the bench subbing in or a starter,” McNaughton said. “It’s a family here, so we all do it for each other.”