Key saves by Dylan Naughton preserve Northport's win over Comsewogue
Northport’s Owen Lucano looks for an opening to pass to a teammate against Comsewogue on Thursday. Credit: Kathy M Helgeson
Northport was beating every team in sight, claiming its first 12 games in an impressive show of soccer success. Then the Tigers fell by a goal to Harborfields last Friday, but perhaps a positive came out of that negative for them.
“It just humbles you a little bit,” said Don Strasser, Northport’s 25th-year coach. “Kids get a little hungrier when you take a loss.”
After his boys bounced back with an easy win over Eastport-South Manor on Tuesday and clinched the Suffolk League II title, they experienced a tougher test Thursday at home against defending county AA champ Comsewogue — and passed it.
Owen Lucano scored 6:33 into the second half and Dylan Naughton made five saves in each half en route to Northport’s 1-0 win.
“I think we’re looking good,” Strasser said. “The competition in this league has been tremendous. I feel like game after game is a tough battle. So I think the guys continue to show us that they’re ready for the next step.”
The Tigers are 14-1 overall and in the league with one regular-season game to go before they attempt a pursuit of the program’s first county title since 1982.
Their chances in AA?
“I think they look great,” Lucano said. “We’re going to be the No. 1 seed. We’ve got an awesome team going right now, and we’re just going to keep pushing game by game.”
The goal came when Oliver Ko, operating on the left side, fed Lucano. The senior midfielder fired it in off the left post from just inside the top of the box.
“He’s definitely the best soccer player to come through this program,” Strasser said. “Just his touch, his awareness, got a lethal shot. So we are very happy to have him on our side.”
Bryan Udovich, who had four saves for Comsewogue, made a great stop with about 11 1/2 minutes left.
But Naughton ensured Northport’s eighth shutout with two big saves in the final 11 minutes.
“He’s been playing great,” Strasser said.
Comsewogue won its championship last year with a stunning run as a ninth seed. The Spartans are sitting at 10-5 overall and in the league with one game left.
“In spurts, I think we’re playing really well,” coach Mike Bonura said. “At times, I think we’re a little too complacent, and it costs us. But we’re good team, and I’m confident we can do some damage in the playoffs.”
