Nine Players, One Mission: United Battles to Round 3 of the Long Island Cup

In a match defined by determination, resilience, and pure heart, the U11 Hauppauge United battled through blistering cold conditions to secure a hard-fought Round 2 victory in the Long Island Cup over the New Hyde Park Lady Pumas.

With only nine players and no substitutes, the United squad played all 60 minutes without relief—yet never let fatigue slow them down. From the opening whistle to the final seconds, every player dug deep, pushing through exhaustion and leaving everything on the field.

Leading the charge was Kika McDermott, who tallied both goals for United in a relentless performance. Kika’s energy never wavered as she continuously hustled, chased down balls, and applied pressure, setting the tone for her team.

The midfield unit of Kensie Buscher, Brooklynne Vertucci, Emma Pinelli, and Alexa Perlstadt delivered an outstanding collective effort. Emma Pinelli sparked multiple scoring opportunities with beautifully placed corner kicks that created chaos in the box. Brooklynne Vertucci, matched up against a fierce opponent, showed grit and confidence, never backing down while working seamlessly with Kika on give-and-go plays to generate chances.

Kensie Buscher, named Player of the Match, was relentless. Brave on the ball and fierce in every challenge, she consistently pressured the Lady Pumas’ defense, fought to win possession, and kept her eyes locked on goal. Her work rate and determination embodied the spirit of the team. Alexa Perlstadt also stood out with her fearless play, stepping into goalkeeper punts and battling for every 50/50 ball to help create offensive momentum.

Defensively, United was rock solid. Tenley Jensen, Daniella Pinzon, and Kaitlyn Asseng formed an impenetrable wall against a quick and creative New Hyde Park attack. Their communication, strength, and smart clearances limited the Lady Pumas to just a handful of chances, while even pushing forward to create opportunities of their own.

Behind them, goalkeeper Riley Franco anchored the team with a standout performance. In one breathtaking moment, a soaring shot from the Lady Pumas looked destined for the top corner, but Riley had other plans—launching herself across the goal to make a spectacular save and deflect the ball out of bounds. It was a game-changing play that energized both her teammates and the crowd.

This was more than just a win—it was a testament to grit, teamwork, and heart. With no subs, freezing temperatures, and mounting fatigue, these nine players proved that when a team refuses to give in, the outcome can tilt in their favor.

Great job, United! The team now looks ahead to Round 3 of the Long Island Cup this April, carrying with them the confidence and momentum from an unforgettable performance!