Rain or Shine, Hauppauge Appreciation Night & Opening Ceremonies was still a Hit!

The skies may have been gray, but the energy was anything but gloomy at the SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex on Saturday night. Hauppauge Appreciation Night, hosted in partnership with NY Empire FC, brought out the heart of our soccer community for a night full of pride, smiles, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

Sure, the rain threw a little curveball our way—we couldn’t run all of our usual activities, and we definitely missed seeing a few more familiar faces in the stands. But those who braved the weather helped turn a soggy evening into something truly special. And let’s be honest—soccer in the rain just feels a little more epic, doesn’t it?

Starting Strong with Our Future Stars

The night kicked off with a special on-field ceremony featuring our Hauppauge Soccer intramural players. Decked out in team jerseys and national colors, these young stars got to experience what it’s like to walk onto a semi-professional pitch—something they’ll be talking about for weeks to come.

The smiles were huge, the cheers were loud, and even a few umbrellas in the stands couldn’t hide the excitement. It was a proud moment for parents, coaches, and players alike, and a reminder of just how special our soccer community really is.

A Cozy Crowd, a Big Atmosphere

While the weather kept the crowd smaller than usual, the atmosphere still packed a punch. Families who came out enjoyed a fun, lively night celebrating what makes Hauppauge Soccer great—passion, camaraderie, and a love for the game.

Was it perfect weather? Nope. Was it still a total blast? Absolutely.

NY Empire FC Caps the Night with a Big Win

As if the night wasn’t exciting enough, NY Empire FC took the stage (well, the pitch) and turned on the fireworks. With a commanding 4-1 victory over Future Soccer Academy, Empire put on a show for the Hauppauge faithful in the stands.

Goals flew in, the crowd got loud, and our intramural players got a front-row seat to see where their soccer journey could one day lead. It was the perfect ending to an already memorable night.

Onward to a Great Season

Despite the rain, Hauppauge Appreciation Night proved that a little weather can’t dampen the spirit of this club. The 2025 season is officially underway, and if Saturday night is any indication, we’re in for a whole lot of fun.

Thanks to everyone who came out and made the most of it—we’ll see you on the field!