Short-Handed, Big-Hearted: Alliance Shuts Down Great Neck 2-0

The Hauppauge Alliance soccer team bounced back into the win column on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a determined Great Neck squad.

From the opening whistle, the Alliance back line — anchored by Sean Granshaw, Matty Miller, and James Granshaw — delivered a defensive masterclass. The trio completely shut down Great Neck’s attack, turning in what was arguably their best collective performance of the season.

Great Neck employed a compact, defensive strategy, clogging up the middle of the field and limiting Alliance’s scoring opportunities. But Alliance’s persistence paid off midway through the match when Nick Martinovich pounced on a loose ball off a corner kick and tucked it into the net to break the deadlock.

Although Alliance struggled at times to build a consistent attack through its wings and strikers, the relentless effort of Brody Mannino stood out. Mannino’s nonstop motor in the midfield created chaos for Great Neck, as he struck the post twice before finally hammering home Alliance’s second goal, sealing the victory in the closing stages.

With several key players missing, Alliance leaned on reinforcements from across the Hauppauge soccer community. Dean Georgalas and Jayden Barrera from the Strikers, along with Alex Massa and Andy Graziano from the Bulldogs, answered the call. Graziano shined in goal, making critical stops and launching booming punts that kept Great Neck pinned back in its own half.

Saturday’s win was not just a showcase of talent but a testament to teamwork, as players from three teams and two age groups came together to deliver a complete performance.

For Alliance, the victory marked an important step forward — and a reminder of what’s possible when skill, effort, and unity come together on the pitch.

GO ALLIANCE!