Other vs Center Moriches

HIGHLIGHTS

Center Moriches’ Ben Hamilton has seen just about every kind of defense imaginable this season. Opponents have used double teams, even triple teams, to try and shut down Long Island’s leading scorer in boys soccer all year. Syracuse Westhill had one player in front of, and one behind Hamilton in Saturday’s state Class B semifinal. The defensive alignment seemed to open up the midfield for Center Moriches, and the Red Devils took advantage. Hamilton had goals in the 56th and 59th minute off assists from midfielders Thomas Luongo and Eric Amaya as Center Moriches defeated Syracuse Westhill, 2-0, at Twin Towers Field. Center Moriches (20-0) faces Valatie Ichabod Crane at 10 a.m. Sunday at Middletown High School for the state Class B final. It is the first time the Red Devils have ever won 20 games in a season according to coach Chris O’Brien. Center Moriches -- the only undefeated, untied boys soccer team left on Long Island -- last won a state crown in 2009. “The midfield did a fantastic job today,” said Hamilton, who now has a Long Island-leading 38 goals and 58 points this season. “They won every ball, and put the ball right on my feet. I couldn’t ask for anything better.” After a scoreless first half, coach Chris O’Brien asked his team to focus on the small details. “We talk about the three Cs: composure, concentration, and communication,” said the 21st-year coach. “We were a little lacking in our concentration; we don’t do the little things right. But Ben and Eric picked that up in the second half.” Luongo found Hamilton with a great cross that Hamilton headed in the 56th minute. Amaya fed Hamilton three minutes later, who sent a beautiful blast in from 25 yards out as Center Moriches advanced to its first state final since 2009. Center Moriches goalkeeper Curtis Copenhaver made four saves, including a huge stop on a breakaway by Bo BenYehuda in the 47th minute to keep a clean sheet. Copenhaver was buoyed by senior defenders Donald Wood and David Franchi, O’Brien said. John Geer had nine saves for Syracuse Westhill (19-2).