West Islip Upset By Commack

A strong season for the West Islip girls soccer team came to an abrupt end on Friday at the high school as the Lions fell to Commack 2-1 in overtime.

The loss for top seed West Islip was only the second of the season, with both coming at the feet of the Cougars, the number eight seed. The teams met on Sept. 10 at West Islip with Commack winning 2-0 in a non-league contest.

“It was a tough loss,” said Nick Grieco, West Islip’s head coach. “(Commack) is a good team and they were able to score on their opportunities while we didn’t.”

The playoff matchup was the first game for West Islip since its regular season finale, a 2-1 overtime win over Smithtown West, on Oct. 23. Commack returned to the pitch following its playoff opening 1-0 win over Deer Park on Oct. 27.

The game Friday started with West Islip maintaining much of the pressure but failing to find the back of Commack’s net. The Cougars would take an early 1-0 lead following a free kick deep in West Islip’s zone when Erica Pacello would tap in a loose ball.

West Islip tied the game at 1 early in the second half as Brenda DiDonna chipped a shot over Commack goalie Samantha Miller, who had a strong game in net with 23 saves.

The game remained tied during the first 10 minute overtime period, but Commack would break through with five minutes remaining in the second 10-minute OT period. Pacello's header off of a throw-in found the back of the net for what would prove to be the game winner.

“I feel the non-league game we played (against West Islip) made our girls feel like we had a chance,” said Tracie Morenberg, Commack’s head coach. “(West Islip) is a great team and the most physical team we have played. I am really proud of my crew.”

Scoring:
Commack: Erica Pacello, 2 goals; Julia Montella, 1 assist; Erin Neville, 1 assist
West Islip: Brenda DiDonna, 1 goals; Vanessa Costantino, 1 assists
Goaltending:
Commack: Samantha Miller, 23 saves
West Islip: Megan Deak, 6 saves; Shannon Cronin, 6 saves