Manhasset boys soccer team plays in tournament in Italy over summer
MANHASSET, N.Y. — When the opportunity for the Manhasset Varsity Boys鈥� Soccer Team to play in a tournament in Italy this past August, everyone was more than game to participate. Thanks to a longtime friendship between Coach Mark Giardino and his former high-school teammate, Mike Lopipero鈥攚ho currently resides in Porto San Giorgio on Italy鈥檚 Adriatic coast鈥攖he Manhasset team and their families got to take the trip of a lifetime.
Through an exchange program run by Lopipero鈥檚 wife, Sara, the idea was hatched several years ago to bring Giordino鈥檚 Manhasset soccer team to Italy for tournament play with local teams. 鈥淚n 2017, we went as a program and had an amazing experience,鈥� shares the coach. 鈥淭hey hosted our program again this past summer and did an amazing job.鈥�
Game one on August 5th against Borgorosseli Calcio resulted in a win for the Manhasset boys, with goals from Gabriel Alcaraz, Aidan Bebber, Gianluca Bebber, Matt Varela, Manny Giouroukakis and Nic Ras. The next day, Manhasset lost 3-2 in a tight game against Elite Sangiorgese, with goals scored by Alcaraz and Chris Infranco. But the third time was the charm with a 5-3 win over Mandolesi Calcio, thanks to goals from Giouroukakis, Aidan Bebber and a hat trick by Alcaraz.
The trip wasn鈥檛 all about soccer, however, as the group was able to take an excursion together to Torre Di Palme, a lovely little treasure considered to be among the most beautiful small villages in the country. In addition to the tournament play, good times were had, great food was eaten and lasting friendships and memories were made鈥攁ll of which brings new meaning to the phrase 鈥渟occer goals!鈥�
Varsity Boys Who Attended
Gabe Alcaraz
Aidan Bebber
Gianluca Bebber
Stefano Bebber
Pearce Bernstone听
Dylan Bordieri听
Anthony Embriano
Peter Flood
Manny Giouroukakis
Chris Infranco
Gianluca Milazzo
Joe Milazzo
Jack Petersen
Nic Ras
Matt Varela
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