Latest news with #FightingTomcats
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Fighting Tomcats, Long Island's new soccer team, facing must-win for playoff berth
Long Island's newest soccer team, the Fighting Tomcats, is knocking on the door of a National Premier Soccer League playoff birth in its inaugural season, with everything coming down to a final game against New Haven United FC on Saturday. 'These guys have bought in,' head coach John Fitzgerald told The Post of his mostly local 2-3-4 squad knocking on the door of a postseason trip, as only a win will clinch come 7 p.m. at Hofstra University. Advertisement 'They come in, they train three nights a week, we train at nine o'clock at night … then they're getting up for work the next day because we're not paying them their full-time salaries.' For team captain Brian Saramago, a 26-year-old account manager from New Hyde Park, it means everything to have a chance to keep playing competitively at his age. 'We just want to give it our all,' he said, adding that the Tomcats' prior 2-1 victory and 3-3 draw against New Haven are giving everybody confidence. Advertisement The Fighting Tomcats, spearheaded by Fox anchor Brian Kilmeade (center) and his brother, Jim, are battling for a playoff berth. Handout Even though the guys are only playing with each other for the first time and in a short span, a deep bond has already developed, the captain added. 'Sometimes after a hard day at work, you don't really want to go to training, but then every time, I see everyone laughing and playing with each other,' Saramago said. 'That is why I think that this Saturday it's going to be something special.' 'I know I don't want it to be my last game with these guys.' Advertisement Yankees and Mets legend Darryl Strawberry is coming to Smithtown on Saturday afternoon to watch the Subway Series at Bull Smith's Tavern. The former outfielder will be at the bar at 4:10 p.m. for meet and greets, plus raffles. Advertisement The Southampton Firecracker Run is set to pop off Sunday morning, rain or shine. Darryl Strawberry Corey Sipkin for New York Post Both the 8K and the 3-mile runs will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Agawam Park at 25 Pond Lane, Southampton.
New York Post
20-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Long Island's new soccer team signs 16-year-old star Dylan Lopez
Dylan Lopez can kick it with the pros. Long Island's newest soccer team, the Fighting Tomcats, has signed the 16-year-old, a soon-to-be Connetquot High School senior varsity star, as the start-up squad's youngest player. Advertisement 'They're obviously much older than me,' Lopez told The Post minutes after inking his deal with the National Premier Soccer League squad that calls Hofstra University home. 'I think just playing with them in this environment is really going to push me and just get used to a higher level,' added the midfielder, who dreams of taking his talents to Spain one day. The Ronkonkoma native's deep desire is exactly what the club's owner — Massapequa soccer legend Jim Kilmeade, the brother of Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, who is also an investor — is shooting for with the new team of 30 that's almost entirely local. Advertisement 'We believe that we can identify and launch players into European careers,' Jim said, adding that the Tomcats are also developing a free youth academy on Long Island. Lopez gets the best of both worlds with his deal that has no compensation. Playing with the Tomcats, formally called the American Soccer Club, won't prohibit him from playing with his competitive Atlantic United travel team, or Connetquot next fall. Long Island's newest soccer team, the Fighting Tomcats, has signed 16-year-old Dylan Lopez. Photo courtesy of Dylan Lopez Advertisement 'When you live on Long Island, you don't really get opportunities like these,' Lopez said. 'It's usually those people in Europe that get these chances.' Now, the teen being recruited by Sacred Heart University has the chance to show what he's made of on a grander stage. The moment is a dream come true for his mom and twin brother, Brandon, with whom Lopez has played his entire life. 'He's always been there,' Lopez said of his sibling, who is one minute younger. 'Every time we're on the field, it's always a competition between us. And we just keep pushing each other — going back and forth. It's really helped me … and he's super excited for me.' Advertisement Fox News host Brian Kilmeade (left) and his brother Jim have launched a new semi-professional soccer club on Long Island nicknamed the 'Fighting Tomcats.' Dennis A. Clark Bragging rights among family — and friends — are full-time for the food runner at Stella Trattoria in Blue Point, who had to call out of work when he got the good news. 'They're all going to be shocked,' Lopez said. 'It's going to be a good senior year.' Put your best foot forward as the sun is finally expected to shine this weekend, with two 5K runs that go for great causes. The 'Hope Is Here' run, which raises money for parental mental health awareness, kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday at First Responders Memorial Park and Ball Field in Islandia, with a registration fee of $45. The Sayville Fire Department is also hosting its annual 5K at the same time, with a registration fee of $40, starting at the town's firehouse.
