New soccer club comprised of Long Island natives plays charity game in its inaugural month
The semi-pro team is part of the National Premier Soccer League and plays at Hofstra University.
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A new soccer club that is playing on Long Island, the American Soccer Club New York, made their debut this month.
The team is made up of all Long Island residents.
"Being a Long Island native, it means a lot to have a team that plays at such a high level," said Christopher Morandi, who plays forward for the ASCNY.
The semi-pro team is part of the National Premier Soccer League and plays at Hofstra University.
"It's really a community thing. It brings everyone together," said Arthur Lih, who is the CEO and inventor of LifeVac, a sponsor of ASCNY.
The Fighting Tom Cats say they want to represent the Long Island region on and off the pitch.
"We wanted to put something on the ground that Long Island could be proud of and do it through soccer. And we also wanted to be relevant off the field and really contribute to a better life here on Long Island," said Jim Kilmeade, general manager and managing partner of ASCNY.
For their third ever home game at the school in Hempstead, the ASCNY raised awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, by supporting ALS Ride for Life. It's a charity organization that raises research funds to find a cure for ALS, supports patients and families, and raises public awareness about ALS.
"It's about time we get it off the field, it's time to get rid of this disease," said Paul Weisman, an ALS patient.
Weisman was diagnosed with ALS 12 years ago. He's a soccer fan, and he took the field Saturday night with ALS Ride for Life.
"This is great that I'm here, but it's about all of the other ALS warriors. I'm here to represent them. I've always said that I will be a voice for those who don't have a voice anymore," Weisman said.
During the Saturday night game, the team also honored the Massapequa Soccer Shop.
The club will wrap up its season on June 30.
