Alumni Beat Fort Lee High School Varsity in First Annual Soccer Game

Written by Howard Pearl

Demba Mane, Head Soccer Coach at Fort Lee High School, initiated a new tradition in Fort Lee Sports on Saturday, August 17, 2013, “The First Annual Alumni vs. Fort Lee High School Varsity Soccer Game.” It was a stellar event with the Alumni prevailing 6-3.  

Parents and relatives of all the players and alumni were invited to a beautiful breakfast buffet to celebrate the event. Azza Abdelhamid, a long time “soccer mom” graciously provided gourmet delights to the attending guests.  

The Alumni Team was given Fort Lee Soccer T-Shirts provided through the largesse of Paul Leale, a local “soccer dad” and Board member of the Fort Lee Soccer League.  The Varsity shirts were supplied through Coach Mane and Fort Lee High School.

Demba Mane served as Head referee with Greg Tavoularis, JV Coach, displaying his talents as goalkeeper for the Alumni. Rex Flores, newly appointed Freshman Coach, showed off his dazzling ball handling skills to anchor the Alumni.  

Coach Mane has emphasized the concept of team building toward the future.  All the new FLHS soccer jerseys have “FAMILY” imprinted on the backs to emphasize the point.   We look forward to the establishment of a new culture in Fort Lee that will encourage the entire community to participate in our outstanding soccer program.

The game was played at a ferocious pace with the more experienced Alumni dominating with pinpoint passing and ball control.   The Varsity contested the scrimmage fiercely, never backing down and playing tough defense throughout the entire first half.  With the game deadlocked 2-2 at halftime, the second half was owned by the Alumni who played with precision and confidence.  

All the guests and the players had a great day at this event. We look forward to another successful soccer season under the tutelage of Coach Demba Mane and congratulate him for starting our fall season on such a positive note.

GOOD LUCK BRIDGEMEN!