Academy Defeat Morris County Colonials, 3-1, on June 24 (click here for article)

The Long Island Academy has quickly been established as a powerhouse team in the National Premier Soccer League. The squad went 5-3-3 in 2007 plus 8-1-2 in 2008 while winning the Mid-Atlantic Division championship.

Head coach Adrian Gaitan, Director of Football Paul Riley and captain/midfielder Danny Leon (pictured on left) are particularly keen on bringing a national championship to Long Island.

"Adrian is a top-class coach. He understands the technical tactical and man management part of coaching," Riley commented. "He has a brilliant soccer mind and I am excited to have such a fantastic coach on board. We are excited about the future of our men's team and we hope Adrian can take the Long Island Academy to the promised land."

The Academy's name derives from the top premier teams in the Long Island Junior Soccer League's Albertson Soccer Club. From Under 7 to 18, boys wear the navy blue-and-red uniform of the Academy. The club as well as the Long Island Academy develop programs that enable players to flourish and reach their potential in order to play college ball and subsequently the NPSL, with Major League Soccer and the world's top leagues as the ultimate goal.

In the U.S. Soccer structure, the Academy and NPSL are Division 3, two levels below Major League Soccer. The Academy represent the highest level of men's soccer on Long Island.