June 20, 2008-The Long Island Academy met new local rival New York Athletic Club for the first time ever this evening and the result was a 0-0 stalemate. The kick-off at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point was delayed by a brief lightning storm.

The Academy remains undefeated at 5-0-2 in the National Premier Soccer League standings while NYAC is now 2-1-2.

Although the Academy dominated the match, they could not score. NYAC goalkeeper Kevin Schmidt saved three breakaways by Long Island's leading scorer, Gustavo Dias, in the first half and saved a sizzling 25-yard shot by substitute Stefan Dimitron in the 82nd minute. For the match, Schmidt made 13 saves, several of them sensational, while his counterpart in the Academy goal, Billy Gatti, made one save for his shutout.

The Academy held a 9-1 corner kick advantage.

"The boys played well but we're disappointed with the result," commented Academy head coach Adrian Gaitan. "We should have been up by three goals 20 minutes into the game but we missed some chances and their goalie made some spectacular saves."

"NYAC grew in confidence and they're happy with the result. We were all over them but couldn't score," Coach Gaitan lamented.

The Academy's next scheduled match is Thursday night, July 3, 7:30 pm at Mitchel Athletic Complex against the Maine Sting.