SPORTS

Pat-Med soccer player sets school record for most goals in a season

Gary Haber
Posted 10/31/24

Within the opening minutes of Patchogue-Medford’s game against William Floyd on Oct. 18, Raiders forward Ryan Lazaridis took the ball, outran a defender, and launched a shot on goal.

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SPORTS

Pat-Med soccer player sets school record for most goals in a season

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Within the opening minutes of Patchogue-Medford’s game against William Floyd on Oct. 18, Raiders forward Ryan Lazaridis took the ball, outran a defender, and launched a shot on goal.

The ball went in and turned out to be the first of five goals Lazaridis, a senior, would score in Pat-Med’s 6-3 win.

The goal also made history because it was Lazaridis’ 20th of the season, breaking the school record of 19 set by Raiders head coach Tim Trava back in 1999.

“I knew somebody would break it,” Trava said. “I’ve had Ryan for three years now, and he was the perfect candidate to finally do it.”

Setting the record is even more of an accomplishment, considering Lazaridis missed the first five games of the season. In just 11 games, he’s found the back of the net 25 times, including a trio of five-goal games against William Floyd, Longwood and Riverhead.

“He’s so fast with the ball,” Trava said. “He just runs by guys, and he’s got a quick first step and a high soccer IQ.”

Lazaridis is also good at creating space between himself and defenders, Trava said.

Setting the record is something Lazaridis said he’s had his sights on for a long time. He credits his teammates with helping him make it happen.

“They’re an awesome group,” Lazaridis said. “Every single one of them gives their all. I just love playing with them.”

Pat-Med finished the regular season at 9-5-2 (4-3-1 in League 1). The Raiders head into the postseason looking to avenge a first-round loss to Lindenhurst in the playoffs last season; they hosted a first-round game Monday against Newfield.

“The team plays hard every day,” Lazaridis said. “I think we can make a run.”

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