Bayside makes history in many ways

Throughout the postseason, Bayside has drawn in magic marker flaming soccer balls and each other’s numbers on their bodies as a way to get motivated and excited prior to games. In the PSAL ‘A’ semifinals, they did the same. As it turned out, all they needed was the powerful right foot of Nicole Lee.
The senior fullback got the ball moving in the right direction for the Commodores, when her set piece from 25 yards out eluded the reach of Stuyvesant keeper Monika Rozkowska in the 22nd minute.
“It really took a little pressure off,” Bayside Coach Joe Corrado said of Lee’s boot. “In big time situations, big time players step up.”
After that goal, Bayside dominated play. Sensational sophomore striker Despina Psomopoulos scored twice, bringing her season total to 30, and goalie Nicole Carroll made 10 saves for her 10th shutout of the year as the Commodores vanquished Stuyvesant, 3-0, at Beach Channel Tuesday afternoon to become the first Queens school to reach the ‘A’ final since Richmond Hill in 1986.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for the entire season,” said Psomopoulos, who had her nickname “Blue” written across her face.
Sunday will mean the end of an amazing four-year run for the team’s seven seniors, players like Lee and midfielders Alex Knese and Luz Pulgarin who have gone 47-4-2 in league play. “I’m excited for the kids,” Corrado said. “They worked hard. … Every single year we’re going on and on and on. You can’t ask for anything more from a program than to keep getting better.”
They have a chance to take it one-step further Sunday afternoon at St. John’s University when they get a rematch with McKee/Staten Island Tech. Last season, the Seagulls ended the Commodores’ season in a rain-soaked semifinal. But Bayside, at 17-0-1, is even better then they were a season ago.
“We want to get our revenge,” Psomopoulos said.