Yesterday’s Nassau County boys’ soccer quarterfinal playoff game between Floral Park and Glen Cove was expected to be a close contest. The two teams tied in their only matchup during the regular season, a 2-2 game on September 19. After 80 minutes of scoreless action, it appeared as if penalty kicks would be the only way these teams could determine a winner.

But one player on the field made sure to limit the extra session with a stunning goal, and send his team to into a celebratory frenzy.

And no, it was not Glen Cove’s Delwin Hernandez, Nassau County’s Player of the Year.

Floral Park junior Brendan Fogarty’s unassisted goal two minutes into the extra session lifted the sixth-seeded Knights over third-seeded Glen Cove, 1-0.

“It was the best shot we had all season,” said an obviously elated coach Pokojny.

“Before the play I saw my defender was caught way up field,” said Fogarty. “I made a break for the ball. Once I received it, I saw the goalie out of the net and hoped for the best.”

The game was an incredibly well played, hard fought and clean contest. Glen Cove’s impressive individual skills were on display, but repeatedly thwarted by a swarming defensive Floral Park presence.

“Just like our previous game, we shadowed Delwin Hernandez,” said senior Matthew Cal, about the second leading scorer in Nassau County. “We couldn’t let him have any room to play. He is a threat whenever he touches the ball and we shut him down.”

Michael Baldini was once again stellar in the net, making six key saves, including a critical one to begin the second half.

“It was a well fought game by all of us,” said senior R.J. Lascala. “Our hard work paid off in the end.”

The visiting Knights were the more confident squad, possibly benefitting from the raucous Floral Park crowd. After Fogarty’s goal, the stands emptied, the players ran to the fans, and the mad celebration began.

This is a memory that Fogarty and the rest of the Floral Park team will be able to have for a lifetime.

“I’m just so happy for the seniors,” said Fogarty. “We have worked so hard in the offseason for this.”

The win sets up a dream semifinal matchup for the Sewanhaka District. Floral Park will take on 18th-seeded Carey, with the winner advancing to the Nassau County Class A Championship game.

This is the first time the Floral Park boys’ soccer team has advanced to the county semifinals since 1996.

“Don’t sleep on us,” said Johnny Rivera Cruz.