One day after father's death, Farmingdale soccer player lifts team to county finals
One day after losing his father to liver cancer, Adam Vitulano scored the goal that sent the Dalers to the county finals.
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A heartbreaking loss is giving a Farmingdale High School soccer player a new reason to fight for a championship.
Last week, junior Adam Vitulano scored the game-winning overtime goal that sent the Farmingdale Dalers to the Nassau County finals. But behind the celebration was a personal tragedy. Just one day earlier, Vitulano lost his 59-year-old father, John, to liver cancer.
"He loved watching me so much on the field. I think that was really the driving force. I had to play for him that day. I went with my gut and played my heart out," said Vitulano.
As fans chanted his name following the victory, Vitulano knew exactly how his father would have reacted.
"He would've been going crazy. He's always going to be with me for the rest of my life," he said.
While his father may no longer be on the sidelines, Vitulano said he still feels his presence and support.
"It meant a lot. He loved always watching me. He went to every game. He just was always there for support after a loss, a win," Vitulano said.
On Saturday, Farmingdale takes on Oceanside in the Nassau County final. Vitulano said he is ready for the challenge and plans to take the field with his father's memory close to his heart.
"It's probably one of the biggest games of my life, county finals. I think he really wants me to play today, like last week. I think it's really important to be there for my team, especially since it has been 20 years since they've gotten to this point. I'm really excited to get out there," he said.
Farmingdale defeated Oceanside in penalty kicks to advance to the Long Island Championship for the first time.
