The Section XI community is mourning the loss of one of the greatest coaches in Long Island high school sports history.

Longtime Brentwood High School boys soccer coach Ron Eden passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a remarkable legacy defined by excellence, leadership and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes.

Eden compiled an extraordinary 484-70-32 record as a head coach, the second-most victories by a Suffolk County head coach in Long Island history, trailing only Mattituck’s Robert Muir. Before taking over Brentwood’s program, he also served as an assistant coach for 16 seasons, helping the Indians post a 182-83-23 record.

Even in his final season on the sidelines, Eden continued to demonstrate the standard he established over nearly three decades. Brentwood finished the 2025-26 season with a 17-1-1 record and advanced to the Suffolk County championship game.

Eden became Brentwood’s head coach in 1996 and transformed the program into one of New York State’s premier public school soccer powers. Under his leadership, Brentwood captured 17 league championships, 11 Suffolk County titles, 10 Long Island championships and four New York State championships in 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2023. His teams also reached three additional state championship matches.

His crowning achievement came during the 2023 season when Brentwood completed a perfect 22-0 campaign and captured the New York State championship. That historic season earned Eden recognition as the United Soccer Coaches National High School Coach of the Year, one of the sport’s highest honors.

He was also selected as the New York State Coach of the Year in 2005, 2013 and 2023, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s elite high school coaches.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Eden was respected throughout the soccer community for his dedication to his players, his professionalism and the lasting impact he made on generations of young men. His influence extended far beyond wins and championships, helping shape the lives of countless student-athletes who wore the Brentwood uniform.

In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to sports on Long Island, Eden was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Before embarking on his legendary coaching career, Eden played professionally from 1976 through 1981 with the New York Apollo and New York United of the American Soccer League.

Section XI joins the Brentwood School District, the Long Island soccer community, former players, colleagues, friends and family in mourning the loss of a coaching icon whose impact will be felt for generations.

His legacy will forever live on through the championship tradition he built, the lives he influenced and the standard of excellence he established on and off the soccer field.

Hauppauge’s soccer community came together in a powerful show of appreciation and pride as alumni spanning more than four decades returned for the 21st Annual Hauppauge Soccer Alumni Game, celebrating the remarkable career of longtime head coach John “Ruff” Ruffini.

Coach Ruffini led the Hauppauge soccer program for 33 years, compiling an extraordinary 362 wins and shaping generations of student-athletes along the way. The annual alumni game served as both a reunion and a tribute, bringing together former players, coaches, family members, and friends from near and far to honor a leader whose impact extended well beyond the field.

Current Hauppauge head coach Jamie Edson captured the significance of the moment, sharing a heartfelt message about Ruffini’s enduring influence.

“Because of Coach Ruffini, soccer has been more than a sport; it’s been a classroom, a place where young people learn who they are and who they can become,” Edson said. “Today, we celebrate not only a career but a legacy. A legacy of dedication. A legacy of compassion. And above all, a legacy of lives changed.”

For many alumni, the event was a reminder that Coach Ruffini’s success was measured not only in wins, but in the character, confidence, and sense of community he instilled in his players. Stories were shared, friendships rekindled, and a shared gratitude filled the sidelines as generations of Hauppauge soccer players stood together once again.

The 21st Annual Alumni Game reinforced what so many already know: Coach John “Ruff” Ruffini’s legacy is firmly woven into the fabric of Hauppauge athletics.

Congratulations to Coach Ruffini on this well-earned honor, and thank you for more than three decades of leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact!

Mattituck’s longtime educator and AD Mike Huey was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by State Soccer Coordinator Matt Allen and Section XI representative Rob Franco during championship weekend.

Huey, who has been a steady presence in Mattituck athletics for more than four decades, was honored for his exceptional commitment to student-athletes and for elevating boys’ soccer across Suffolk County and New York State.

Colleagues praised his leadership, consistency, and deep understanding of the game, noting that his work has positively shaped generations of families in the North Fork.

The award marks a significant milestone in Huey’s career, acknowledging both his impact at Mattituck High School and his long-standing service within Section XI, where he has helped guide and support interscholastic soccer for many years.

Additional background on Huey’s career and comments from those involved in the ceremony can be found in the full Suffolk Times report.

Northport Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Don Strasser reached an incredible milestone this week, notching his 250th career victory as the Tigers defeated Huntington in a hard-fought match.

The win is a testament to Strasser’s steady leadership and the dedication of Northport’s student-athletes, who continue to uphold a tradition of excellence on and off the field.

Under his guidance, Northport has consistently fielded competitive teams built on discipline, teamwork, and a sense of pride in representing the community.

Congratulations to Coach Strasser and the entire Northport Boys Soccer program on this remarkable achievement!

Do you have an athlete, coach, or program milestone to share? Email SectionXIMilestones@gmail.com.

Ryan Levy has had an incredible career for Hills West soccer.

He owns the Hills West records for career goals, career points, most goals in a game, and most goals in a season.

Outstanding work, Ryan!

Congratulations to Riverhead Charter School on recording its first win in program history.

The Explorers beat Port Jefferson, 4-3, in overtime on Thursday, September 19.