The U16 Boys of the Region I Premier League were back in action over the weekend, and the playoff seedings are nearly set.

Here’s a rundown of how the top teams fared:

Commack Relief: Commack United came into the weekend knowing it needed to win both its games to lock up the #1 spot in the North division and guarantee a spot in the playoffs. And win both games they did.

Commack beat a strong Toms River Galaxy team 1-0, behind solid defense, fluid ball movement and a decisive goal from striker Sean Sepe.  

The second game of the day was a seesawing affair against the talented FC Blazers. The Blazers scored two goals but Commack was able to match each time, with Sean Sepe netting two goals in another outstanding effort.

Both teams had chances and Commack was forced to use all 18 players because of fatigue and cramping issues, but snuck away with a 3-2 victory after Samuel Durkot cut in from the right wing to finish a shot on goal.

With its two wins, Commack solidified its spot at the top of the divisional standings (19 points) and earned a playoff spot, where it will play for a berth in the Regional Championships over the next few weeks.

Galactic Battle: Toms River Galaxy (10 points) is a distant second to Commack United in the North divisional standings, but remains in good position on the eve of the playoffs.

After losing to Commack earlier in the day, the Galaxy faced NH Classics and was forced to scramble after giving up a gift-wrapped goal in the game’s first few minutes.

But the Galaxy picked it up in the second half, riding the wave of some great combinations between central midfielder Drew Lyon and right back Tori Remondelli, and a goal each by Kevin Tonkovich and Evan Pruden.

NH Classics is a fantastic counter-attacking team and finally scored the equalizer after having several opportunities squelched by Galaxy’s stalwart goalkeeper, Scott Witte.

The Galaxy faces FC Blazers (currently in 4th place with 9 points) in a huge game this Saturday, which will likely determine who earns second place to join Commack United in the playoffs.

United We Win: Annandale United was the weekend’s big winner in the South division, winning both its games to leapfrog Penn Fusion Academy for the division lead.

Annandale won its first game, against Rochester FC, by a score of 2-0, but this one nearly got ugly. Jannik Eckenrode was a force in the middle, and Josh Godec was a terror along the right wing. Godec’s pace and footwork helped create a number of dangerous scoring chances for his team, but Annandale was only able to finish two.

Their second game, against Beadling SC, was tougher. Annandale was forced to play with 12 players because of multiple injuries, but central midfielder Ryan Harmouche and beastly defender Dan O’Keefe were able to fight hard enough to get their team the win.

And lest we forget, forward Eric Schmidt was fantastic in both games, scoring a total of three goals.

The two wins effectively guarantee Annandale (16 points) a spot in the playoffs, where they are likely to meet their rivals, the very strong Penn Fusion Academy, who currently sit in second place (13 points).

It should be an exciting road as the four-team playoff starts in May, with a berth in the Regional Championships at stake.

As always, stay tuned.