Community Corner

Soccer Game Will Memorialize Teen Killed in Southampton Accident

The game for Juan Cardenas will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Westhampton Beach High School.

Juan Cardenas, a 2003 Westhampton Beach High School graduate, loved soccer — he was good at it and planned to play in the fall at Suffolk Community College, but tragically, his life was cut short after a motorcycle accident in Southampton last week

According to police, on July 2 Cardenas drove off Montauk Highway in Shinnecock Hills and into a utility pole. Police are still seeking information related to the accident.

A funeral service was held for Cardenas, 19, on Saturday in Smithtown, but many of his friends, teachers and fellow community members weren't able to be there to say their goodbyes. So on Wednesday, they are coming together to pay tribute to Cardenas at a soccer game in his name. 

The game, which is being planned by Cardenas' soccer coach, Don O'Brien is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the Westhampton Beach High School soccer field. 

"He was the nicest kid in the building," O'Brien said. "Everyone loved him."

O'Brien said it is only fitting that a game be played in honor of Cardenas, who would have been an all-county player in his senior year, if he hadn't been injured half way through the season. 

"He was that good," he said.

O'Brien said he and soccerplayers have been spreading the word about the game over Facebook and hope that as many people as possible attend to pay respects to not only Cardenas, but his family, who will be in attendance. 

The scrimmage game will be played against Hampton Bays High School soccer players, who O'Brien said agreed to take part in the memorial. 

O'Brien said that during the game, community members will be able to sign a poster and Cardenas' jersey, which will both be presented to his family. 

The game ball will also be given to Cardenas' family. 


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