The Long Island Academy recently announced that experienced midfielder Chris Giuffrida has returned for the 2008 National Premier Soccer League season. Chris scored two goals for the 5-3-3 Academy in 2007.

The 32-year-old Syosset resident is still Syosset High School's all-time leading scorer, leading the Braves to three Nassau County and two Long Island championships during the early 1990s. He was selected to the All-State team while representing Syosset.

Chris also played for two Long Island Junior Soccer League teams that each won two State Cup titles, Brentwood Arsenal and the Northport/Cow Harbor Trojans. Chris competed as well for the Regional Olympic Development Program team for three years.

It was then on to the University of New Hampshire, where he was selected All-New England.

Chris has been a professional player for seven years and his intensity on the soccer field is legendary. He received the quickest red card in Long Island Rough Riders history.

The highlight of his soccer career so far was winning the national championship with the Rough Riders in 2002. That team was coached by Paul Riley, now the Academy's Director of Football.

The Academy's first home game is Friday night, May 30, 8 p.m. at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point as they take on the Atlantic City Diablos. Their sister team, the Long Island Fury, play the first game that night at 6 p.m. vs. the Northampton Laurels.

For more info about the Academy, log on to http://www.liacademysoccer.com/.