Miller Place Boys Soccer Honors Teammate Andrew Salgado with First Annual Memorial Game

The Miller Place High School Boys Varsity Soccer team brought its community together on October 8 for a heartfelt tribute to their teammate, Andrew Salgado, hosting the first annual memorial soccer game in his honor.

The Panthers welcomed Kings Park High School for a special afternoon dedicated to remembering Andrew, a talented young soccer player whose life was tragically cut short earlier this year.

The event highlighted the powerful bond between teammates and the strength of a community determined to keep Andrew’s memory alive.

Panthers Play for Andrew

Andrew Salgado was just 14 years old when he passed away following a tragic bicycle accident in March 2026. A dedicated and talented athlete, Andrew had already earned a place on the Miller Place varsity soccer team as an eighth-grader.

His passion for soccer, determination, and love for the game left a lasting impression on his teammates, coaches, and the entire Miller Place community.

To honor his memory, the boys varsity soccer program organized its first annual memorial game, inviting the community to come together and celebrate Andrew’s life.

Fans were encouraged to wear blue, Andrew’s favorite color, as a symbol of unity, remembrance, and support for his family.

The event carried two meaningful messages: “Let’s Play for Andrew” and “Forever in Our Hearts.”

A Community United in Support

Following Andrew’s passing, the Miller Place and surrounding communities came together in extraordinary ways to support the Salgado family.

Blue ribbons lined streets throughout Miller Place and Sound Beach, while handwritten messages, soccer jerseys, and tributes filled the fence at the Miller Place Duck Pond near North Country Road Middle School.

The community also rallied through fundraising efforts to assist Andrew’s family.

A GoFundMe campaign received more than $120,000 from over 1,500 donors, while a community pizza fundraiser at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai raised an additional $6,517.

These acts of generosity demonstrated the compassion and connection that define the Miller Place community.

Andrew’s travel soccer club, Strong Island FC, also honored his legacy by permanently retiring his No. 44 jersey, ensuring that his impact on the program will never be forgotten.

Keeping Andrew’s Legacy Alive Through Soccer

The memorial game represented more than an afternoon of competition. It was an opportunity for teammates, coaches, families, and community members to come together through the sport Andrew loved.

For the Panthers, taking the field in his honor carried a deeper meaning, reflecting the friendships, memories, and bonds built through athletics.

Andrew’s older brother, Joseph, had previously shared a heartfelt message encouraging the community to keep his younger brother’s memory alive.

Through this memorial game and the continued support of the soccer community, Miller Place is helping fulfill that wish.

Making an Impact Beyond the Game

The first annual Andrew Salgado Memorial Soccer Game is a powerful reminder that sports are about much more than scores and victories.

They create lifelong friendships, build connections, and bring communities together during life’s most difficult moments.

By honoring their teammate and supporting his family, the Miller Place Boys Soccer program demonstrated the importance of compassion, unity, and standing together beyond the field.

Once a teammate, always a teammate. Forever in our hearts, Andrew. 

Source: Greater Long Island, “Miller Place honors teammate Andrew Salgado with memorial soccer game,” October 6, 2026.