Farmingdale boys soccer goalie Jonathan Buonomo is Newsday's Athlete of the Week

When it came down to penalty kicks, Farmingdale's Jonathan Buonomo seized the moment.

After four scoreless periods of play, Buonomo had the opportunity to help Farmingdale accomplish something the boys soccer program has never done before.

And he did so in dominating fashion.

The goalkeeper made 12 saves and did not allow a goal in PKs as the third-seeded Dalers defeated previously undefeated top-seeded Oceanside, 1-0, after getting the 2-0 advantage in PKs to secure the program's first outright county title last Saturday at Farmingdale State. For his efforts, the senior is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.

"I live for moments like that," Buonomo said. "I knew it was my time to show up for my teammates and bring the championship home."

"He's a soccer rat," coach Brian Weber said. "He's around the field all the time. He loves putting on his gloves and getting in goal and practice."

The Dalers (13-3-3) lost to the Sailors (14-1-3), 3-2, earlier in the season, and Buonomo was hard on himself. So getting the championship win over them was extra sweet.

"(Buonomo) came to play in that second meeting," Weber said. "He carried the team on his back, especially toward the end of the game."

"We learned from our mistakes that we made in that game," Buonomo said. "We worked together as a team to improve on what we did, and it worked out for the best."

Buonomo says he loves playing in high-pressure situations and performs better in them.

"I like that pressure of being the last man on defense," Buonomo said. "Knowing that my team is relying on me to back them up at all times is what makes playing goalie so fun for me."

Weber says Buonomo, who is a three-year starter, is always ready to take on the challenge, praising his hard work and dedication to his craft.

"He takes his job very seriously," Weber said. "In practice, if he misses in a shooting drill or misses a ball he feels he should've gotten, he's banging the post and ripping off his gloves. You can tell he's completely locked in at all times."

In addition to his performances on the field, Buonomo's grades are in the mid-90s, and he is in the business honor society. He plans to major in finance and accounting when he goes to college.

"I like to use my time wisely," Buonomo said. "When I'm not playing soccer, I'm always doing my homework or studying."

Farmingdale isn't done chasing history. The Dalers are playing in the Long Island title game against Lindenhurst on Wednesday at Patchogue-Medford, and Buonomo believes he has the team to capture another crown.

"We're very confident because we know what we are capable of," he said. "Knowing that I did something for the school that's never been done before would be awesome."

By Jonathan Ruban

jonathan.ruban@newsday.com

Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.