Shaking off some up-and-down play in recent weeks, the Cicero-North Syracuse boys soccer team won twice to push its mark to 12-2-1. To begin its late-season push, the boys Northstars went to Auburn last Tuesday night and put together a 5-1 victory over the Maroons. And this proved to be Darren Cooper’s big night. All Cooper did was torch Auburn’s defense for a three-goal hat trick, plus assist on scoring plays by Josh Williams and Joe Giordano. In return, Williams and Giordano earned assists on the Cooper goals, with Logan Roberts also getting one assist. Dan DeBottis got a rest, so Jon Runge and Mike Sciotti got a chance in goal, the pair combining for 10 saves. Back at Gillette Field Friday to face Central Square, the Northstars endured the rain, wind and chilly temperatures to beat the Red Hawks 3-0. A wind advantage in the first half led to all three of CNS’s goals. Cooper, continuing his recent tear, found the net twice, while Colin Coogan also converted. Williams and Jon Cary both got credit for assists as the Northstars’ defense held Central Square to just four shots. The CNS girls team struggled in last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Auburn, the second straight game it had gone through a scoreless tie (it had done so against West Genesee on Oct. 9). This proved even more frustrating, as the Northstars spent large chunks of time in the Maroons’ end, but had nothing to show for it as Auburn goalie Gabby Scott stopped all 21 shots she faced. By contrast, Miranda Tanner made just four saves. But the Northstars did beat Central Square Friday, by the same 3-0 margin that the boys did. It took goals by Stephanie Liberati, Rachel Bowles and Ally Falinski to put away the Red Hawks in the season’s least optimal playing conditions. Both of the CNS sides play Oswego on Tuesday, with the girls Northstars also meeting defending Class AA champion Christian Brothers Academy Thursday night at Alibrandi Stadium.