The Varsity Boys Soccer Team continue to get better game after game as they hosted neighboring Lawrence High School at Greis Park today. In the past 3 games, the Owls battled for a win and 2 draws in a conference that is shaking out to have quite a bit of parody amongst the 7 teams. The host team played to a 1-1 draw as they continue to improve each and every day.

After the Owls dropped their first 2 games of the season surrendering 10 goals, they steadied the ship and have a win and 3 draws in their last 4 league games surrendering just 2 goals in that span. Sophomore goal keeper Jake Prince has anchored the Owls in net and has played extremely well; keeping them in each and every match with today no different.

The Varsity Boys continue to call Greis Park their home field along with Marion Street as they hosted the visiting Lawrence Tornadoes in a league match-up. On the first whistle, the game had all the makings of a physical battle as both teams worked hard to gain possession and control of the game. With the Owls recently talking about laying it all on the line each and every game and daring to be great, the effort and work ethic they brought into the game was front and center as they had a number of early chances to get on the scoreboard. Senior Patrick O’Doherty broke the scoreless tie in the 24th minute of the game when he intercepted a ball after the Lawrence defense played the ball back to their goal keeper Gabriel Rosales (6 saves). O’Doherty collected the ball in the middle of the field and took the ball into the 18 yard box and beat the keeper to the lower right corner to give the host Owls the 1-0 lead. With 16:30 remaining in the first half, the Lynbrook side was looking to take the lead into the break and build on it, but just 4 minutes later, the Golden Tornadoes were given a direct kick on the left side of the field. Lawrence’s Emerson Mijango served the ball towards the Owls end of the field where it came up short of the defensive area. Kevin Mendoza collected the ball 20 yards from goal and struck the shot that found the upper right corner over goal keeper Jake Prince’s left shoulder (12 saves). The goal leveled the game at 1 and the half ended all square.

The second half of the match proved to be a bit more physical with both teams knowing that the 3 points were what was desired and that a single point for the draw would be bitter sweet. The second half saw an uptick in the called fouls as the physicality ramped up. Both teams generated opportunities and both defenses and net minders stood up to the challenge. The game ended a 1-1 draw.

The Owls now look to Saturday as they take a break from league play and welcome in Sewanhaka HS for a non league friendly as they play in the final of four games as part of Lynbrook Soccer Day being held at Lynbrook South MS; game time 5PM. After the Lynbrook Owls Soccer teams celebrate the game of soccer and raise funds for the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation, they will turn their sights to Monday where they travel to Valley Stream South HS and take on a Falcons team who has dropped 2 straight. In the first meeting, the Owls fell 4-2 in a game that saw the Owls slow start put them in an early hole they were unable to climb out of. The second act should prove to be a very different result if the Lynbrook side has anything to saw about it.

Best of Luck Boys!!

Pictures from the game can be found at:
https://lhssoccer.jalbum.net/v.%20Lawrence%202023/