The Varsity Boys soccer team was looking for a bounce back game as they have recently been looking for answers to their inconsistent play. After recording loses to Mineola and Floral Park in two of their last three league match-ups, the Owls played host to the Bethpage Golden Eagles on Saturday morning at North Middle School.

The day started off steamy as the temperatures were creeping up in the early hours as the hour of kickoff neared. The host Owls needed a confident and convincing performance to build their team chemistry and were looking to create opportunities of their own rather than play victim to their own mistakes.

The first half of the opening period saw the Owls playing well with a more up tempo game and saw some chances develop in the offensive end. The play bounced back and forth across the field with neither team seeming to take momentum into their corner. The game went to half scoreless with Lynbrook’s Jake Prince making a single save in the period and Bethpage’s Max Heitner making a pair of saves.

The second half started much the same as the first until the 47th minute when the mistake bug that has plagued the Owls in each of their last 2 losses reared its head again as a Bethpage throw-in preceded a pair of misplays by the Lynbrook side. Lynbrook’s center back Noah Chisena stepped up to head the Eagles throw-in and the ball went up in the air. Chisena stepped up to play it again and ended up challenging the ball with two of his teammates, Nick Mignella and Fabian Safsten Suarez. As a result, Chisena and Mignella, the left back, both got pulled up and out of position leaving two Bethpage players open. The ball found its way to the unmarked visiting player at the 40 yard line who found a streaking teammate down the right side who was behind all three Lynbrook players. That player collected the ball just outside the 18 yard box where Owl’s keeper attempted to disrupt the play at the top of the box. His attempt was just a fraction late and the ball flew past him and into the unoccupied Lynbrook goal. The goal proved to be the game winner as the Golden Eagles earned the much coveted 3 points in the standings table. The Owls did mount a strong response for the rest of the game and worked hard to gain the equalizer but failed to convert any chances. Prince finished with 4 saves and Heitner with 4 as well.

With the Owls 3rd loss in the last 4 matches, the Owls sit in a tie for 4th place in the standings with a very import and match-up later in the week with Wantagh HS which should separate e teams at the top from the bottom as the season hits the mid point. Wantagh will face the same Bethpage side on Tuesday as the Owls sit idle on their bye.

In the meantime, Lynbrook, who has a friendly non league match scheduled with Mepham HS on Monday to try and work out some of their concerns as they look to close out the first half with a victory at Wantagh and a record of 3-3 in league.

NO pictures from this game available.