The Varsity Boys Soccer team came into the season with optimistic that with a few new additions and a dedication to hard work that they would have a season they would be proud of and be in control of. Thus far however, this team with a heavy presence of upperclassmen has struggled to find it’s identity and string together victories and separate themselves form the pack to hopefully secure another post season berth. They have surrendered the opening goal in each of the last 4 games they have played all resulting in losses.

Most recently on Thursday, the team travelled to Wantagh HS to take on the Warriors who, at the time, was tied in the standings with the Owls in the 4th and final playoff spot. Lynbrook was hoping to see their efforts translate into a win and finish the first half of the season at 3-3 and in a playoff position. With a spirited effort on the Monday before in a non league friendly with Mepham HS that saw the Owls battle back from a two goal deficit 3 times in the game, the Lynbrook side was looking to right the ship and be victorious on the road.

Unfortunately from the start, the Owls fell behind and never were able to recover. After a long ball was served by Wantagh on the initial kickoff of the game, the Warriors earned a corner kick that was converted into the first goal of the game just 35 seconds into regulation. The bleeding didn’t stop there as the Owls surrendered 2 more goals in the first 18 minutes as two long balls past the Lynbrook defense were collected by the Wantagh forwards and beat Owls’ goal keeper Jake Prince (2 saves) both times. The 3 goal lead by Wantagh was not what the Owls were expecting and it proved to be a hole the Owls were not going to be able to fight out of. Lynbrook did get on the board in the 25th minute and gave themselves some life when junior Nick Mignella challenged a ball that was collected by teammate Jose Yapan Gonzales. Jose slotted a pass through the middle to senior Marco Pantano who slide the ball past Warriors keeper Luka Sumberac (9 saves) to make the halftime score 3-1.

To the Owl’s credit, they came out of the half a much better team as they outshot the Wantagh side 10-0 and spent most of the game in the offensive end of the field. It was a spirited half for the Owls who played with that desperate desire to find scoring and created the chances, but saw nothing for their efforts.

As a team who is looking for answers, the team practiced over the weekend looking for the much needed commitment from the players to find the success that is eluding the team. The team returns to action Monday 9/23 at North Middle school as they play host to the VS North Spartans at 5PM. In the first match of the season, the Owls beat them 3-1 to open league play with a win. Will the Lynbrook side see the same result earned tomorrow? Let’s see those bleachers filled and support the boys as they take the field committed to take control of their season!!

LETS GO OWLS!!!