Lakeland soccer wins sixth straight game

By Will Fischer
For Yorktown News

The Lakeland boys’ soccer team showed its dominance this past week, continuing its winning ways. With three wins, the Hornets boosted their record to 9-2 and have won six in a row.

Lakeland kicked off its week on Sept. 30, crushing Beacon 5-0. Sophomore John Denis (2G, 1A) and junior Devin Flanagan (2G, 3A) were the stars of the contest, powering Lakeland’s offense. Senior Nunzio Cassese (1G) and Junior Marcos Andrino (1A) also contributed in the win.

Lakeland then traveled to Lourdes on Oct. 2, pulling out a tough 2-1 road win. Denis (1G) and Flanagan (2A) were again superb. Senior Edwin Hernandez (1G) also stepped up, putting in an important goal. Junior goalie Javier Gonzalez (eight saves) rose to the occasion as well.

The Hornets rounded out their week with a solid 2-0 victory over John Jay on Oct. 5. Denis (1G) and Flanagan (1G) continued their goal-scoring prowess and impressive form. Cassese (1A) and Senior Dimitri Christodoulou (1A) also chipped in. Gonzalez added seven saves.

Along with the recent spike in goals, Lakeland has done something many other teams have not: remain consistent.

Throughout the first 11 games, the Hornets have kept their focus and done their job every single game. Lakeland’s only two losses have come against Mamaroneck and Arlington, two of the best teams in Section 1.

Lakeland coach Tim Hourahan still wants to see more out of his team.

“As a team we have only one goal and that is to win a sectional championship and we are not close to that yet,” Hourahan said. “We are not putting together 80 minute games rather playing fantastically in spurts within games.”

Denis has contributed at least one point in all nine of Lakeland’s wins. Hourahan is happy with the defense, but still wants more from his team on the other side of the field.

“While we remain very steady in the back behind co-captains Jon Pinto and Gino Cassese, we still need to be better on offense,” the coach said.

Senior captain Brandon Dias spoke of Lakeland’s ability to stay focused and remain consistent.

“The team has been working well as a unit and playing well with each other,” Dias said. “Our coach and assistant coach are big factors for our constant wins. We have been working well as a team and staying focused on our goal this season.”

The Yorktown boys’ soccer team had a solid week, keeping pace with Lakeland. They went 2-1 last week and the Huskers’ record is now 8-2.

Yorktown started off their week nicely, beating Lourdes 1-0 on Sept. 30. Junior Roy Reynolds (1G) had the lone goal, a cracking shot that hit the post and went in. Yorktown’s defense shined in the game, recording their fourth clean sheet of the year.

Yorktown, however, fell to John Jay 1-0 on Oct. 2. A fairly major upset; this was a huge wake up call for Yorktown.

“We thought it was going to be easy,” junior captain D.J. Mertz said. “We didn’t really play as a team. Nobody played up to their standards, including myself.”

Learning their lesson, Yorktown responded nicely on Oct. 4, beating Riverside 7-2 on homecoming night. Junior Mohamed Hamza (4G) had a career night. Freshman Joey Landicino (2G) got involved, showing that he can play with the best of them.

Moaz Hamza also had a goal. Adding one assist apiece was Reynolds, Jason Toproff, and Patrick Burns.
With maturity and leadership, Yorktown can overcome tough losses. The Huskers rebounded well their next game, a very important aspect of the long, draining season.

“We bounced back and came out strong on homecoming,” Mertz said.