Lindenhurst storms into semifinals with late-season surge
Senior captain Gail Roquez Guerrero scored twice as the Bulldogs beat No. 4 Sachem East 4-1 in the Suffolk AAA quarterfinals.
By David Almasi ·
Lindenhurst seniors arrived at Sachem East High School on Monday afternoon with a quiet determination. Captain Gail Roquez Guerrero recalled the shift in mood on the bus ride, describing how loud chatter faded into silence as the team prepared for the Suffolk AAA quarterfinal. The focus was on concentration and collective effort.
That intensity translated into a 4-1 victory for the No. 5 seeded Bulldogs. Roquez Guerrero scored two goals, both from loose balls in the penalty area, to drive the upset over No. 4 seeded Sachem East. The win secures a berth in the semifinals for a team that has dramatically improved as the season progressed.
Roquez Guerrero opened the scoring in the ninth minute. He cut inside following a deflected pass from Tom Andreone. Sachem East goalkeeper Kevin Weeks saved the initial strike, but Roquez Guerrero tracked the rebound and finished the play. The goal set the tone for a high-pressure performance from the visitors.
Lindenhurst extended its lead early in the second half. Just 46 seconds after the restart, Max Lombardo won a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. He curled a shot with his right foot around the defensive wall and into the top right corner of the net. The goal put the Bulldogs ahead 2-0.
Sachem East fought back through Markos Kilimitzoglou, but the visitors continued to press. Roquez Guerrero found his second goal in the 57th minute, crashing a rebound off a shot from senior Anthony Rodriguez. Daurin Soler then headed in a cross from Rodriguez in the 69th minute to make it 4-1. The four-man attack of Roquez Guerrero, Rodriguez, and twins Max and Gianni Lombardo has combined for 29 goals and 18 assists this season.
Coach Joe Riemma noted that his 15 seniors now understand the urgency of the final stretch. He said the team began the season with five losses in its first seven games but has since stabilized. Lindenhurst is now 11-6. The Bulldogs will travel to top-seeded Brentwood on Thursday for their next match. Sachem East, which finished 12-5, will be eliminated. Coach Matt Stallone praised Kevin Weeks for his leadership and 10 saves, calling it a proud senior season for the goalkeeper.
Roquez Guerrero described the win as one of the best feelings the team has had in a long time. The squad is ready to test itself against the conference leader next. The semifinal match against Brentwood will determine the next step for the Bulldogs.
