Lindenhurst beats Sachem East to reach Suffolk AAA semis

No. 5 Lindenhurst defeated No. 4 Sachem East, 4-1, on Monday night to secure a spot in the Suffolk County AAA quarterfinals. The victory ends a challenging stretch for the Bulldogs, who will now face top-seeded Brentwood on Thursday.

The path to this match required a turnaround for Lindenhurst (11-6). The team began the season by losing five of its first seven games. Coach Joe Riemma said the squad needed to adjust its mindset after that slow start. Riemma noted that the 15 seniors on the team now understand the urgency of the remaining weeks.

Sachem East (12-5) started strong, but Lindenhurst took the lead in the 9th minute. Senior captain Gail Roquez Guerrero scored after cutting in off a deflected pass from Tom Andreone. Sachem East goalie Kevin Weeks saved the initial shot, but Roquez Guerrero finished the rebound.

Weeks kept the game close for much of the first half, recording 10 saves. Sachem East coach Matt Stallone praised Weeks for developing into a leader on the back line. Stallone said he was proud of the goalkeeper's senior season.

Lindenhurst extended its lead just 46 seconds into the second half. Max Lombardo won a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. He curled a shot with his right foot around the wall and into the top right corner. Markos Kilimitzoglou scored the only goal for Sachem East, but it was not enough to stop the Bulldogs.

Roquez Guerrero added his second goal in the 57th minute. He crashed the rebound off a shot from Anthony Rodriguez to make it 3-1. In the 69th minute, Daurin Soler headed in a cross from Rodriguez to create a three-goal lead. The Bulldogs' attacking group, which includes twin brothers Max and Gianni Lombardo, has combined for 29 goals and 18 assists this season.

Riemma said it is difficult to mark the Bulldogs' front four because they move the ball quickly. Roquez Guerrero said the team's intensity built throughout the match. He described the win as one of the best feelings the group has had in a long time.