SAN JOSE - Francisco Aguirre's late score got KIPP Collegiate within one goal of visiting Lynbrook, but the Vikings held on for the 3-2 victory in a non-league match.
Lynbrook twice established two-goal leads, at 2-0 and 3-1, with senior Mohan Bhakt leading the way for the Vikings and scoring a crucial goal. KIPP's Eduardo Yanez got his team on the board in the second half, scoring from the left side, but Lynbrook was quick to extend the lead on the next possession.
"We came in with a plan for the match," Bhakt said. "We prepared all week to execute that plan."
KIPP goal-keeper Isaias Luna found the net peppered with shots throughout the game, but saved the large majority of opportunities which came his way. It wasn't enough to slow down a fast Lynbrook start, however, especially after Dairo Rivas left with an injury in the first half of play.
“It was good to see how all of the boys can work together and put the plays together," said KIPP coach Ryan McCormack. "I feel like we just need to be more focused and concentrated in the games and we’ll do better the next time."
KIPP's final goal of the match came when captain Jose Ibarra shot the ball into the box, where Aguirre was able to finish the play and closed the gap to one score. The final whistle sounded mere minutes later, however, as Lynbrook walked away with the win.
"We adjust on a game-to-game basis, running on our offense and defense," said Lynbrook's Daniel Israel. "I felt pretty confident about playing against KIPP, since we have a strong team, we’ve beat them in the past, and they’re a pretty small school."
Despite the loss, KIPP players were encouraged by the effort and the challenge they faced.
“ I felt nervous, because we don’t have the same squad as the ones that I’ve played with before," said KIPP's Jonathan Donato. "But I do feel confident in the rest of the season and we just need to concentrate better in games.”
