Brentwood vs Central Islip

HIGHLIGHTS

Brentwood 6, Central Islip 2: David Akpan had three goals, Aiden Benitez added two goals, and Juan Gomez had four assists to help defending state AA champ Brentwood defeat host Central Islip in a Suffolk League I boys soccer game on Monday "All three of them are juniors. It's kind of scary," said Brentwood coach Ron Eden, with a chuckle. "They play really well together . . . and they're just at a different level." Benitez opened the scoring on a feed from Gomez for Brentwood (2-0). Then Gomez found Akpan on three straight occasions in a span of 4 minutes and 37 seconds as the lead ballooned to 4-0 with 21:50 left in the first half. Brentwood's BAG group allowed teammate Juan Hernandez to get in on the action, as the junior forward converted a penalty kick in the 27th minute to make it 5-0. Heroes Robles got Central Islip (0-3-1) on the board just 45 seconds into the second half. Then, Benitez scored his second goal of the game in the 56th minute off a pass from Adrian Vides for Brentwood. CI's Kevin Mendoza converted a feed from Kevin Zuniga in the 67th minute to close the scoring. "We had opportunities and we tried to capitalize," CI co-head coach Johnny Velez said. "We have 16 seniors who almost lost out on having a season because of COVID. The last three games since the beginning of the season, they've been playing with a lot of heart, a lot of love, and a lot of energy to make this season the best they can with what they got." Musketeers goalkeeper Steven Mendoza was busy throughout the afternoon with 15 saves. "We call it blood in the water," Eden said. "Once they get it, and once they get the bit between their teeth, forget it. They just put pressure on you."