Amityville vs Center Moriches

HIGHLIGHTS

Sophomores Cristopher Espinoza and Roberth Perez scored to break open a tie score and give visiting Amityville a season-opening 3-1 non-league win over Center Moriches in a matchup of premier Suffolk soccer programs. Espinoza converted a corner kick from sophomore Edwin Acosta in the 38th minute to give Amityville a 2-1 lead. Amityville, which is 39-1-1 in its last 41 games, added a goal in the 45th minute. Perez picked up a rebound in front off an initial shot from Cristian Escobar and scored to give his team a two-goal cushion. CM goalkeeper Josh Lehr was impressive with 12 saves. The two teams boast two of the better programs around. Amityville won three Suffolk and Long Island Class A titles (2015, 2016, 2018) and a pair of state crowns in 2015 and 2018. Center Moriches was the Suffolk B champion from 2016-18, (including Long Island titles in 2017 and 2018). It also won a state title in 2017. Amityville opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Guardado found David Rubio, who scored on a breakaway. But Center Moriches answered in the 24th minute as Anthony Samaniego found Michael Luongo, who used a gorgeous bicycle kick to tie it. Amityville, however, did what it usually does: find ways to score and then press its opponents into submission. "It's the early days for sure," Amityville coach Mike Abbondondolo said, "but it's good to come out, look at various players in different formations and see what works." On this night, just about everything did for Amityville.