Mineola Boys Soccer Retains Mustang Cup

The Mineola boys varsity soccer team were able to hold onto their namesake trophy this past weekend in their 13th annual Mustang Cup tournament at defeating both Lynbrook and Oceanside this weekend to defend the title for the second year in a row.

Saturday the Mustangs knocked off Lynbrook 3-1 after falling behind in the first half. Mineola was able to dominate the pace of the game, having 20 shots on goal to Lynbrook’s three after Lynbrook’s Tyler DeMarinas scored the initial goal early.

“We also had 14 corner kicks compared to two for them,” Mineola head coach Paul Pereria said. “The opportunities were there but we were just not taking advantage.”

That all changed when Mineola's Juan Galvez scored late in the second to tie the game at one as team captain Christian Lird scored the go-ahead goal to give Mineola the 2-1 lead.

Forward Paul Sandoval got an insurance goal late in the game off of an assist by Danny Pardo to bring the score to 3-1.

“We got some great goals from both players,” Pereira said, giving accolades to defensive stopper Josh Lopes, who “was able to shut down their best player throughout the game.”

Pardo and Lird also combined in Sunday’s match, scoring in the first and second halves, respectively, to give Mineola the 2-0 win over Oceanside in the finals.

“We were happy that we defended the cup here at Mineola,” said Pereria. “It’s good to get a couple of wins in before we get into our regular conference schedule.”

The Mustangs will open at home against North Shore on Wednesday at 4:30.