Roslyn Ousts Mineola Soccer from Playoffs 2-1

The Roslyn Bulldogs looked like the better team against Mineola in the Class A soccer quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon at Roslyn High School. Their passing was crisper and they always seemed to be down near the Mineola goal threatening to score.

The Mustang defense had already thwarted the Bulldogs through the first half, keeping their own net clear and giving the offense the opportunity to work the ball down near the Roslyn net.

Mineola forward Paul Sandoval was able to capitalize with 1:44 left in the half, blasting a shot past goalkeeper Evan Schneider to give the Mustangs the 1-0 edge. It was his third goal in the playoffs and his 14th on the season.

Unfortunately it was the senior’s final goal wearing the red and white as well.

Roslyn junior Brian Cardoza had connected on a shot from 25 yards out that deflected off Mineola goalkeeper Kevin Mulder to knot the score in the second. Twenty minutes later, Rams senior forward Matt Scherr headed a ball in off of an assist by Cardoza to give the Bulldogs the 2-1 advantage and the win.

"They moved the ball much better than we did and dictated the pace of the game,” Mineola coach Paul Pereira said. “They have few weaknesses and in the end they exposed ours. In the end the better team won today.”

Loaded with experienced seniors on their roster, Mineola had according to Pereira, whose team amassed a 12-3-1 record.

"We had another successful season,” the head coach said. “I would have liked to have gone deeper in the playoffs but we didn't deserve it today.”

The Bulldogs will play the number nine seed Jericho on Friday in the semifinal round at Mitchel Field at 7:30 p.m.