Lakers Settle for 2-2 Draw Against Bryant & Stratton Rochester

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - There was no shortage of excitement for the Finger Lakes Community College men's soccer home opener as they battled the Bryant & Stratton Rochester Bobcats. The Lakers started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead, but were unable to hold on as the Bobcats fought back in the second half.

The Lakers got off to a fast start with sophomore Joao Antonio Rocha (Sergipe, Brazil/Colegio Master) opening the scoring in the 12' mark. Less than a minute later, Rocha set up freshman teammate Ben Domann (Wuppertal, Germany/Gesamtschule Barmen) who doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot to make it 2-0.

Despite their early flurry of goals, the Lakers were unable to add their lead and found themselves under pressure in the second half. Bryant & Stratton would pull one back in the 49' mark, cutting the deficity to 2-1. In the 79', Deri Hutchinson for the Bobcats scored the equalizer, unassisted, to level the score at 2-2.

Despite some late chances for the Lakers, neither team could find the back of the net in the final minutes. The Lakers' defense helf firm, with strong play from goalkeepers Aiden Nelson (Faiport, N.Y./Fairport) and Ignacio Jimenez (Bogota, Colombia/San Brtolome la Merced) who each made crucial saves to hold the match to a draw.

The Lakers defenders made several crucial plays to keep the match within striking distance, with key contributions from Allan Matheus (Sergipe, Brazil/American Batisa), Mark Musembi (Nairobi, Kenya/Rosslyn Academy), and Owen Schuessler (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua Academy). 

Up next for the Lakers is a non-region matchup with SUNY ESF in Syracuse, N.Y. 1 PM with the Mighty Oaks. The Lakers will look to bring their season record to 1-1-1 with a win.