Lawrence boys soccer's Kevin Mendoza scores twice to spur comeback win over Plainedge

When Lawrence coach Gerard Lagasse said he wanted his team to open Tuesday’s home senior day soccer game against Plainedge with “energy and passion,” he probably didn’t envision his team allowing two goals in the first four minutes of the game.

It came just five days after losing to this same Plainedge team. Teams only get so many opportunities to learn what they’re made of, and even fewer leave happy when conceding early.

Instead, the Golden Tornadoes whipped up a whirlwind of four unanswered goals as Lawrence defeated Plainedge, 4-2, before officials called the Nassau A-II game due to a lack of light with 21 minutes left.

“It shows the character of our team and the perseverance to come back against a top-quality team,” Lagasse said. “I was really proud of the boys.”

Senior Kevin Mendoza’s quick footwork led him to score Lawrence’s first two goals to tie up the game. His second came off a flick of the head from Alex Samayoa, sliding to poke the ball into the back of the net.

“After being down 2-0, it was a big relief to come back and pick up the team,” Mendoza said via teammate Brandon Moran-Flores, who translated.

Mendoza’s first goal was a marvel, ripping an absolute rocket from 20 yards out just 14 minutes after conceding and less than seven minutes before scoring his second.

“He just doesn’t stop working,” Lagasse said. “We’re very fortunate to have him on the team.”

Midfielder Corvin Pocasangre headed in the go-ahead goal just before the first half ended before Jeremy Cruz added the dagger with a nifty toe-poke score just a minute before officials called the game.

Lawrence (10-3-2) never let Plainedge find a rhythm, with the Red Devils failing to record a shot on target after the two early goals. Lagasse said winning the middle of the field was a “focal point,” and Samayoa, center back Troy Batac and midfielder Kevin Molina won challenge after challenge to make that tactic a reality.

With Mendoza and Moran-Flores helping to keep possession in the offensive third Plainedge (9-3-1) was forced into playing the long ball. It left AJ Gulino stranded up top after his terrific  pass to Sean Hobi opened the scoring before Gulino headed in a goal of his own a minute later.

Whether Lawrence learned what its team was made of or whether Lagasse and the Golden Tornadoes knew already, one thing’s for sure. Mendoza and his teammates let the rest of Nassau Class A know that this team won’t ever go down without a fight.

“There’s a lot of passion in this team, and everyone is top-level,” Mendoza said. “Everyone does their part.”