Ahead three times at the interval, Lansdowne Yonkers lost an extra-time thriller 5-3 to NY Renegades in Central Islip last Saturday as their U.S. Open Cup quest came to a heart-breaking end in the third round.
For most of an exciting, goal-packed first half at the SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex, the Bhoys threatened to blow the cup tie against the three-time UPSL Premier champions wide open.
Seamus Keogh gave Lansdowne the lead as early as the eighth minute, converting a powerful penalty high into Renegade goalie Jean Carlo Perez’ left post. But six minutes later, the hosts were level from a superb back post header off a corner.
Lansdowne were unrattled and kept the pressure on. That paid dividend in the form of another penalty in the 23rd minute that Keogh blasted in again to restore the visitors’ lead.
Then a pair of goals saw the half draw to a climactic end. First a Sebastian Ruiz spot kick drew Renegades even at 2-2, and then from a cross from the right flank, big Musa Bala Danso tapped in from close range to once again put Lansdowne ahead.
The Bhoys seemed to discard their scoring boots on resumption. In the 59th minute, John Bernardi had a chance to make it 4-2 after skipping around the goalie but his low effort was cleared off the line.
That would prove costly as Ruiz equalized again for Renegades from the penalty spot. It remained 3-3 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
The hosts finally took the lead in additional time. Junior Rosario’s strike in the 98th minute put Renegades ahead for the first, and hopes of a Lansdowne come-back were dashed by Ruiz’ third goal of the night in the 111th minute.
“I’m extremely disappointed [by] the way we conceded the three goals in the 90 minutes,” said Bhoys coach Matt Kane. “I felt we controlled the game but made continuous errors without the ball. At this level, those mistakes rarely go unpunished.”
On bye in the first round, Lansdowne had defeated Doxa SC 2-1 in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Lansdowne return to league action in the American Premier Soccer League this Thursday night [Nov. 6], against Hoboken FC 1912. Kick-off is at 8:45 p.m. at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers.
