Ortiz Helps Lenape Rebound From Scoreless First Half

Both teams knew that each had that player that could take over a game with their ability to score goals. When sixth seeded Mainland traveled to Lenape High School to participate in the first round of the South Jersey Group IV tournament, R.J. Romeo would put the Mustangs ahead in the first half. The Indians also had a player who leads the team in goals and would respond with a goal of his own. Jeremey Ortiz countered with a goal and an assist giving Lenape a 2-1 come-from-behind victory.

That first goal scored was enough to give Mainland a sigh of relief and confidence that they would win road playoff game. When Romeo’s shot got past the keeper, Mainland would celebrate their early one goal lead. Mainland’s defense would come up big a few minutes later when Lenape’s push toward the net got keeper Eric Evan out of position leaving the net unguarded. The Mustangs’ defense recovered quick enough to redirect a sure game-tying goal for Lenape.

Just over midway though the second half, Brian Correia would finally tie the game at one all. Not satisfied with just an assist, Ortiz powered a line drive shot that gave Lenape the lead for good. The third seeded Indians will now play either the second seeded Toms River North or Toms River South who are the seventh seed of the bracket.