Boys Soccer: First Settlers lose game, two players to injuries

It took a striker by the name of Merlo to hand a team from North Fork wine country its first defeat of the high school boys soccer season.

Freshman Jacob Merlo scored his second goal of the season in the first half to lead Mount Sinai to a 1-0 non-league win over visiting Southold on Saturday afternoon.

Merlo latched onto a through ball from Jack Dugan, beating sophomore goalkeeper Dylan Clausen to the lower left corner 14 minutes 22 seconds into the match for the Mustangs (3-3).

The First Settlers (3-1-1) lost two of their three captains to first-half injuries as their leading goal scorer, senior midfielder Peter Fouchet (six goals, three assists), was forced from the game with a head injury after colliding with Mount Sinai keeper Nick Jensen at 6:39. Senior midfielder Walker Sutton was lost at 32:17 after suffering a sprained ankle.

Both players will be evaluated this week.

Clausen enjoyed a strong game with 11 saves, while Jensen finished with six saves to record the shutout.

The First Settlers will try to get back on track Tuesday when they host Hampton Bays in another non-league match.