The Haybalers celebrated senior night at Andy Harden Stadium in
the last game for graduating players of the boys soccer team.
The night included player and family introductions, goals by
seniors Jonathan Alonso and Ernesto Lostanau, a convincing 4-1
victory over Salinas and unscheduled fireworks at the end of the
game.
The Haybalers celebrated senior night at Andy Harden Stadium in the last game for graduating players of the boys soccer team.
The night included player and family introductions, goals by seniors Jonathan Alonso and Ernesto Lostanau, a convincing 4-1 victory over Salinas and unscheduled fireworks at the end of the game.
The Balers out hustled the Cowboys from start to finish, winning almost every ball and playing smothering defense. San Benito held Salinas to three shots until the Cowboys were awarded a penalty kick at the 78th-minute mark. Sergio Lostanau was called for a handball in the box and given the yellow card.
The fireworks occurred after the penalty kick. The Salinas player rushed into the Baler net and threw a forearm at a shocked Jorge Medina then bull-rushed out to confront Jorge’s younger brother, Martin Medina.
He threw a punch at him, but Martin ducked the assault and pushed the player to the ground. Two more Salinas players jumped Martin.
It started a giant player melee with words and fists being thrown for more than five minutes with fans clearing the bleachers and getting into shouting matches.
Both coaches charged the field and separated players to opposite sides of the field.
The police showed up soon thereafter and helped to calm the crowd. The referee wanted the teams to finish the last minute of play. Both coaches and administrators protested, and he relented to their wishes.
“We came out with a lot of confidence to win this game for our seniors,” said coach Michael Warner. “It’s unfortunate it had to end this way for our players and fans. I know their coach was sorry for the incident and took full responsibility, but much should go to the referee too.”
Senior Jonathan Alonso opened the scoring for the Balers, He received a through pass from Jose Sanchez for a breakaway on the far right of the goal and blasted a shot past a helpless Salinas keeper.
Sophomore Randell Lopez scored on a rebound from a shot by Ernesto Lostanau. Lopez scored falling backward into the net with a defender on top of him to give the Balers a 2-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the play become more aggressive and Alonso was ejected at the 64th minute when he retaliated to being held down by a Salinas player after he was tackled to the ground.
The hits came more often and with increased intensity after the Balers’ scored their third goal. Sophomore Arturro Ceja rocketed in a goal from in front of the net on a pass from senior Jorge Lopez.
It was followed shortly thereafter by a goal from senior Ernesto Lostanau on a cross by Lopez to make the score 4-0.
“With the game well in hand, we played strong defense, and the level of play focused on strong hits and deep balls to the corners,” Warner said.
The Balers finish up their season Tuesday against Palma at the Salinas Sports Complex.
JV Note: The Balers (9-6-2, 6-2-1 TCAL) are back on the winning track after a 2-0 victory over Salinas.
“The field was slick but fast which allowed us to play our usual fast-break style,” said Baler coach Graham Wright.
Eddie Trujillo and Armando Espinoza teamed up to give a clinic on passing and shooting. However, they couldn’t find the net, and the first half ended scoreless.
In the second half, Jose Diaz DeLeon had a rebound attempt on a blocked shot by the Salinas goalie. The ball ricocheted off Jorge Ortega’s shin for a goal just 38 seconds into the half.
The Balers kept up the pressure for the rest of the game. Trujillo crossed a ball to Miguel Guzman in front of the goal. Guzman passed the ball with his heel to Rafael Garcia, who quickly slipped it by the goalie for the second goal. Defensively, the Balers had good stops by reserves Cesar Cabrerra, Harrison Yager and Jose Serrano.
