There are not many times that a 0-0 tie is something a team will
put on its list of highlights in the season.
But the Haybalers girls soccer team will remember the draw
earned in Morgan Hill on Tuesday against the Tri-County Athletic
League’s most dominant and most overachieving team in recent
history. It could be the first time Live Oak (8-3-4, 4-0-1 TCAL)
has ever been shut out in league play.
There are not many times that a 0-0 tie is something a team will put on its list of highlights in the season.
But the Haybalers girls soccer team will remember the draw earned in Morgan Hill on Tuesday against the Tri-County Athletic League’s most dominant and most overachieving team in recent history. It could be the first time Live Oak (8-3-4, 4-0-1 TCAL) has ever been shut out in league play.
The tie was even more rewarding because of the way Live Oak came to Hollister and routed the Balers 5-1 in the first meeting.
Ever since that league opening loss, the Balers have responded by giving up just one goal in their next five games.
“That game was a lot closer than the score,” said Baler coach Michael Schurig. “We didn’t want to walk away from a game like that again. We have a good offense. But we have to work toward a shutout then let our offense take it from there.”
Live Oak coach Tony Vasquez said he was surprised that a team would play defense the way the Balers did and not go all out.
“It was the first time anyone has ever sat back and not tried to score against us,” Vasquez said. “Everyone plays us straight up whether they win or lose. When we played over there they brought intensity and dominated the first 25 minutes of game. I like the last game better because they played hard and I can respect that.”
The Balers (8-5-3, 4-1-0 TCAL) kept creating opportunities despite losing Jenny Maheu, who has 17 goals, to a slide tackle to the ankle. She should be available for the next game, Schurig said.
“They were very physical with Rose (Vandenberg) and Jenny most of the game,” Schurig said. “Most of it was legal. We definitely felt the loss the second half. We controlled the ball more than they did in the second half. If we would have had her, we probably would have scored.”
San Benito was able to generate some shots from the midfield by players such as Brittany Huth, Brittany Lobb, Chantel Guajardo and Michelle Sanchez.
The Balers were outshot 15-10 but had six shots in the second half. Mary Von Urff had seven saves for the Balers.
San Benito came close to scoring in the last 15 minutes several times. Vandenberg had three girls on her in the box and was still able to get a shot off.
“They (the Acorns) didn’t seem to have that fire coming out in the second half,” Schurig said. “They still had some good passes and connections. But we were winning a lot of balls.”
The Balers play Gilroy at home Thursday.
JV Note: The San Benito High JV team beat Live Oak for the second time this season – 1-0 this time.
“It was a tough game all the way through,” said Baler coach Monica Sandoval. “Both teams were taking a lot of shots on goal but not succeeding.”
Erika Trujillo scored the only goal in the 76th minute of the game.
Early in the game, starter Eva Esparza was given a yellow card and then a soft red when she spoke to the referee. The red card sidelined her for the game, but she can play on Thursday against Gilroy.
Brandy Russell was also given a yellow card in the 78th minute of the game for a foul outside the penalty box
Kassie Kearns led the defense with the help of Jessica Liebenberg, Sarah Mullen and Russell. Melissa Aguilar had another strong game in goal for the Balers
The Balers are 6-0 in league and 11-2-2 overall.
