The San Benito High girls soccer team continued its goal of
shutting out opponents but had to settle for a 0-0 tie at Salinas
on Friday.
With at least second place locked up in the Tri-County Athletic
League, the Balers (10-5-4, 6-1-2 TCAL) will head to the Central
Coast Section playoffs for the second year in a row and only the
third time in school history.
The San Benito High girls soccer team continued its goal of shutting out opponents but had to settle for a 0-0 tie at Salinas on Friday.
With at least second place locked up in the Tri-County Athletic League, the Balers (10-5-4, 6-1-2 TCAL) will head to the Central Coast Section playoffs for the second year in a row and only the third time in school history.
“The game had tension in the air from the very beginning,” said Baler coach Michael Schurig. “Both teams played hard and fast. Although we owned the battle for the ball most times and had more possession time, the goals would not follow.”
Both teams picked up the physical play in the second half and received three yellow cards each during the game.
About 15 minutes into the second half, the Balers had to play shorthanded. After being tripped from behind by the player who was tightly marking her, Chantel Guajardo bounced off the ground and pushed the Salinas player.
The play was already a free kick for Hollister, but Guajardo received a red card and had to sit out, forcing the Balers to play a player down for the rest of the game.
The Cowboys tried the long ball several times, trying to use their speed and the artificial surface to their advantage but could not get past the Baler defense nor the speed of goalkeeper Mary Von Urff, who recorded 11 saves.
With Jenny Maheu still injured and not able to play since the Live Oak game, the Balers weren’t able to create the same offensive pressure. Rose Vandenberg, with the help of Michelle Sanchez, Brittany Huth and Julie Broyer, had good chances for goals.
The Balers’ next game is Wednesday when Notre Dame visit for Homecoming.
JV note: The San Benito JV team remained undefeated with its ninth league victory with a late goal against Salinas to win 1-0.
“It was a tough game all the way through,” said JV coach Monica Sandoval. “There were a lot of shots on goal by both teams, but it just seemed that it was going to end 0-0.”
With about four minutes left in the game, San Benito had a shot that the goalie came out and kicked away. But Becky Darnell was right there for the rebound and put it back in over the defense and the goalie from the 45 yard-line. The game-winning shot was Darnell’s first ever goal.
If the Balers are to remain undefeated, they will have to knock off Notre Dame on Wednesday.
