It’s gut-check time for the San Benito High boys soccer team. After a 2-1 loss to Pajaro Valley on Monday, the Haybalers have little margin for error if they plan on finishing in the top three in the tough Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division. San Benito, which is battling Pajaro Valley for fourth place in the standings, dropped to 0-2-3 in league play.
The Balers took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute when Jonathan Garcia made a nice run down the right side of the penalty box before going to the opposite left corner. However, San Benito made a handful of key miscues, including on both Pajaro Valley goals. The Grizzlies converted a penalty kick in the 64th minute and tallied again just three minutes later for the game-winner.
It was a disheartening loss for the Balers, who started the season with plenty of promise only to see their season be put on the brink. San Benito plays Salinas on Tuesday and Pajaro Valley again on Thursday. Balers coach Johnny Regalado hopes every player gets serious about practice.
“Everything starts with practice,” he said. “Some guys don’t come and they don’t take it seriously. It affects the whole team. We made defensive mistakes that cost us the game, and that starts with practice.”
San Benito came close to getting the equalizer late, producing a flurry of shots in the final 10 minutes. Agustin Cortes, Victor Perez and Abraham Arevalo all had quality shots on goal. Garcia, a junior striker, placed three shots on goal. Luis Coronado and Juan Castellanos provided plenty of energy for the Balers, going hard after every 50-50 ball throughout the contest.
