Brian Cruz nails game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the 79th
minute, San Benito wins 3-2
HOLLISTER
Brian Cruz’ goal off a penalty kick in the final minute of play propelled the San Benito boys soccer team to a 3-2 victory against visiting Monte Vista Christian in Hollister on Friday, and supplied the Haybalers with their second straight win.
MVC was called for a hand-ball in the box in the 79th minute of play, and Cruz nailed in the game-winner for San Benito.
The ‘Balers are now 2-3 overall.
Despite the win, however, San Benito head coach Ramiro Ramos was not pleased with the heightened level of physical play in the game.
“It was an awful game. It was pretty rough,” Ramos said. “It was getting out of hand and the refs didn’t help much.”
Ramos had to take several players out due to injury, including Eric De Leon who left with game with a knee injury.
“It wasn’t a smooth game,” Ramos said.
The ‘Balers came out on top, nonetheless, in a back-and-forth game that sat scoreless at halftime. Monte Vista Christian never led in the contest, but did managed to pound in the equalizer twice.
Andres Hurtado put San Benito up first, though, when he rebounded a ball that bounced off MVC’s goalie in the 50th minute.
MVC tied it 10 minutes later, while San Benito took a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute when Hurtado’s corner kick was headed down in front of the net. Amid a group of a players in front of the goal, Manuel Meza connected on a shot that found the back of the net and gave San Benito a one-goal lead.
Once again, though, MVC tied it on a penalty kick of their own in the 75th minute – a hand-ball in the box on San Benito – before Cruz was able to pocket the game-winner four minutes later.
The Haybalers will host Carmel Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
