Soccer win over San Benito gives confidence going into tonight’s
match at Palma
After playing a tough pre-season schedule that included many of
the top teams in the Central Coast Section, the Gilroy soccer team
looks to be in mid-season form and poised to make a run this season
at a league title.
Soccer win over San Benito gives confidence going into tonight’s match at Palma
After playing a tough pre-season schedule that included many of the top teams in the Central Coast Section, the Gilroy soccer team looks to be in mid-season form and poised to make a run this season at a league title.
On Wednesday, the Mustangs improved their league record to 2-0 after a 2-0 win over San Benito High School, which had fallen to Live Oak on Tuesday.
“Defensively, we’re playing really solid,” said Gilroy Coach Craig Martin. “We have four seniors who start in our backfield and those dividends are starting to payoff. Our juniors upfront are also playing well.”
Tonight in Salinas the Mustangs will look to stay undefeated in the Tri-County Athletic League as they square off with the Palma Chieftains. And while any coach will say that it is most important to focus on the task at hand, Martin is looking ahead to his match up next Thursday at home against Live Oak High School.
On Wednesday, the Acorns also improved their league record to 2-0 by dismantling North Salinas in a 4-0 rout, which puts the two teams on an early season collision course in the race for league supremacy.
“Right now the real showdown will be between us and Live Oak,” said Martin. “They have a better overall record but we played a little tougher schedule. We’re really close though.”
While the Mustangs beat the Haybalers by a score of 2-0, the Acorns beat San Benito by a score of 3-1 a day earlier.
Although there is still nearly a month remaining in the season, it looks as though both teams will qualify for post-season play. In order to do so, the Mustangs must finish no worse than second in league play “This win against Hollister was a huge step for us,” said Martin after the game. “A couple of local papers had Hollister ranked No. 1 in league. So it was good to get this win.”
The Mustangs got the win thanks to a defense that wouldn’t bend and an offense that kept pressuring Baler defenders all night.
All of the scoring occurred in the opening half Wednesday night.
Gilroy’s first goal came midway into the opening half when Javier Hernandez scored from 30 yards out after receiving a perfect pass from Mustang midfielder Horacio Arteaga, who took the initial pass on the possession from Scott Martin.
With 1:50 to go before the half, Gilroy put the game away when Jorge Plata snuck one past the Balers’ keeper to the cheers of the 50 or so who were watching from the stands. Arteaga was credited with that assist as well.
Earlier in the half, Hollister did score a goal but it was called back because of an off sides penalty.
Afterwards, Martin had nothing but praise for the Balers.
“They are really improved from last year, really maturing,” said Martin. “The program is turning around down there and they’re a much improved squad. I’m happy we were able to pick up the win.”
