Trujillo and Nieves Score As San Benito Tops Palma
After weeks of tantalizing its coach with strong first-half performances that fell to naught after lackluster second periods, the San Benito boys soccer team finally put together two halves of good play.
And just in time.
The Haybalers won their season finale on the road, defeating Palma 2-0 last night to head into the offseason on a high note.
“I was just happy for [my players]. It feels good winning,” said San Benito head coach Juan Carlos Martinez. “It feels good closing the season like that.”
San Benito (3-8-1 TCAL) again started the contest by taking the action at its opponent. Forward Eddie Trujillo gave the ‘Balers a 1-0 lead midway through the first half by dribbling past his Palma defender into the 18-yard box and firing the ball into the goal.
But for a change, San Benito kept up its intensity in the second half.
Halfway through the period, Allan Nieves received a pass from San Benito’s defense and dribbled his way into to Palma’s box, drawing a defender and the goalie, before scoring to the opposite side.
“The goalie was right there, but [Nieves] just touched it the other way,” said Martinez. “The goalie couldn’t even move.”
With the Chieftains tiring, the Haybalers knew they were on their way to the victory. Their postgame celebration came as a relief to Martinez.
“I saw their faces. They were happy and yelling,” said Martinez. “They were singing on the bus.”
Its 2005-06 season complete, San Benito now looks forward to an even better season next year. After guiding the program back on track after years of disarray and lack of player commitment, Martinez can’t wait to get started on what lies ahead.
“I’m going to be ready,” said Martinez, “and [the players] are going to be really excited.”
San Benito completed its season with an overall record of 4-10-1.
