Cowboys score early in first half, stave off San Benito in 1-0
win
SALINAS
In an evenly matched yet also frustrating game at Salinas on Thursday, the San Benito High boys soccer team was unable to find the equalizer and lost 1-0 to the Cowboys in Tri-County Athletic League action.
Salinas scored in the 20th minute after a failed offsides-trap set up a 4-on-1 situation, and the host Cowboys easily took advantage.
“One of our mids came back and made the play legal,” San Benito head coach Ramiro Ramos said. “They were attacking and we were playing the offsides … but we weren’t able to keep the offsides trap.”
The ‘Balers fall to 1-3-1 in the TCAL, 4-7-1 overall.
Ramos felt, however, that his team dominated the second half, either because Salinas was fatigued or because his own team picked up the intensity.
“It was a pretty even game, but if anything, we had more chances than them to score,” Ramos said. “We dominated in the second half and we had so many chances, but it just didn’t happen.”
Frustration began to set in for San Benito, leading to a red card on one player and forcing the ‘Balers to play a man down for the remainder of the half. Even Ramos, after witnessing what he thought was the Salinas sweeper stopping the ball with his hand, was given a red card as well.
“I know I keep blaming the refs, but it was awful,” said Ramos, who noted an increase in physical play between both teams as the game progressed.
Salinas improves to 3-2-1 in the TCAL, 4-8-2 overall.
San Benito will return Tuesday to host Gilroy at home. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m.
“Even though we lost,” Ramos added, “they played the way they’re supposed to.”
TEAM 1 2 F
SAN 0 0 0
SAL 1 0 1
