In a literal back-and-forth contest with Soledad on Thursday,
the San Benito boys soccer team capitalized on its early chances,
then withstood a second-half surge en route to a 2-0 non-conference
victory.
HOLLISTER
In a literal back-and-forth contest with Soledad on Thursday, the San Benito boys soccer team capitalized on its early chances, then withstood a second-half surge en route to a 2-0 non-conference victory.
The Balers controlled the bulk of the scoring chances in the first half, and although Soledad would often respond by dribbling the ball deep into San Benito territory, it yielded few high-percentage shots.
The second half proved to have a different feel, with Soledad controlling the middle of the field. But the team was playing from behind at that point.
The Balers grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute when Brian Cruz sent a crossing pass from the left side to Martin Navarro, who was in one-on-one coverage but was leading his defender to connect on an easy, wide-open shot.
The Aztecs showed a sense of urgency in the latter half, but were unable to pocket the equalizer.
Meanwhile, despite having very few scoring opportunities in the second half, San Benito capitalized on one of its only chances in the 54th minute when a crossing pass from the right side by Francisco Palomino deflected off Navarro and to the far side for Jose Juan Santoyo, who deposited the open shot for San Benito’s second goal.
The two-goal lead was more than enough for the Balers, who improve to 3-0 on the season.
San Benito will host Greenfield on Tuesday in Hollister. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.
TEAM 1 2 F
SOLD 0 0 0
SANB 1 1 2
