Steven Mercado, Brian Cruz and Ricardo Roque each deposited
goals and the San Benito Haybalers defeated visiting Everett
Alvarez 3-1 on Thursday in Hollister.
HOLLISTER
Steven Mercado, Brian Cruz and Ricardo Roque each deposited goals and the San Benito Haybalers defeated visiting Everett Alvarez 3-1 on Thursday in Hollister.
The Balers took a two-goal lead before halftime when Mercado found the back of the net in the 26th minute off an assist from Charlie Ramirez. San Benito made it 2-0 just nine minutes later when Alvarez was whistled for a hand ball inside the box, and Cruz punched in the penalty kick in the 35th minute.
The Eagles, who previously lost to San Benito by a 2-1 margin on Jan. 23, cut the two-goal deficit in half in the 55th minute. But Roque tacked on some insurance in the 65th minute when he headed in a loose ball to give the Balers a 3-1 lead.
The win improves San Benito to 3-6-1 in the Tri-County Athletic League and 6-10-1 overall. While it snaps a five-game losing streak for the Balers, it is also the first win for interim coach Matt Andrade, who took over the team on Feb. 1.
“It was our most complete game since we’ve had the boys,” said Andrade, referring to assistant coach Patrick Nolan. “Offensively and defensively, we played great.”
Andrade highlighted the play of keeper Frank Hernandez in the win, who although has given up some goals in recent games, Andrade said, “made some great saves (on Thursday) that saved our butts.”
The Balers are off until Tuesday when they will host Salinas at 3:30 p.m.
TEAM 1 2 F
EA 0 1 1
SB 2 1 3
