Oscar Estrada’s goal from 20 yards out in the 80th minute proved
to be the difference Thursday as the San Benito Haybalers defeated
Salinas 3-2 in Tri-County Athletic League action.
SALINAS
Oscar Estrada’s goal from 20 yards out in the 80th minute proved to be the difference Thursday as the San Benito Haybalers defeated Salinas 3-2 in Tri-County Athletic League action.
Estrada’s goal, which was assisted by Andy Hurtado from the left side, concluded a wild game — and a wild day — for the San Benito boys soccer team.
The game was originally scheduled to be played in Hollister, but wet weather left the fields unplayable and the game was moved to The Pit in Salinas as a result. The Cowboys play on an all-weather turf field.
“We’re not used to playing on turf,” San Benito head coach Ramiro Ramos said.
To make matters worse, it started raining in Salinas immediately following the conclusion of the junior varsity matchup, adding another twist to the game — a fast field that’s even faster.
“I thought it was gonna be a long game,” Ramos said.
And when Salinas found the back of the net in the 2nd minute, things didn’t appear to be progressing in San Benito’s favor.
“But that woke us up,” Ramos said.
The Balers responded four minutes later when Brian Cruz pocketed the equalizer on a free kick from 30 yards out.
The two teams went to the halftime break tied 1-1.
“It was back and forth. It was a close game,” Ramos said. “It could have gone either way.”
The scoring continued early in the second half when San Benito grabbed the lead in the 48th minute. Hurtado made his way down the left sideline before crossing over to his right foot and finding the far post for an unassisted score and a one-goal Baler lead.
But Salinas responded almost immediately, knotting the game at 2-all just five minutes later. The game remained tied until the 80th minute, though, when Hurtado delivered a cross from the left side to an awaiting Estrada, who toed in the game-winner.
The Balers improve to 2-1-1 in the TCAL, 6-2-3 overall.
“The important thing is that they had the top scorer in the league right now,” said Ramos, referring to Salinas’ Moises Cruz, who has already scored 11 goals this season. “I had Alex Alvarez cover him the whole time and he did a good job neutralizing him.”
Salinas is now 2-2-2 in the TCAL, 6-5-3 overall.
The venue switch to The Pit will flip-flop home games for San Benito and Salinas. The two teams were scheduled to meet again in Salinas on Feb. 16, but that game will now be played in Hollister.
Meanwhile, San Benito’s match against Everett Alvarez on Tuesday, which was postponed due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Saturday.
The two teams will square off at Everett Alvarez in Salinas at 10 a.m.
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