GHS boys kickers run even with two-time CCS Champion Santa
Cruz
SANTA CRUZ – Juan Llamas’ second goal of the season gave the Gilroy High boys soccer team a one-goal lead in Friday’s road clash with two-time defending section champ Santa Cruz.
But despite the courageous goaltending of sophomore Luis Esqueda, the Mustang kickers could not hold on to the lead – settling for a 1-1 tie against the Division II powerhouse.
“We were a little sad not to get the win, but at the same time we tied the defending section champs and that says a lot about the team that we have the potential of having,” first-year head coach Armando Padilla said. “Santa Cruz, I don’t think they knew what hit them.”
Using an attacking style of play implemented by Padilla and co-head coach Brian Hall – who then left to referee in Saturday’s Major League Soccer Championship game won by the San Jose Earthquakes in Carson – Gilroy generated a breakaway. Llamas found the back of the net for an unassisted goal in the 13th minute.
“Both teams had plenty of opportunities. Goalies on both teams came up big,” said Padilla, whose squad is unbeaten with one win and two ties.
Esqueda was forced to leave Friday’s game late in the second half after coming down hard on his tailbone while making a save. Keeper Brian Vasquez was in net when Santa Cruz scored the equalizer.
“They were going to score eventually,” said Padilla, who sent Esqueda back in the game once he was OK.
The Mustangs sat out three starters because they were late to a team meeting. Gilroy will play again on Saturday in the first round of the Homestead Tournament in Sunnyvale. The locals will go up against Sequioa at 3:30 p.m. at Homestead High School.
