They likely won’t be shattering any records for their scoring
percentage, but the Gilroy Mustangs will take the 1-0 win they
earned over the San Benito Haybalers Thursday in Hollister.
They likely won’t be shattering any records for their scoring percentage, but the Gilroy Mustangs will take the 1-0 win they earned over the San Benito Haybalers Thursday in Hollister.
Gilroy, who hadn’t scored a goal in their two previous games and tied Everett Alvarez 0-0 on Tuesday, took 24 shots on net against the Haybalers, 15 in the second half alone.
With junior mid-fielder Bruce Ocana scoring the game’s lone goal in the waning minutes of the second half, a goal that came on Gilroy’s last shot taken of the match, Gilroy needed all 24 shots to pull out the victory.
“We were frustrated because we missed a lot of opportunities,” Ocana said afterward. “Their defense was very well organized … We needed this victory very much so we can have some energy to stay up in the standings.”
Gilroy controlled the midfield for the majority of contest, and kept San Benito’s chances to just five shots on net.
Despite Gilroy depositing only seven goals in their seven previous games, San Benito coach Ben Alvarez was preparing for a dangerous Mustang squad and altered his strategy accordingly.
“We knew ahead of time that they were going to be a strong team, so we played a little more defense than we have in other games,” Alvarez said. “It was kind of an unfortunate goal, but that was a mental mistake.”
After a cross from the left side placed the ball directly in front of San Benito’s net, it was then bounced and pushed around in a chaotic dance between ‘Balers and Mustangs. But Ocana somehow managed to put a left foot on the ball from approximately five yards out, and gave Gilroy a 1-0 lead in the 77th minute.
“We can’t allow those balls to bounce inside the box without getting them out,” Alvarez said.
The goal also spoiled a rather valiant effort by San Benito’s defense, including keeper Edgar Fernandez, who nearly battled their Tri-County Athletic League rival to a demanding and strenuous tie.
“It was pretty tiring. They were on our side pretty much the whole time,” said full-back Diego Martinez. “We bunched up in the middle.”
Added teammate and fellow defender Daniel Pape, “We knew they were a tough team. We thought we could pull it out, but it was kind of disappointing in the end … It was a productive loss, but it still hurts.”
Gilroy’s offensive front, as well as their bench, began to put their hands on their head in frustration with each missed shot on net late in the game. But coach Armando Padilla positioned four forwards in the second half for an all-out attack.
“I guess it worked,” he said after the game. “When you can’t put the ball in the back of the net, it frustrates the heck out of you … [The win was] very important for us because we want to compete with Alisal and Salinas for the league title. To come out of here with a tie would have been a disappointment.”
Gilroy (1-0-1 TCAL, 5-2-1) will play at the De La Salle College Showcase on Friday in Concord. The Mustangs will open with Bishop O’Dowd (2-1-1, 5-1-2) of Oakland.
The ‘Balers (1-1-0, 3-2-2) will host non-league opponent Seaside (1-4-2) next Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Seaside is 0-2-1 against TCAL opponents this season, and have been outscored 23-5 through seven contests.
