Late goals should have been heartbreakers for Gilroy High’s boys
soccer team this week. A 1-0 loss to Alisal Thursday – the team’s
first since Dec. 22 – and a 1-1 draw against Salinas Tuesday, where
Gilroy allowed the equalizer in the last 30 seconds, would be
enough to cripple most teams’ confidence going into the postseason.
But to hear the Mustangs tell it, they’re gaining reassurance in
their ability.
Late goals should have been heartbreakers for Gilroy High’s boys soccer team this week.
A 1-0 loss to Alisal Thursday – the team’s first since Dec. 22 – and a 1-1 draw against Salinas Tuesday, where Gilroy allowed the equalizer in the last 30 seconds, would be enough to cripple most teams’ confidence going into the postseason.
But to hear the Mustangs tell it, they’re gaining reassurance in their ability.
“These guys played with a lot of heart, a lot of passion, a lot of urgency,” Gilroy co-head coach Armando Padilla said about Thursday’s game. “Even though it was 1-0, I think we took a step forward.”
Mustangs midfielder Andy Moya echoed Padilla’s thoughts, saying Gilroy controlled the majority of the action before allowing a goal in the final minutes.
“It was intense, but I think the way we played was much better than last time,” Moya said, referring to a 1-1 draw between Gilroy and Alisal in January. “We got to move the ball more and got a lot more (scoring) chances than last time. The whole team was hungry.
Coaches we’re pleased to see such intensity after tying Tuesday. A win in that contest would have made Thursday’s game a battle for the Tri-County Athletic League title.
Gilroy finishes the regular season 14-4-6.
Senior sweeper Kevin Grove scored on a free kick in the first half against Salinas Tuesday, giving Gilroy a 1-0 advantage until the final 30 seconds of the game.
“He blasted it through the wall, through the keeper – it almost went through the net, I think,” Padilla said of Grove’s goal.
Coaches and players will now have to wait and see where the team is seeded for the Central Coast Section playoffs. Having played a very difficult preseason schedule, as well as facing a strong Alisal squad in its final regular season game, should have the Mustangs prepared.
“I think (Thursday) was a great experience because were coming together more for CCS,” Moya said. “We’re ready.”
