Armando Padilla could barely believe what his team had done
Tuesday in Hollister.
Earning a draw would have been impressive for Gilroy High boys’
soccer. Beating rival Hollister 4-3, after going down two goals to
start, blew the mind of the Mustangs’ coach.
GILROY – Armando Padilla could barely believe what his team had done Tuesday in Hollister.
Earning a draw would have been impressive for Gilroy High boys’ soccer. Beating rival Hollister 4-3, after going down two goals to start, blew the mind of the Mustangs’ coach.
“It’s really hard to believe that was the final score,” Padilla said.
Going down 2-0 in the first 20 minutes, the Mustangs were forced to make some lineup changes after wasting several scoring opportunities.
“The thing is, Hollister plays an offsides trap (on defense), and they play it really well,” Padilla said. “They also have a small field, making it tough to get behind them.”
Gilroy’s adjustments changed all of that, as John Paul Sanchez, Andy Moya and Josh Alvarez all scored goals to cap off the half and give the Mustangs a 3-2 lead at the intermission.
The second half was similar to the first, though on a smaller scale.
San Benito again scored first, this time to tie the game at 3-all.
The Mustangs once more made personnel changes, allowing for a second score by Sanchez, who also had an assist, giving Gilroy what stood up to be the game-winning goal.
“It’s great for [Sanchez] because … he’s a hard worker in practice, doesn’t say much, and just tries to get the job done,” Padilla said. “We need more of that. People who will be humble and go out there and work hard, play for the team.”
The victory has huge implications as it places Gilroy at 3-1-2 in the Tri-County Athletic League, 9-3-5 on the season. San Benito dropped to 4-8-1 overall, 1-4-1 TCAL.
“[A win] was the only way we were going to be able to remain in the race for first or second place (in league),” Padilla said.
The Mustangs are currently tied for second in the TCAL with Palma, while Alisal is in first with a 5-1 league record.
Gilroy will host North Salinas in its next game at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
