If Gilroy keeps beating teams when not performing at its best,
the Mustangs could be nearly unstoppable when they start clicking
on all cylinders.
Gilroy
If Gilroy keeps beating teams when not performing at its best, the Mustangs could be nearly unstoppable when they start clicking on all cylinders.
GHS’ varsity boys soccer team was able to hold on for a 1-0 win against the Archbishop Mitty Monarchs Wednesday, boosting the club’s record to 4-1 while also raising the blood pressure of Coach Armando Padilla.
“We get minutes where we play really well and then really long stretches where we play horrible,” Padilla said. “[We have] a good squad, but when you don’t play up to your ability or potential it’s upsetting.”
One moment that was far from upsetting for Gilroy was the lone goal of the game by senior Jose Armando Hernandez.
Noticing a lapse by Mitty’s back line, Hernandez slashed past defenders in the 23rd minute to receive a through ball from Bruce Ocana who was standing at the top of the box. Without hesitation, Hernandez placed a one-timer into the bottom right corner of the net.
“It was really quick,” Hernandez said. “I put it far enough that [the keeper] couldn’t touch it.”
The rest of the match was a physical contest that took place predominantly in Gilroy’s half of the field.
Gilroy keeper Alberto Reyes did an excellent job of fending off some last-ditch efforts to equalize by Mitty (1-2), as senior sweeper Kevin Grove also helped to clear any threats.
“They were definitely a [West Catholic Athletic League] team,” Grove said after the game. “They were big, physical and able to knock the ball around.”
Another team that has a similar style of play, and will be facing Gilroy in the near future, is Bellarmine Prep. A rematch of last year’s Central Coast Section Championship game, in which Gilroy won 2-0, is slated for 7 p.m. Friday night at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex in Gilroy.
While the two squads have each lost several key players from a year ago, those who return expect it to be a fierce match of fútbol.
“They’re going to come strong and physical,” Grove said. “There are always guys you won’t be best friends with and guys you’ll shake hands with after the game.”
Gilroy midfielder Randy Moya, who is also a senior captain, thinks the Mustangs’ recent inability to put opponents away stems from a lack of intensity.
“Right now, we’re playing … I don’t even know how to describe it – down to other teams’ levels,” he said.
With plenty of talent in all aspects of the game, though, Gilroy’s Wednesday evening goal scorer felt everything could be worked out in time for Friday.
“We are a better team than we showed,” Hernandez said. “I think if we play up to our potential, we should be able to win.”
Notes:
– Friday’s match with Bellarmine will also be “Break the Record” night. The team is hoping to set a new high in attendance for Gilroy boys soccer.
– The junior varsity Mustangs are currently 0-2 this year after losing 2-1 to Mitty Tuesday. The team dropped a game 3-2 to Overfelt last week.
