Gilroy came within minutes of knocking off visiting Mitty Friday
afternoon in one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Gilroy – Gilroy came within minutes of knocking off visiting Mitty Friday afternoon in one of the most anticipated games of the year.
The Mustangs held a 1-0 advantage until Mitty scored two goals about five minutes apart in the second half to walk away with a 2-1 win. Gilroy had a chance at the end of the game on a short corner, but the shot went wide.
Laura Spellman scored the lone Mustang goal at the 20th minute mark off a backhand flick.
Despite the drizzle and wet conditions, coach Adam Gemar said it actually made for a crisper game.
“It turned out to be a really nice game,” Gemar said. “The field, being wet and slick, made for better ball movement and helped in the fluidity of the game. We’ve played on wet fields in practice before, and it hasn’t hurt us.”
Even though the teams made several runs, the shots on goal were relatively few.
“I think they had a total of four shots on goal and we had two, one in the first and one in the second,” Gemar said. “Both teams were the same in different halves.
“We came out strong in the first. The passes, runs, intensity, ball handling – everything was good. We came out a little flat in the second. They were playing like we were playing in first. It was a real reversal.”
Both Gilroy losses were to Mitty this year. The Mustangs (8-2-2, 8-0 league) tied Los Gatos and Live Oak. After losing to the Monarchs (6-3-2) early in the season 7-0 on grass, the Mustangs revamped their offensive and defensive schemes.
“It was a good look for us because you know you got to beat a team like Mitty in the playoffs,” Gemar said. “I thought we were the potentially better team even though we came out not victorious. Teams like the Mittys help expose our weaknesses, which we don’t get in league.”
Gilroy will play Carmel at home on Monday and will be at Saratoga at Friday.
