Gilroy High’s girls soccer team overcame the elements to win in
dramatic fashion Wednesday at Alisal, beating the Trojans 1-0 on a
goal by Ariana Vera with just three minutes remaining.
SALINAS – Gilroy High’s girls soccer team overcame the elements to win in dramatic fashion Wednesday at Alisal, beating the Trojans 1-0 on a goal by Ariana Vera with just three minutes remaining.
“It was a weird game,” Gilroy coach Jose Hernandez said. “We were able to pretty much dominate and control the tempo, possession, everything.”
Gilroy’s lone goal was elusive, though, as both squads had trouble putting any sustained attacks together.
“The weather was a factor,” Hernandez said. “It started pouring 15 minutes before we started.”
With the clock winding down and the game looking like a draw was on the way, Gilroy capitalized on a through ball to Vera. Her shot was blocked by Alisal’s keeper, but two GHS rebounds, the second by Vera, allowed the Mustangs to escape with the win.
The goal was Vera’s 11th of the season to lead the team. She now has 35 in her four-year varsity career.
Gilroy already locked up its third straight Tri-County Athletic League title last week, but Hernandez is hoping to finish the regular season strong Friday at Hollister. A victory would most likely give Gilroy (13-2-4 overall, 10-0-1 TCAL) a seed as high as five going into next week’s Central Coast Section playoffs.
Friday marks the beginning of spring break, which can cause distractions for many clubs coming to the conclusion of a long season, but Hernandez is confident his players will be able to focus, knowing what’s on the line. The Mustangs have been booted from the first round of CCS for five straight years.
“At the beginning of the week I told the girls it’s gonna be tough and we’re at the point I’m not gonna be yelling and screaming,” Hernandez said. “We’re at the point where we should know what we have to do.”
Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., while next week’s playoff schedule will be announced Saturday.
