Hernandez scores two, Diaz de Leon nets one in 3-2 win over
Haybalers.
HOLLISTER – Tied up 2-2 against rival Hollister late in the second half, the Gilroy High boys soccer team – which battled back twice from one-goal deficits in Saturday’s road game – knew it needed one more strike to finish the job.
And they got it on a World Cup-esque play that could have easily topped ESPN’s Plays of the Week to steal a 3-2 victory from the host Haybalers.
The game-winning play started with midfielder Alfonso Mata’s throw-in to the feet of junior teammate Evev Diaz de Leon in the penalty box. Diaz de Leon then, using the heal of his foot, passed the ball back to junior striker Javier Hernandez – who blasted a shot into the back of the net.
“I was calling for the ball. My teammate Alfonso (Mata) was able to give me the ball on a great throw-in and I just healed it back to my teammate (Hernandez),” said Diaz de Leon, knowing the importance of getting the win with rival Live Oak sitting undefeated atop the Tri-County Athletic League Standings. “We knew we can’t lose or tie from here on.”
The Mustangs (5-1-1 in T-CAL, 10-5-2 overall) suffered their only league loss to Live Oak at home, 2-1. But they hope to return the favor in a Feb. 11 return match at Live Oak High, starting at 3:30 p.m. Gilroy must first notch home wins against Palma on Tuesday and North Salinas on Thursday – both inside Mustang Stadium at 5:30 p.m.
“This gives us a good chance to get into the playoffs,” said head coach Albert Marquez, following Saturday’s come-from-behind victory. “We were playing from behind all day so I have to give my team credit.”
After Hollister (3-4 in T-CAL) drew first blood only two minutes into the first half, the Mustangs responded 16 minutes later. Senior fullback Danny MacPhail started the play by booting the ball down the wing to Hernandez – who beat his defender and then powered right through Haybalers goalie Jorge Medina. With the ball bouncing towards an open net, Diaz de Leon touched it in.
“They gave us a good battle,” Marquez said. “They came out early and got a goal on a great set shot. We were able to get the equalizer and then they scored again. Their second goal was awesome.”
Still in the first half, Hollister’s Brian Bargas placed a shot on a ball rolling back out to him following a corner kick into the upper-corner. Even Gilroy netminder Oscar Garcia’s outstretched arms could not alter the ball’s path as the Haybalers once again took a one-goal lead.
But before halftime, the Mustangs would retaliate as Hernandez and Diaz de Leon were involved in another goal. This time, Diaz de Leon sent a through ball to Hernandez – who took an outside blast left-footed that went through the goalie’s hands and into the net to even the score.
“He’s just been on fire,” said Marquez of Hernandez. “From what I’ve seen, he’s the best player in the league.”
