Morgan Hill – Sobrato’s boys soccer team struck first against San Benito, but a Haybaler penalty kick in the second half forced a 1-1 tie Friday.
The goal in the 24th minute of the second half came in response to the Bulldogs taking advantage of a defensive breakdown in the 11th minute of the same half.
Sobrato’s Mario Vargas took a through ball and got in front of three defenders. The San Benito goalie initially charged at Vargas, but hesitated allowing the Bulldog to lob the ball over his head.
Vargas said it was his awareness of the field that allowed him to not only stay onsides, but beat the defenders to score.
“I keep my head in the game and I’m always looking around,” Vargas said. “When I saw the ball come in, I looked at my sides to see that I was in.”
The lead didn’t last the half, despite a strong defensive effort from Sobrato.
Haybaler Eddie Trujillo drew a foul inside the goalie box, and was awarded the penalty kick.
Trujillo said he had pulled on the defender’s jersey, which caused the Bulldog to fall.
“The defender caught up to me and I pulled on his jersey a little causing the penalty,” Trujillo said. “The ref didn’t see it and now the game is over.”
The goal was the lone defensive mark against the Bulldogs who had kept San Benito at bay for the entire match.
Sobrato coach Ricardo Martinez said the goal changed the way his players attacked the ball.
“It took the wind out of the guys,” Martinez said. “It changed the whole game.”
In the beginning of the game, San Benito came out strong, keeping Sobrato on the defensive.
But as the game progressed, the Bulldogs began to counter attack and eventually took the momentum.
The Bulldogs had an opportunity to score midway through the first half when a header by Shibin Tharayil was taken by Chrystofer Garcia, forcing the goalkeeper to make a diving grab.
The shot was one of the strongest opportunities of the half, which remained scoreless.
Martinez credited San Benito’s sweeper Carlos Vasquez as keeping his offense off balance and repelled several scoring opportunities.
“That sweeper was really fast,” Martinez said.
Juan Martinez said that although Vasquez was a big part at keeping the Bulldogs leashed, he was unable to do everything to stop Sobrato’s attack.
But Sobrato was able to figure out the sweeper, which led to the goal by Vargas.
