After what coach Danny Torres called “probably the worst half all season,” the Carpinteria boys soccer team regrouped and battle Arroyo Grande to a 2-2 tie through regulation and two overtime periods in their CIF Division 5 second-round match Wednesday.
The Warriors were then absolutely perfect in a penalty-kick shootout and beat the Eagles 5-4 to advance to Friday’s quarterfinals against top-seeded La Cañada at home.
“That’s the game we wanted,” Torres said about playing La Cañada.
That matchup would not have been possible if the Warriors didn’t pick up their game against Arroyo Grande. The Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute and were controlling the game.
“It took us a while to get going,” Torres said. “I told the boys at halftime we have to pick it up if we want to do something important this year.”
Freshman Johnny Requejo got things going for Carpinteria. He tied the score in the 57th minute, ripping in a rebound from the penalty-kick spot.
Energized with new life, the Warriors kept the pressure on and took the lead in the 63rd minute. Alfredo Maya flicked a free kick from Edwin Elizarraras and Romero Vega scored the goal.
The lead held until the 78th minute when Arroyo Grande rushed the net on ball dumped into the penalty area. Carpinteria goalkeeper Eric Rojas blocked the first shot, but couldn’t stop the rebound and the score was tied at 2-2.
Before entering the overtime, Torres told his players to “remember how bad it feels to lose in the playoffs. Let’s go out there and win.”
Neither team generated quality chances in the overtimes, so the game went to a PK shootout.
Ismael Soriano, Requejo, Elizarraras, Genaro Hurtado and Oscar Montes all converted for the Warriors.
“All those guys are cold-blooded,” said Torres.
Rojas was clutch, too, as he blocked Arroyo Grande’s final attempt to clinch the victory.
You are my favorite coach and go! WARRIORS! 2 3 5!!!!!
Can we get sum video pub!!!!!!!!
Remember to always put team records in every game story.