By Ryan Mayner
High drama was on display at Lobo Field Friday as the Lehman Lady Lobos and Hays Lady Rebels battled in both teams’ 14-6A opener.
And while both teams tied 1-1 in regulation, Hays won by going 2-0 in penalty kicks.
“That was a great game. That was the best Lehman-Hays game ever. It’s just sad that one had to lose,” Lehman head coach Nauri Garcia said. “The girls on both teams played their hearts out, they left it on the field. You can’t ask for anything better than what you saw tonight from a girls soccer game.”
The game began slowly, with the majority of play taking place on Lehman’s side of the field.
Hays attempted at least three times as many shots on goal as Lehman; however, Lehman goalie Maya Erwin put on an absolute clinic in the first half, stopping at least a dozen shots herself and coming out of the goal to corral a dozen more before a shot could be attempted.
She began Lehman’s best scoring opportunity of the half by intercepting a corner kick herself and calling out the play to teammates. The Lady Lobos maneuvered down the sidelines, ending with a shot on goal that was deflected dramatically at the last second.
Erwin also made the most nerve-wracking play of the half when she intercepted another corner kick, skying high above the other girls and coming down head-first.
She lay on the ground still clutching the ball as the crowd held its collective breath. She was able to stand with some help, steady herself, and convince the refs she was able to continue.
In the second half Garcia made some adjustments that resulted in more offensive opportunities coming off the wings.
Lehman put consistent pressure on Hays’ goalkeeper, and got Melissa Navarro a goal from an assist by Jamie Vargas with 15 minutes left. Lehman appeared to be in control, but Hays capitalized for the game-tying goal with eight minutes left.
Erwin was unable to clear out the ball in front of the net. The resulting scrum allowed Hays’ Gabi Elsner to put away the score.
Hays carried the momentum into the penalty kick session. The Lady Rebels held Lehman scoreless, en route to earning a bonus point in the district standings.
“PK’s are one of those thing that, oh man, it could have gone either way,” Garcia said. “I’m not a big fan of them, but it is what it is.”
Hays hosts Bowie on Friday, then travels to play Lake Travis on Tuesday. Lehman hosts Lake Travis Friday and hosts Akins on Tuesday.