By Moses Leos III.
For the second year in a row, the Pflugerville Connally Cougars ended the postseason dreams of the Lehman Lobos soccer team.
Two goals from Connally’s Trent Hurley – both off set pieces – doomed the Lobos in a 2-1 loss Tuesday in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
From the get-go, Connally controlled tempo and possession. The Cougars constantly caused havoc in the midfield for the Lobos.
Lehman Lobo senior Michael Diers (13) and Pflugerville Connally’s Luis Nunez-Gonzalez go up to head the ball in Tuesday’s bi-district round playoff match. (Photo by Moses Leos III) |
“Every single one of their midfielders worked hard for the ball,” Lehman sophomore forward Diego Garcia said. “They [played] man-on-man and beat us to the battle.”
However, the Lobos struck first blood at the 33:10 mark of the first half. Garcia received a through-ball in stride, bypassing defenders and the goalkeeper to put away the opening score.
Soon after, Connally asserted its offensive prowess. Lehman played in a defensive position, unable to generate their transition offense.
“(Connally) did a good job of dropping back; they are used to it,” Lehman head coach Jay Sansom said. “They played Georgetown and Manor in their district. They are used to transition play.”
The Cougars responded at the 11:55 mark via a set piece. Hurley found space in front of the net and headed in a free kick to equalize the match.
Both squads were deadlocked at 1-1 after a half. The first 20 minutes of the second were reminiscent of the first.
Connally’s offense continued to press forward, earning several scoring chances. Leh-man worked to limit the space and time of the Cougar midfielders and forwards.
“We tried to figure out their next pass,” senior center back Chris Piedra said. “We just tried to communicate in the back and close the gap down.”
The Lobo defense held firm, despite Connally’s repeated attacks.
Set pieces soon became an issue Lehman couldn’t handle. On a free kick with 13 minutes left, Hurley beat an offside trap set and punched in the go-ahead goal.
Lehman fought tooth and nail to close the 2-1 deficit. Their best chance came with 12:21 left, as senior Michael Diers narrowly missed heading in a free kick.
But Lehman ran out of time, as Connally thwarted any chance of a comeback.
Looking back, Sansom lauded the Lobos’ ability to rally beyond injuries and inconsistency.
For the senior class, the loss culminates four full years in the varsity program.
“Every start has a finish,” Piedra said. “Tonight was that night.”
