By Rafael Marquez.
Despite a slow start, the Lehman High Lobos pulled off a 3-0 win over the Bastrop Bears Saturday afternoon, improving to 2-1 in district play.
The Bears were the first team to take a shot at the goal, and did so within the first 30 seconds of the match. That set the game pace for the first 15 minutes of the match, which is about how long it took the Lobos to settle in and start playing.
With 32:44 left in the first half, sophomore forward Diego Garcia kicked in the first Lehman goal of the game, destabilizing the Bear offense and defense. For the remainder of the first half, the Lobos continued attacking using well-organized campaigns, rendering the Bears unable to respond.
Lehman High senior Michael Diers (right) attempts to avoid the Bastrop goal keeper during Saturday afternoon’s match at Lobo Field. Despite a slow start, Lehman’s offense prevailed in a 3-0 shutout over the Bears. (Photo by Rafael Marquez) |
The Bears had difficulty emerging from the midfield with the ball as the Lobo defense frustrated every attack.
On defense, Lobo center back Joseph Rodriguez and midfielder Fabian Mantilla deflected Bear attacks on the Lobo goal. Senior goalkeeper Mikey Torres, who seemed to declare, “you shall not pass,” deflected or stopped every shot the Bears attempted on the Lobo goal with prompt alacrity.
In the closing minute of the first half, the Bear goalkeeper fouled Garcia in the penalty box. Garcia cashed in the subsequent penalty kick, giving Lehman a 2-0 lead.
After the half, the Lobos continued dominating the Bears in the midfield. There was a yellow card called on Bastrop’s Wyatt Rasenalier after he fouled Lehman midfielder Albert Percastegui. Center back Chris Piedra took the resulting free kick, but was not able to score.
The last score of the game came off the foot of Lehman forward Rene Torres with 14:40 left to play. Both teams continued to play hard until the closing whistle.
Lehman hosts Lockhart 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lobo Field.
