By Moses Leos III.
With a playoff spot nearly guaranteed, the Lehman Lobo soccer team looked to not only win on senior night Friday at Lobo Field, but also throw a wrench into the district standings.
A two-goal performance from senior Albert Percastegui accomplished that, as Lehman upset district leader Giddings 3-1. Lehman closes the regular season at Lockhart at 7:45 p.m. Mar. 18.
Heading into the game, the Lobos were at full strength and without “anything to lose,” according to Lobo head coach Jay Sansom.
As such, Lehman immediately attacked the Buffalo back line. That persistence paid off nine minutes into the match. Percastegui rocketed home a 20-yard blast, which careened off the crossbar and goalkeeper into the net.
“I felt that the team needed me to step up; it’s senior night,” Percastegui said. “It’s the last guaranteed home game (for us).”
But the Buffaloes battled back, equalizing the game at 1-1 less than seven minutes later.
Despite conceding the goal, the Lobo defense found ways to halt the Giddings press. Sansom said the focus was on the wings – an area Giddings took advantage of in their first meeting.
“We solidified defensively and didn’t give them a lot of opportunities,” Sansom said.
The Lobos’ defensive stance helped them focus on the offensive end. After a few near misses, the Lobos struck for a second time in the half. Rene Torres blasted home a long range shot, giving Lehman a 2-1 lead they held into halftime.
Giddings continued to press forward in the second half, pushing to equalize. The play of Lobo senior goalkeeper Mikey Torres kept the Buffaloes at bay.
Torres outlasted the Buffaloes onslaught, coming through with several critical saves late in the half. Defensive cohesiveness was critical, according to Torres, who said the team never let Giddings “get into” their heads.
His play allowed the Lobos to slam the door on the Buffaloes. With three minutes to go in the match, Percastegui took a pass from senior Michael Diers and drove it into the net.
“Halfway (to the goal), I saw the goalie wasn’t moving,” he said. “That’s when I knew it was going in.”
Lehman’s win now causes chaos atop the 49-4A standings; Hays and Giddings are tied for the top spot with one game left.
But the largest impact for the four seniors was to leave Lobo Field with a win.
“It feels incredible,” Torres said. “It’s my last home game and we got the win. I’m so proud of our team.”
