by JOSHUA YOUNG
“80 More Minutes” – That phrase has been the mantra for the Lehman Lobos boys soccer team in the playoffs this year. The reasoning is simple, that’s all you’re guaranteed if you win – 80 more minutes of soccer.
The Lobos used those inspiring words to defeat the Reagan Raiders on Thursday, outscoring them 3-1 but dominating from the opening kick.
All season long, Lehman took advantage of mistakes early in the game, and this night was no different. Inside the second minute mark, the first strike occurred.
Manuel Diego slid a pass through the defense to Diego Garcia who then buried it in the back of the net to give the Lobos a lead – before many in the crowd even had a chance to sit down. Lehman controlled possession throughout much of the first half, rendering the Reagan attack to long runs and rejected crosses. Late in the first half, Eli Guajardo struck a free kick over a wall of Reagan defenders and into the goal for a devastating 2-0 Lobo lead going into the halftime break.
The Raiders came out in the second half much more aggressive with a different alignment up top. Lehman goalkeeper Mikey Torres had another outstanding game as he turned away several chances for Reagan early in the half.
The Lobos looked to counterattack on every possession, seeking a third goal. Finally, with only about 10 minutes left in the match, Guajardo found space through the right side of the defense and launched a low shot past the Raiders’ keeper into the left corner for his record-breaking 26th goal of the season.
With that, the Lobos exhaled and held on for the last 10 minutes, guaranteeing them another game in the playoffs. Reagan was able to score with seven seconds left, but the story was already written – Lehman boys made history again by advancing to the Sectional Round of the UIL playoffs.
After the game, the Lobos were relaxed and loose as they waited for an opponent to be named. By the time they arrived back home at the school in Kyle, they learned it would be a familiar opponent – Pflugerville Connally.
The Lobos had defeated Connally in the first round last year to earn the school’s first playoff victory in any team sport. The Lobos know the Cougars will be looking for their own redemption this year and there will be a bit more at stake this time. Both teams have dreams of playing further into April, but right now, they are only promised 80 more minutes.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Connally High School in Pflugerville.
