The Hilmar High boys soccer team was in control during the first half of the Yellowjackets’ Trans Valley League home opener against Hughson High on Monday but was unable to finish off the Huskies. After jumping out to a 2-0 halftime lead, Hilmar allowed three second half goals as mistakes and miscues led to a 3-3 tie between the TVL foes.

“We were a little unlucky,” Hilmar’s head coach Louie Bettencourt said. “They capitalized on one or two mistakes towards the end.”

The ‘Jackets’ initial lead was established by Gabriel Texeira and Devon Medeiros who found the net early, giving their team a dose of confidence. Unfortunately, Hilmar’s confidence overwhelmed them, giving them a sense of security that Hughson pounced on.

Hughson scored its first goal after the half; momentarily cutting Hilmar’s lead by one goal before an Osiris Guerrero score made it 3-1. The Huskies responded with a hint of skill and a dash of luck as they scored two goals, one of which was a result of an officiating mistake.

“We started moving the ball pretty well and were covering well in the first half,” Bettencourt said. “But in the second half we got careless. They thought the game was ours.”

Today’s match against Modesto Christian High has been cancelled. Hilmar’s next match will be against Riverbank on Monday.