Osiris Guerrero’s four goals lifted the Hilmar High Yellowjackets into the semi-final round of the Division-VI CIF Sac-Joaquin Section tournament after a sensational performance against third seeded Le Grand.
The ‘Jackets were able to pull away with a 4-3 win after what head coach Louie Bettencourt said to be an all-around team play.
“I am very pleased with what we accomplished. We kept positive and kept it going,” Bettencourt said. “Our goalkeeper (Cirilo Guillen) played in only his second game and impressed as well as defenders. It was a big team effort.”
Hilmar started off slow, but a late goal from Guerrero made it 1-1 by halftime. It was back and forth to begin the second as Guerrero tacked on another score but the Bulldogs tied it less than 10 minutes after at two each.
“We started off slow but the biggest thing I told the squad was to believe in each other because sometimes they let their guard down,” Bettencourt said. “They need to play hard every game with that enthusiasm and keep consistency up and that last game gave them a positive attitude to push themselves.”
Right after, Guerrero took a chest pass from Arturo Moran and chipped it in between the goalie’s legs to put them up, followed by a penalty kick that was drained for the finisher.
“We have been beat so bad in the past due to bad calls and hesitant, it’s a step into the right direction but I feel the next game might be tougher,” Bettencourt said.
Hilmar will travel to Encina High for the semi-final game with a starting time of 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
The eighth seeded Delhi High Hawks traveled and upset the number one seeded Linden High, 2-1, on Thursday in the first round of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D-V soccer Championships.
“They were fast and good too but we did a great job,” Delhi head coach Armando Salazar said. “I think this will give us the confidence and we have to take it one game at a time.”
Ismael Udave of Delhi took a hard shot at the net for the equalizer as it went through the goalkeeper’s hands just before the half to tie it at one apiece.
Only five minutes into the second, Sergio Espindola was able to net in what would eventually be the game winner.
The aggressiveness along with shutdown defense was enough for the remainder of the game as they kept the Lions in check in the closing minutes.
“We kept our composure for 25 minutes but last five we were able to keep the defense in tack,” Salazar said.
After losing last year in the playoffs to Riverbank, the Hawks will travel as they play at 3p.m. on Wednesday.