Sandy boys soccer can’t find equalizer up a man against Hood River Valley

Published 10:17 pm Thursday, October 3, 2024

Down a goal, up a man, Sandy boys soccer fought to find the equalizer.

Visiting Hood River Valley had a tenuous 1-0 lead after senior Aran Garcia had been sent off with back-to-back yellows, the first for a shove, second for profanity, with 27 minutes left in the second half.

The Pioneers got close to finding the back of the net. It was senior forward Matias Velasco, who was an offensive spark plug throughout the match, with good hold up play and dangerous runs down the flank. He shook off his defender and launched a cross to junior midfielder Crescent Thao, whose header forced a Hood River save.

Eight minutes later the Eagles scored the winner, a scorching shot by senior Andro Mendez from the top of the 18-yard box.

Hood River (4-3-2) won 2-0 over Sandy (2-3-2) Thursday evening, Oct. 3.

The opening goal was with 14:17 left in the first half. Thirty seconds earlier Sandy junior goalie Andy Gonzalez had made a big save, punching the ball away after a header from freshman Cesar Flores. Gonzalez was strong throughout the match, keeping the Pioneers in the contest with big plays tending net.

But the second attempt was an Eagles goal on a corner kick scramble. Senior Oscar Moline got a head to the ball, which ricocheted around the box until senior Julian Lara redirected it on frame.

The best Pioneers chance came early in the second half. On an ill-advised Hood River pass back toward the keeper, Marco Torres slid toward the ball, making contact but somehow watching it soar above the crossbar.