By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
LOS FRESNOS — Entering Friday night’s game against Harlingen High, Los Fresnos girls soccer coach Diego Luna had been anticipating an opportunity to improve his team’s performance in penalty kicks.
That extra practice paid off after two overtime periods wasn’t enough to settle things between the Lady Cardinals and Lady Falcons.
Los Fresnos prevailed 3-2 (3-1 in PKs) thanks to goalkeeper Andrea Calvillo’s resolve and clutch goals by Ashley Esparza, Yulianna Moreno and Brianna Gracia in the shootout.
“That has been our weakness,” Luna said. “(Calvillo) did an excellent job. She was very confident. Before she went out to the goal, you could tell in her eyes that she was ready.”
Only Kay-Lani Vasquez, who had the lone Harlingen High goal in regulation, scored during the shootout for the Lady Cardinals.
“Our shifting (on defense), didn’t go right,” Harlingen High girls soccer coach Debra Galvan “We made a mistake, and they capitalized on it.”
The Lady Falcons struck first in the first half on a header by Alondra Lopez off of a corner kick.
Vasquez had the first equalizer with seven minutes remaining in the first half.
Both teams had several scoring chances during a tense second half but went to overtime tied at one goal apiece.
At the 7:44 mark of the first overtime, Monique Rodriguez scored the go-ahead goal from 25 yards out, launching the ball into the top left corner of the goal to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
“As soon as that goal went in, I could tell it wasn’t shaking them,” Luna said. “We has talked at halftime about overcoming challenges and playing to expectation.”
With 5:44 remaining in the second overtime, JC Gaznares found a lane and struck from 15 yards out, booting the ball past Harlingen High keeper Erianah Zapata to even the game at 2.
“JC is fast, and it’s going to be difficult for a defender to beat her with her speed,” Luna said.
Calvillo stopped the first penalty kick she saw from Alexa Gonzalez, and Lauren Powell’s penalty shot sailed above the crossbar.
After Gracia found the back of the net, Calvillo saved Grace Alcocer’s penalty kick to seal the victory.