FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — After a scoreless full-time game and two extra time periods, Harlingen South found a way to win.
Down to the six kicker in a penalty shootout, Adia Hurtado was able to put some power behind her kick and give the Lady Hawks a crucial 0 (3)-0(2) win and a much-needed two points in a tough District 32-6A contest Tuesday night at Boggus Stadium.
But perhaps the biggest player on the night was goalkeeper Alicia Rodriguez, who came up save after save.
“Alicia is a super goalie,” said Harlingen South head coach Omar Pedroza. “Against Brownsville Lopez earlier in the year, she made some big saves and tonight she did the same.
“We practice penalty kicks, but again tonight it came down to the sixth person.”
Amber Ray stepped up to take the first penalty and slotted past Harlingen’s Evelyn Rodriguez to take the lead. However Rodriguez made some big saves for as well. Rodiguez blocked two kicks from the spot and forced another one wide.
But the biggest kick of the night came down to Huertado. Rodriguez was able to get a glove on the ball, but could not keep it out of the net.
Down by one goal, Harlingen’s Arley Gonzalez’s shot bounced off the top crossbar before shooting straight down onto the turf and then bouncing out of the area.
“These points are huge,” said Pedroza. “Our district is so tough because every game is a must-win and you have to be ready every night.”
Harlingen South takes home two points, while Harlingen still receives one point for going to extra time.