Central Oregonian

Cowboys whip Huskies

After scoreless first half Crook County takes control late to earn 4-2 victory

Alonzo Lopez controls the ball during the Cowboys match with the Sweet Home Huskies on Saturday. Lopez scored a goal in the match as the Cowboys won 4-2.

Lon Austin

October 08, 2012

The Crook County Cowboys exploded for four second-half goals Saturday as they knocked off the visiting Sweet Home Huskies 4-2 in non-league soccer action.

“I’m pleased for the kids,” Crook County head coach Joel Carrillo said following the match. “They are learning and they have a lot of chances. They still need more experience, but we are working on getting that experience and finishing well.”

Neither team was able to score in the first half of the contest, although the Cowboys had several scoring opportunities. Christian Hernandez had a pair of shots at the goal in the half. After getting behind the Sweet Home defense, Hernandez blasted a shot from close range at the Husky goal keeper. The goalie deflected the ball back out to Hernandez, who shot again from about four feet in front of the goal. However, once again the goalie was able to make the stop. Then, late in the half, Sweet Home was called for a hand ball just outside the penalty area. Christian Nunez fired a free kick over the Husky defensive wall, but once again the goalie was able to make the stop.

The second half started much the same as the first. Crook County continued to push the attack, but was unable to score. Then 10 minutes into the half, Alonzo Lopez was able to get behind the Sweet Home defense and beat the goalie for the first goal of the match.

Sweet Home tied the match three minutes later on a rebound shot after a corner kick.

Crook County’s Zane Abrams answered less than two minutes later, taking a crossing pass from Lopez and knocking it into the corner of the goal.

However, the Huskies were not done fighting. Midway through the half they scored again off of a corner kick and the score was tied 2-2.

The score remained tied until late in the half. Crook County finally took the lead for good on a goal by Diego Nunez. Luis Romero scored the Cowboy’s final goal just seconds later.

The Sweet Home goalie initially stopped a shot by Hernandez. The ball rebounded to the right side of the goal, and Romero slid into the ball and the goalie just as he was attempting to regain control of the ball.

The ball appeared to cross the mouth of the goal, however, the officials met on the end-line to decide if Romero had legally contacted the ball. After a brief meeting, they awarded the goal and the Cowboys were ahead 4-2.

Crook County had one more scoring opportunity late in the contest. However, Abrams was called for a dangerous play and the goal was disallowed.

“I’m so happy with how the team is learning. They feel better knowing that they can win some games. This game will push the kids to practice harder.”

With the victory, the Cowboys raised their record to 2-7, while Sweet Home fell to 1-8.

Crook County hosts Mountain View today, then goes on the road on Thursday to take on the Bend Lava Bears. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.