EARL WATT
• Leader & Times
Despite spending most of the game near the Hays goal, the Liberal Redskins couldn’t connect for a goal until the final six minutes of the game, and a dominating defense made it stick in a 1-0 Redskin win.
Liberal took several long shots in the first half, but most sailed above and around the goal.
The Hays goalkeeper made some saves as well, and by halftime the game was knotted at 0-0.
Liberal had the wind advantage in the second half, but many upfield passes sailed long, preventing the Redskins from being able to complete any real scoring threats.
But with 6:16 to play, Hays was called for a foul just outside the box on the right side, and instead of setting up a centering pass, Jayden Gonzalez decided to take a shot. He kicked the ball with his left foot toward the middle of the field, but the ball had English on it, and it curved toward the goal. The ball went his and inside the upright and struck the side net for a goal and a 1-0 Liberal lead.
The Redskins had two more golden opportunities, but the ball hit off the upright on one attempt and was deflected by the goalkeeper on another, and the Redskins ended with the 1-0 win.
“We’ve been working on mental toughness,” Carlos Ruiz said. “Hays can complicate the game. But we know the only team that can beat us is ourselves. It was frustrating, but I liked that we kept our composure, we possessed the ball well, and what a beautiful goal.”
Liberal (7-1-1) will host Garden City (3-7-1) Tuesday. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m. with varsity after.