The Number 3 ranked Trojans stumbled on Saturday to a hungry Pirates team, eager to avenge their earlier season loss to EvCC. The stage was set to have all the makings of an exciting match and the team had full support from the men's basketball team who came out to support their fellow Trojans.
A late scratch from starting keeper Gabriel Acosta inserted Gerardo Lopez, who normally plays forward, into the lineup for his first career start in goal. However, fans mad much to be excited about as EvCC controlled the first part of the match and took an early lead in the 16th minute when Kyle Sandoval found the back of the net after a long free kick was placed beautifully into the far side of the box from Owen Padilla. It was the sophomore's 4th goal on the season, and Padilla's 2nd assist.
More excitement came for the Trojans in the 27th minute when the Pirates were questionably awarded a penalty kick after a seemingly clean tackle from defender Modou Jallow. But the emergency goalkeeper, Lopez came through with the rare penalty kick save, a feat that is difficult for even the most experienced keepers.
But the home team would experience a dark cloud over the field in the final 15 minutes of the first half when the Pirates regained confidence in the 33rd minute with a goal. That would open the flood gates as another two goals would be scored in the final ten minutes of the half giving the Pirates a 3-1 advantage.
The 2nd half was an offensive struggle for both teams as the defenses held strong. The Pirates only able to muster 2 shots, neither of which were on target. EvCC was able to get 5 shots, 3 on target but all three were collected by keeper Evan Scholes, and Peninsula held on for the 3-1 win.
The setback moves the Trojans back to third in the North Region Point standings with 15 total, however they have an opportunity to move back in the drivers seat as they face first place Whatcom (17 pts) on Wednesday. Whatcom bested the Trojans on their home field in the last meeting 2-0 back on September 15th. Kick-off is set for 3:30pm at Kasch Park.