On Wednesday afternoon, the visiting Los Gatos Wildcats blanked the Serra Padres 2-0. The Los Gatos Wildcats (11-5-4) finished the regular season on a roll, entering the first round of the Division II CCS playoffs on a five-game win streak. Serra (13-8-1) also had confidence going into the playoffs, nearly upsetting top-seeded Mitty in the WCAL tournament.
The scene was set for a great soccer match. It was win or go home. Possession remained equal until about 10 minutes remaining in the first half. The Wildcats had back-to-back shots that missed the mark. On the third attempt, in the 38th minute, the Wildcats capitalized. Striker Vince Von Luehrte curved the ball from outside the penalty box over Padre goalie Logan Wolf to take a late half lead 1-0 over the Padres.
“The first goal allowed us to breathe," Los Gatos coach Rusty Millard said. "Serra was all over us to start and the first goal allowed us to settle in and it took off a lot of pressure.”
Serra had its chances in the second half. Padre Robert Peardon missed a free kick inches outside of the 18-yard box which would have tied the game. Instead, the miss fueled the Wildcats who brought the ball down the field only to have the shot saved by Wolf.
Unfortunately for the Padres, the Wildcats intercepted Wolf’s punt and Paul Tolley beat the goalkeeper to score in the 74th minute to make it 2-0 Los Gatos.
“Los Gatos capitalized on their chances and we weren't able to," Serra junior striker Nick Schnabel said. "I thought we did a good job of keeping the ball on their half but we just couldn't find the back of the net. Our class of 2014 freshman team had a great season a couple years ago, and now that we've all grown and matured as players I strongly believe that we will be able to rise up to the challenge next year as seniors."
The win places Los Gatos in the CCS quarterfinals against second-seeded Mt. Pleasant (13-2-5).
“It was pretty cool to get the first goal, and now that we are on a six game winning streak we look forward to our next opponent who will be much better," said Von Luehrte.
