SAN JOSE - The Andrew Hill and Leland boys soccer teams battled through 100+ minutes of scoreless soccer on a frigid Wednesday evening at Leland. That left the fate of the two teams to penalty kicks.
And after narrowly missing out on winning in regulation, visiting Andrew Hill prevailed 4-2 on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the CCS Division 1 playoffs.
The Falcons (9-7-3) converted all four of their spot kicks capped by the clincher from senior Jose Ramirez into the right corner. Andrew Hill goalkeeper Juan Landaverde saved the first Leland effort and another one in the third round sailed over the bar. Javier De Los Santos, Cesar Cornejo and Carlos Pimienta also converted from the spot, while Thomas Floisand and Alex Pavich converted for Leland.
"It's a tough way to go out," said Leland coach Roheet Sen, "but we weren't able to get into a rhythm all night."
During the run of play, Andrew Hill created the better chances, including a shot in the 97th minute by Cornejo that was parried over the bar by Leland goalkeeper Krishan Yadav.
"The first half was an even match with limited scoring opportunities for both teams and big battles in midfield," said Andrew Hill coach Ivan Garcia. "In the second half we acquired a little more confidence in our system and began dominating."
Leland's best chance came in the 77th minute when a free kick was punched by Landaverde into the path of sophomore forward Jesse Cavanna, who had a good chance from close range. However, his shot was deflected right in front of the goal by an Andrew Hill defender and the ball was cleared out of danger.
Pimienta, a senior, had an outstanding game in the back, at one point stopping a 2-on-1 counter led by Leland senior Nichols Yao. De Los Santos had several opportunities, including one in the 26th minute when he split two Leland defenders but shot just wide of the left post. Senior Eli Gonzales also had three good chances that he hit just over the crossbar.
"We never lost respect for Leland's great counterattacking power," said Garcia. "We knew that Leland would capitalize on the slightest defensive mistake and we couldn't forget that."
The Falcons advance to the quarterfinals to take on St. Francis, a 4-0 winner over Sequoia.
In other Division 1 action, Serra got past North Salinas, 2-1, in overtime, San Benito edged Aragon 3-2, Menlo-Atherton outlasted Alvarez 7-6 in penalties after a 0-0 draw and Palo Alto handled Gunn 2-0.
Bellarmine will take on Lincoln in a marquee quarterfinal after edging Salinas 2-1 in overtime. Lincoln defeated Gilroy 2-0 and is in search of a third straight Division 1 crown.
