Adhering to what has become tradition, the latest match between the Williams Yellowjackets and Hamilton City Braves, on Feb. 7, came to the wire and required some late heroics, before the ‘Jackets emerged with a 2-1 win.
Delivering the game winner was sophomore Kaled Correa, who, after taking the pass from Angel Villanueva, broke the 1-1 tie in the 68th minute, with an acrobatic kick with his back to the goal that he lofted into the top corner of the net.
It was an encore performance for Correa, who also put away the winning goal in the previous match between the two squads, on Jan. 26.
Last Monday’s victory that kept the ‘Jackets unbeaten in the Mid-Valley League did not come easy, however, as the Braves struck first in the 24th minute on an indirect kick that was just their second shot on goal in the first half.
Yet, the Yellowjackets kept up the pressure and got the equalizer in the 32nd minute off the foot of Leo Hernandez, with an assist from Ernie Lemus.
As the match wore on, although Williams dominated possession, the Hamilton defense and goalkeeper Moises Flores-Quezada kept them at bay, until the final 12 minutes of the match, when the ‘Jackets were able to break through.
Credit for the win also goes to the Yellowjacket defense for containing the section’s top goalscorer Oscar Quezada, and keeping the ball on the Hamilton side of the field
In addition to being pleased with his team’s defensive effort, Coach Humberto Guzman pointed specifically to the performance of Correa, as well as that of senior Michael Cervantes, for their exceptional play in a variety of positions on the field.
Williams (14-2) concluded the regular season last Wednesday, in Durham, where they overwhelmed the Trojans 12-0.
Correa recorded a hat trick, pushing his total for the season to 22, while Adrian Solis and Leo Gonzalez each added a brace.
Also getting in on the scoring was Lemus, Hernandez, Andrew Bautista, Jesse Velazquez, and Manny Patel, as each netted a goal apiece.
Velazquez, who also spent time in goal, made five saves.
Williams now begins its quest for a third Northern Section title, when it begins the Division III playoffs as the No. 1 seed in a match against No. 8 Maxwell at home today. ■