KFDM COOP Posted March 29, 2008 Report Posted March 29, 2008 Davis kicks Mustangs out of playoffs By Joshua Buckley The Daily News Published March 29, 2008 LEAGUE CITY — Friendswood boys soccer coach Stephen Peter admitted his team squeaked into the third round of the Class 4A playoffs. On Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Mustangs couldn’t find a way to slip past another highly skilled team in a shootout. The Houston Davis Panthers tied Friendswood 0-0 in regulation, but ended the Mustangs’ season with a 3-2 shootout victory. This marked the second straight the Mustangs have lost in the regional quarterfinals. “We played well defensively, but we couldn’t get anything going,†Peter said. “I don’t think we played our game tonight. A team with (Davis’) type of individual skills is tough for us.†After shutting down Davis’ speed with a physical defense, the Mustangs had an opportunity to claim victory in the shootout. Tied 2-2, Davis’ fifth shooter, Max Ramos, missed wide left on his attempt. Friendswood’s Chandler Sager lined up as the potential final shooter of the game, but the Davis goalie kicked away his attempt, sending the contest to a sixth shooter. Miguel Barraza’s shot was partially blocked by Friendswood goalie Jonathan Allegra. But the ball still had enough momentum to roll back into the goal before Allegra could knock it away again. Barraza’s goal turned out to be the winner, after Ryan Rings’ shot attempt for Friendswood was stopped. “Jonathan did a good job in the shootout,†Peter said. “He was just a little unlucky. He got a piece of two of those goals, but the momentum carried the ball past him.†Bryan D’ Ercole and Johannes Weidl score the Mustangs’ two goals in the shootout. Friendswood (17-2-7) played a strong defense throughout regulation, holding Davis to just eight shots in the game (five on goal). But the Mustangs didn’t have the speed to slip past the Panthers’ defense. Friendswood’s two best opportunities came in the second half. With 26 minutes remaining, Daniel Jackson snuck behind the defense and had a chance at a breakaway goal, but his shot was a little bit off to the right. Jackson had one more chance from 10 yards out with 12 minutes remaining, but Reyes hauled it in and prevented Sean Head from getting off a put back shot. For the game, Friendswood finished with seven shots on goal. Peter said his team shouldn’t be disappointed after another successful season. He also said the team has the talent to make a deeper postseason run next year. “If some of our younger guys step up for us next year, we’ll be fine,†he said.
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