Just like when it looked like the Stephenville Yellow Jackets were done they exploded to hand Western Hills a 3-1 overtime loss to earn an area soccer title Tuesday in Mineral Wells.
The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie in the first as Stephenville was in control, but Jackets had to fight high winds at their backs in the first half.
Things didn’t break open until the Cougars managed a lighting fast goal midway through the second half after Stephenville had nearly scored on their possession. In less than 20 seconds Western Hills laced down their sideline and pushed in a quick shot.
The Jackets appeared a bit dejected following the score and as time ticked on Stephenville as looking for some spark and when J.J. Saldano drove home the first of his two goals with 6:05 to play they got just what they needed.
In overtime, Saldano beat a pair of defenders on a fast break to the goal and launched a rocket past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper who could only watch the ball
Kevin Martinez put the game away for good when he laced a shot in for Stephenville’s 3-1 lead with eight minutes to play in the second half of overtime.
Stephenville(16-8-1) now advances to take on Fort Worth Castleberry in Aledo at 5 PM Friday. Castleberry defeated Graham 2-0 and knocked off Springtown 5-1 to reach the quarter-final round. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.
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