Brian Kaiserman
Sports Editor
Despite facing a second half deficit, the Mustangs battled back and eventually managed to clinch third place in Bay League after sophomore Skye Davis converted an overtime game winner off of a corner kick, resulting in a 3-2 Costa victory.
The Mustangs defeated the Palos Verdes Sea Kings last Thursday in their final regular season game of the season. The Mustangs rallied behind sophomore goalie Ashley Naylor, whose key saves helped keep the Mustangs in the game long enough to force overtime.
“We did well connecting our passes and finding feet, rather than, chasing after the ball and playing to the other team’s strengths,” Naylor said.
In the first half, the Mustangs struggled offensively as they were held scoreless by the visiting Sea Kings. Costa’s defense eventually conceded a goal and went into halftime trailing 1-0.
“In the first half we struggled clearing the ball upfield and defending against corner kicks,” Davis said. “We got better when we calmed down and started playing more balls out wide.”
In the second half, the Mustangs offense came to life, scoring two critical goals to get back into the game. However, Palos Verdes added a score of their own and the game headed into overtime tied 2-2.
“Our constant energy and motivation throughout the game is what allowed us to push through until the end,” Naylor said.
In the first overtime, the Mustangs controlled the ball for a majority of the period, creating opportunities and keeping the Sea Kings on their heels. Early in the second overtime Skye Davis finished a corner, clinching the victory for the Mustangs.
“Overtime was very stressful but we were able to keep possession in their half for most of the time and we created enough chances to score,” Naylor said.
The Mustangs now hold a 16-6 overall record with a 6-5 mark in Bay League play. The season will continue for the Mustangs with playoffs upcoming.
“In playoffs, we need to come with the same energy we played with against [Palos Verdes],” Naylor said. “I think we will go far in playoffs because we have gone through so much this season and none of us are going to quit now.”
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