Torres scores two goals to help Packers tie with the Rockets
Published 9:46 pm Thursday, October 3, 2013
Ausitn’s Franco Ortiz cuts through a pair of Rochester John Marshall defenders to get to the ball during the first half Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Packer boys soccer team came up with a big second half surge in Art Hass Stadium Thursday that will surely provide them with plenty of momentum as they prepare for the Section 1A playoffs, which start next Tuesday.
Austin’s Zac Scheuerman battles with Rochester John Marshall’s Chris Ruvalcaba during the first half Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin played one of its best halves of the season as it rallied to a 2-2 with Rochester John Marshall (11-4 overall, 6-3 Big Nine).
The Packers trailed 2-0 at the break, but Roel Torres connected on shots from 25- and 30-yards in the second half to pull Austin back to even.
“What motivated us the most was that this was our last home game and it was parent’s night,” Torres said. “Losing wasn’t on our minds tonight.”
Torres had a couple of chances to put the Packers ahead as he ripped a point blank shot that was stopped by JM’s keeper and he had a 20-yard direct kick sail over the net.
Abraham Manzano, who had 12 saves, preserved the tie for Austin (5-6-4 overall, 2-5-3 Big Nine) in overtime when he deflected one shot and stopped the put-back chance with his knee with 1:33 left in the extra session.
“Abraham had some huge saves there at the end. He’s come up big,” Austin head coach Jens Levisen said.
The Packers had 15 shots on goal in the tie and the kept JM’s offense at bay throughout the night. Both of the Rockets’ goals came on throw-ins.
“You look at how both of their goals were scored. One nicked off of one of their players and we had some miscommunication on the other one. We played good soccer and it was a strong team effort,” Levisen said. “JM’s played strong soccer this season. To come out and tie them shows that we’re playing the level of soccer that we need to be right now.”
Each of Austin’s goals were highlight worthy. Torres bent his first shot from 25 yards out into the right corner of the net with 32:09 left and just 10 minutes later he launched a shot past two defenders and it landed about a foot under the cross bar to find the back of the net and make it 2-2.
“Once I had an open shot, I didn’t hesitate and I took it,” Torres said. “I’d say there was a little bit of luck and it felt amazing. We’re pretty satisfied (with the tie). JM has won some big games this year.”
Austin finishes the season in fifth place in the Big Nine Conference.
Austin’s Levi Vierkandt moves the ball in the first half against Rochester John Marshall Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
