The Carson High boys soccer team lifts Steve Gomez (10) after Gomez scored in stoppage time to beat Damonte Ranch, 1-0, on Wednesday.
Photo by Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage.
Carson High boys soccer needed a win over Damonte Ranch on Wednesday to hold on to the No. 2 seed in the Class 5A North Sierra League.
The first 78-plus minutes saw the two teams at the top of their league play a competitive, but scoreless, game.
Carson was able to put chances on net, but several skirted just wide of the posts.
Additional stoppage time was tacked on after a delay to sort out foul calls early in the second half, which allowed the Senators one final push.
Senior Diego Valdovinos crossed the ball about 10 yards in front of the top of the box, finding a wide open Jaden Gomez.
With a flick of his head, Gomez directed the ball into the box and on to the foot of an open Steve Gomez.
It took one touch with his right foot for Steve Gomez to deliver the game winner.
“This was an important victory for us so it meant a lot,” said Steve Gomez.
There were multiple reasons for the Senators to celebrate. Not only did they get revenge after a 3-0 loss to the Mustangs earlier in the season, the win also secured a playoff spot. It’s the first time Carson High boys soccer has made the playoffs since 2019.
“We played our hearts out,” said Jaden Gomez. “I was just trying to get the ball to the middle and see if anyone was there.”
“Coming back to playoffs is really exciting,” said Steve Gomez. “Who doesn’t want to play in the playoffs?”
UP NEXT: Carson will host Wooster on Monday. The Colts beat the Senators, 3-1, in their first meeting.
FINAL - Carson 1, Damonte Ranch 0
Steve Gomez beats the final whistle to give the Senators a 1-0 win over the Mustangs. Gomez’s goal comes in stoppage time with an assist from a Jaden Gomez header.
The two teams are now tied at the top of the 5A North Sierra League. pic.twitter.com/gwnuaB6Uzy