James Kenan ties Spring Creek soccer

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 31, 2010 1:47 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS-- Spring Creek started hot.

Then cooled off.

And eventually rallied for a 3-3 draw.

The Gators scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of their non-conference soccer game against James Kenan on Monday afternoon. The Tigers came back with three quick strikes before the end of the half and forced the home team to scramble for the equalizer after intermission.

"This game was a perfect example of what can happen when you get ahead and you relax," said Spring Creek head coach Paul Estrada. "(James Kenan) is a good team, and they played three nice through balls and caught our back line a step slow."

The game started well for Spring Creek as Dante Ortiz collected a pass from Omar Zavela in the 12th minute and deposited the ball in the back of the net. In the 24th minute Victor Ortiz knocked down a pass to Zavela, who fired a high shot over the Tigers' keeper.

James Kenan bounced back in the 33rd minute when Hector Madrid collected a loose ball 30 yards out and raced past the Gators' defense for a quick strike. Four minutes later, Jimy Escobar tied the game on an almost identical play from 40 yards out.

The Tigers took a 3-2 lead in the final seconds of the first half when Elden Perez raced to a through ball and beat the Spring Creek goal keeper with a bending line drive.

"Our offense was fine, but our defense needs some work," said Estrada. "A big part of that is not being in game shape. They played three long balls and their forwards simply beat our defense."

Spring Creek grabbed control of possession in the second half as both teams appeared to wear down in the afternoon heat. Antonio Avila delivered the game-tying goal in the 51st minute. Avila grabbed a loose ball and beat the Tigers' keeper, who was slow to come out of the net and took a poor angle.

Spring Creek finished with 11 shots on goal, two more than James Kenan.

The Gators (0-1-1 overall) entertain Union today. Spring Creek and James Kenan meet again Sept. 7. 7 in Warsaw.