Breaks go against Hoover boys’ soccer in deadlock
GLENDALE — Things looked good for the Hoover High boys’ soccer team until a couple of bad breaks.
Though Hoover dominated the majority of its Pacific League match against Muir on Friday, it wasn’t enough as the Mustangs scored with about two minutes remaining to forge a 1-1 tie at Hoover High.
The Tornadoes held a 1-0 halftime lead and appeared to have things in control.
However, Hoover goalkeeper Jose Guerrero suffered an injury while leaping to make a save before colliding with a Muir player in the 52nd minute. Guerrero, a sophomore, was on the ground for about five minutes and then walked off the field on his own power. Hoover (1-3-3, 0-0-2 in league) summoned junior varsity goalkeeper Leon Kaprielian, who was warming up to participate in the lower-level match.
Hoover, which took third in league and qualified for the playoffs last season, regrouped and nearly took a 2-0 lead. However, a curling 30-yard shot by Tigran Hivhannisyan struck the inside of the right post in the 65th minute.
Muir (2-1-3, 0-1-1) pressed for the tying goal and accomplished the feat in the 78th minute. Kaprielian stopped a shot inside the box and the ball bounced and hit the crossbar. Muir’s Gerardo Cruz tapped in the rebound to tie it.
“So many crazy things happened in a game I thought we played so well,” Hoover coach Ace Metallinos said. “We had some good chances to score, including the one off the post and then we lose Jose and I feel for him, because it was a play where both guys were going for the ball. Leon comes in and makes a great save and the ball bounces in Muir’s favor.
“We can take a lot from this and learn and we will. We played very well.”
The Tornadoes took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Serop Jejeian in the 27th minute. A throw-in by Vladimir Centeno went to Jejeian, who scored from about five yards away.
“We learned a lesson today in that you really do have to play until the final whistle,” Jejeian said. “We did a really good job and then they get a goal off a counter-attack late.
“I think we got a little too comfortable being up late in the game. I thought we played well. It’s a tough injury for Jose and I hope he will be OK.”
Metallinos said the Tornadoes will have some time to regroup. Hoover won’t play against until early January.
“We’ll be able to get in some practices and iron some things out,” said Metallinos, whose team suffered a 1-0 loss at West Ranch on Thursday. “It’s just a learning experience.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
