Gonzalez, Kennedy Bury Granada Hills Playing Long Ball

Diego Gonzalez set the stage for Kennedy High’s first goal, then took the spotlight in the second half with a goal and assist to give the Golden Cougars a 3-0 victory over Granada Hills in a first round City Championship boys’ soccer playoff game Friday at Kennedy.

Late in the first half, Gonzalez crossed the ball to Wilber Portillo, who rocketed a shot from 20 yards past goalkeeper Alex Escalante.

Coach Fred Singer of Kennedy (7-5-6), who watched Granada Hills (10-9-2) put up a fight in the middle of the field in the first half, had his team play the ball wide and deep, primarily to Gonzalez.

“I told the kids to open up the game to the width of the field,” Singer said. “I thought we were a little more [physically] fit.”

Gonzalez, a senior, became the featured striker after forward Alfonso Mora received a yellow card late in the first half. Singer decided not to play Mora in the second half.

Gonzalez scored from 15 yards to put the No. 10-seeded Golden Cougars ahead, 2-0, with 18 minutes to play. One minute later, Daniel Gold scored on a header off a free kick from Gonzalez.

The Highlanders, seeded No. 23, had their chances, but Kennedy goalkeeper Mario Merino dominated in the box.