Laredo Heat News Release -- www.laredoheatsc.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
LAREDO, Texas -- A late goal by Leone Cruz allowed the Laredo Heat to earn their second victory of the season as they rallied for a 2-1 victory against the West Texas United Sockers on Friday night at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex.
An early goal in the third minute by the Sockers' Mariano Sapien took the air out of the home crowd and that shock lasted up until the half as West Texas United (1–2–0) and outstanding goalkeeper Leif Craddack held on to its 1–0 lead though the home side was dominating possession.
It wasn’t until 13 minutes into the second half that the home side equalized when midfielder Armando Begines found the back of the net by placing a header into the back of the net off a corner kick that bounced around the six-yard box.
As the game continued, it looked as if the Heat (2–0–0) would have to settle for a tie with the Midland-based team but late game heroics brought the home crowd up on its feet.
In the 87th minute, Cruz took a beautifully placed cross from 19-year-old local sensation Danny Garza that finally got past the outstretched arms of Craddack and gave the Heat victory.
The final seven minutes of the game (three regular and four additional) were hectic as West Texas United tried to press into the Heat defensive backfield but was unsuccessful in getting past the veteran backline.
“This was a tough game, we started slow but I really liked the resiliency that the boys showed the entire game”, said Heat Coach Israel Collazo. “We knew that West Texas United would not be an easy match because over the past three years, they always show up to play. Now we have less than 24 hours to get ready for our second game of the weekend as the Chivas El Paso Patriots will come looking for a win here in our home. I hope we get the same support from our fan base as we got today because the team really feeds off their energy.”
With their win this evening over West Texas United, the Heat are 1–0–0 and plus one in their goal differential in trying to qualify into the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The remaining U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Games for the Heat are against the Chivas El Paso Patriots at home on Saturday and on the road against the New Orleans Jesters and Baton Rouge Capitals in Louisiana later this month.