STOCKTON — Sierra put up three unanswered goals Friday night to erase a two-goal deficit and escape Sanguinetti Field with a 3-2 win over host St. Mary’s in the Delta College Showcase.
“I think we definitely stepped it up in the second half,” Timberwolves coach Manuel Pires said. “We battled and most of the half in their half of the field.
“I am really proud with how we recovered from the start of this game when we went down 2-0. We ended up getting a goal at the end of the first half to get us back into it and set up for getting us back for a second-half turnaround for a very good challenge against a very good team.”
The Rams (2-1) took a 2-0 first-half lead. Ariana Flores tapped back in a rebound in the ninth minute and in the 38th minute Amber Thorpe powered in a shot for the second consecutive St. Mary’s goal. The Rams looked to be heading into halftime with that lead when Tiana Cello threaded a pass to Jocelin Roa, who found the back of the Rams net as time expired to cut the St. Mary’s lead to 2-1.
“We were going on a 1-2 pass on that first goal,” Roa said. “I found myself with the ball, I shot it and it went in.”
In the 57th minute Preeya Singh had the ball on the wing for Sierra (7-0) and funneled it into Roa who took the shot which was rebounded the Jenna Villanueva. After some jostling for the ball Villanueva tied the game at 2-2.
With eight minutes left in the contest Villanueva was awarded a penalty kick and made the best of it to put the Timberwolves ahead for good at 3-2.
“It was really hectic on that second goal,” Villanueva said. “I turned really quick and gave it a shot.
“I had confidence in my shot on the PK. I was hungry for it and I am really good and consistent with my PKs.”
Sierra continues the Showcase this morning against Tracy High at Delta College at 10.