GECKOS EDGE BY EAGLES

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By Regina Shiroma

Eagles’ Edwin Wong dribbles the ball past the defense of Geckos’ Kent Ono. (GSPN photo)

In the quarterfinal match up between the fourth seeded GW Geckos and the fifth seeded Harvest Christian Academy Eagles, the Geckos grabbed a mere 2-1 win under the lights of their home turf Thursday evening.

The Eagles came from behind in the second half, to tie the score at one-all. In the 73rd minute, Eagles’ winger Tomoyuki Matsumura passed to striker Edwin Wong who then passed to Cain Takasu. Geckos’ keeper Joaquin Sanchez could not get across the goal in time as the Eagles’ quickly switched the ball to the opposite side, giving Takasu the open shot on goal. The Eagle fans jumped to their feet in excitement for their team as the ball found the back of the net.

However, their excitement was short-lived because minutes later the Geckos thundered back with a goal of their own, once again taking the lead 2-1.

Geckos’ Joaquin Sanchez makes the stop on the shot attempt by Eagles’ Ryo Sakane. (GSPN photo)

In the 78th minute, after a fellow teammate’s shot was blocked, sophomore Christian Martinez followed through with a shot of his own. Martinez patiently placed a perfectly aimed shot into the upper 90 opposite him, and immediately threw his hands up in the air in celebration of the goal.

“I feel great. They’re my inspiration to get better. It feels really good making them happy, it’s their senior year,” said Martinez of scoring the game-winning goal.

The Geckos’ first goal came from senior Teddy DeLeon Guerrero in the first half going one-on-one with Eagles’ keeper Joseph Cho.

“I was assisted by my teammate Ray-Ray, he deserves a lot of credit, he actually called it right before it happened,” said DeLeon Guerrero.

DeLeon Guerrero received the long pass and using his speed to his advantage, beat the Harvest defense to the ball.

“A lot was running through my mind, everyone’s coming at me from all sides. I just had to think, so just one-touch, tried a shot on goal, and got it in.”

In other games:

The Southern High dolphins defeated the St. Paul Warriors 8-0.

The 7th seeded FD Friars upset the 2nd seeded Okkodo Bulldogs 4-0.

The St. John’s Knights tied the JFK Islanders 2-2 and went into double overtime, but because of the lack of light, the shootout will be continued Friday at 4:30 at the St. John’s field.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Eagles’ Cain Takasu and Geckos’ Kent Ono fight for control of the ball. (GSPN photo)

Eagles’ Edwin Wong passes the ball to teammate Cain Takasu (7) who scores the goal to tie the game. (GSPN photo)

Geckos’ Teddy DeLeon Guerrero scores the first goal of the game. (GSPN photo)

Geckos’ Teddy DeLeon Guerrero and Eagles’ Juan Aguon look to gain control of the ball. (GSPN photo)

Geckos’ Teddy DeLeon Guerrero gets his shot attempt stopped by Eagles’ keeper Joseph Cho. (GSPN photo)

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