Contreras' PK sets off wild celebration
By Carl Lukat
The Park View Patriots saved their best for last in the Dulles District boys' soccer title game versus Heritage May 22 at Freedom High School.
After neither team was able to score through 100 minutes of regulation and overtime, the Patriots found the back of the Pride's net four times on penalty kicks.
Park View's final PK tally, a low shot into the left corner off the foot of senior Andres Contreras, clinched a 4-2 victory on penalty kicks and led to a wild celebration among players, coaches and spirited fans along the Patriot sideline.
“First off, it's amazing to win. Second off, it's amazing to win on PKs,” Contreras said. “Both teams fought so hard to the end. We gave it all we could. We didn't play great tonight, but a win is a win.”
Jose Garcia, Kevin Flamenco and Kevin Santos also converted penalty kicks for Park View.
Heritage goalkeeper Luke Dauberman originally saved Garcia's attempt, but the referee ruled Dauberman moved too early and Garcia scored on his second chance. Dauberman did stop Alex Velasco's attempt in the third round of kicks.
Amadu Bangaru and Payton Case converted kicks for Heritage. Luis Brun Rodriquez's blast towards the left corner was denied on a diving deflection by Park View goalkeeper Omar Gonzales. Nana Darko's shot bounced off the left goal post.
With Park View leading 3-2 heading into the fifth and final round of kicks, Contreras calmly placed his shot into the left corner to clinch the victory.
“It gets nerve-racking,” Contreras said. “But you put everything aside and just know you are going there to win. Just forget about the pressure and do you what you have to do and what you can do.”
Both teams advance to the Region II playoffs -- Park View by virtue of Thursday's championship, and Heritage as winners of the Dulles regular season title.
“Heritage played a better game than we did. They are a good team, and by all means, they are deserving to win this game. To me, there was not a winner or loser here,” said Park View coach Arturo Jimenez, still dripping wet after receiving a water cooler bath by his players.
“For my team, we didn't play the good soccer that we usually play,” Jimenez continued. “But we still fought like there was no tomorrow, and that is the character of a good team. They worked hard and were not going to be denied.”
It was the first extra-time loss for Heritage this season. The Pride defeated Dominion in double overtime May 21 in the Dulles semifinals to reach the championship game.
“I thought we created opportunities but just didn't finish them,” Heritage coach Betsy Munson said. “We played well in every aspect of the game. We just could not finish.
“I really credit the effort of our kids,” Munson continued. “They really played hard. I give credit to the Park View team. They played great too. It's just a shame that it has to come down to penalty kicks.”
Both teams are back in action May 26 with Region II quarterfinal round games at home. Heritage hosts Brentsville at 7 p.m. and Park View hosts Western Albemarle at 6 p.m.
“Our next goal is to win regionals,” Jimenez said. “It's going to be tough. We want to make it as far as we can. We have to work hard every game.”