Auburn Mountainview rallies to beat Hazen 3-2

The Lions came back from an early 2-0 deficit to win in stoppage time.

By Brian Beckley • May 13, 2016 2:22 pm
The winning goal drifts just over the outstretched hand of Hazen Goalie Luis Rodriguez during the May 12 match-up at Renton Memorial Stadium.
The winning goal drifts just over the outstretched hand of Hazen Goalie Luis Rodriguez during the May 12 match-up at Renton Memorial Stadium.

The Hazen boys soccer team got out fast, scoring two goals int he first 20 minutes of their playoff opener against Auburn Mountainview, but the Highlanders were unable to hang on as the Lions roared all the way back, scoring twice in stoppage time to win 3-2.

“We had a pretty good first 40 minutes,” Hazen coach Ken Matthews said in an email. “After the first half they seemed more settled in their game.”

Hazen started string, getting off to what Matthews called a “dream start” with Reyes Garcia putting in a pair of headers off assists from Gorav Singh in the first 20 mins to take the lead.

But in the second half, the settled play of Auburn Mountainview began to payoff. At the 17 minute mark in the second half, the Lions scored to make ti 2-1 while Hazen struggled to find the net.

Then, in stoppage time, the Lions found the net twice to pull out a win.

Hazen is still alive though and will now play Capital at noon on Saturday at Highline Stadium.

Hazen is guaranteed a spot in the state tournament, but a win Saturday will allow the Highlanders to host a game on Tuesday instead of traveling.