High school boys soccer: Second-half barrage lifts Rancho Cotate to 5-2 win against Maria Carrillo

Rancho Cotate’s boys soccer team exploded for four goals in the second half en route to a 5-2 victory over visiting Maria Carrillo in a North Bay League game Wednesday night.

The score was 1-1 at intermission but didn’t stay that way for long once the second half began. The Cougars scored twice in the first seven minutes.

“It was senior night and we had a ceremony at halftime,” coach Eamon Kelly said.

“That fired the guys up and they came out and were up for it.”

Even though it was tied at halftime, Kelly was confident his team would come through with the win.

“In my mind, the outcome was never in doubt,” he said. “I was never in fear of losing.”

Enrike Gomez led the offense with a pair of goals.

“He’s a quality player,” Kelly said about the junior striker. “He can take a game over, he’s that good.

“He has tons of skill and is one of the best players on the North Coast.”

Kelly also had praise for Kevin Juarez after the senior midfielder finished with a goal and two assists.

“He’s so strong,” Kelly said. “He won’t be denied the ball.”

The Cougars are 10-3 in league and finish up the regular season Friday at Windsor. Overall, they are 13-5-2.

The Pumas are 5-8 and 7-8.

CARDINAL NEWMAN 3, WINDSOR 2, OT

At Cardinal Newman, Connery Gschwend scored the game winner in the first overtime period to give the Cardinals their first league win.

Gschwend took a diagonal through ball from Ivan Rubio and got behind the defense. His shot found the side netting.

Newman is 1-9-3 in league and 7-11-5 overall.

“It feels good to get that first league win but I’m happiest for the boys,” coach Ryan Corriveau said. “Every game they play until the final whistle and we’ve lost some tough ones.

“It was senior night and the seniors stepped up.”

Newman’s David Knapp sent the game into overtime when he scored on the last possession of regulation.

Both Windsor goals were scored by Derick Neidlinger. The Jaguars are 5-7-1 and 8-9-1.

CASA GRANDE 6, UKIAH 0

At Petaluma, the Gauchos put the game away early by scoring five goals in the first 25 minutes.

Maury Lopez and Stephen Proctor each scored two and David Luis had the other first-half goal. Jack Gunns accounted for the only score in the second period.

“Lopez scored on two magnificent goals to start off the game,” coach Chris Rodd said. “That put us in control early.”

Casa is 7-6 and 11-6-3.