Wyatt Robb
Executive Sports Editor
Tommy Waller
Staff Writer
Four wins in a row for the Mustangs, but they are still hungry and looking for ways to improve.
Costa managed to score early and often, taking down Animo Leadership High School, 3-2, on Tuesday at home.
“I think the best way to describe the outcome of the game was a barely-escaped win,” coach Gary Smith said.
Link: Animo Leadership team page
The game commenced with an attempted header by junior mid-fielder Alex de Sousa, but the Aztec goalie blocked the shot. In the sixth minute of the game, de Sousa scored the Mustangs’ first goal on a breakaway run.
“I think all the elements came together in our favor, which really helped us solidify our victory,” de Sousa said. “We also did a great job of winning aerial challenges early in the game.”
In the 14th minute, senior forward Koa Work scored the Mustangs’ second goal. Work headed a long throw-in from junior mid-fielder Tanner Hong. Later in the first half, senior mid-fielder Coleman Weaver added the Mustangs’ final goal, making the score 3-0 going into halftime.
Link: Coleman Weaver player profile
“We did pretty well in the first half in all areas,” Smith said. “We had some crucial long throw-ins that were key because all of our goals began with a long throw-in.”
In the second half, Costa let up, and Animo began to claw its way back into the game. Costa fouled at the start of the half, and the Aztecs scored their first goal off the free kick, reducing Costa’s lead to 3-1 with more time left to play.
“I think the reason we let them come back was because we felt too comfortable with a 3-0 lead. Guys were not putting enough pressure on, and we became lackadaisical,” Smith said.
Animo continued to capitalize on its free kicks throughout the second half and was able to slot in another set piece goal.
“The second half was ugly; it was a totally different game,” Smith said. “They turned the tide on us as they scored on free kicks and gave us a taste of our own medicine.”
Animo’s second half surge was too little too late, as the Mustangs escaped with a 3-2 victory.
“It was honestly a rough game; we had a strong first half, but we fell apart in the second half,” senior mid-fielder Max Taylor said. “I think today was definitely a learning experience for us, and I think we have room for improvement in our next match.”
The team now holds a 4-0-1 record and played against South Torrance High School on Thursday, but the results were unavailable at the time of publication. The Mustangs’ opponent tomorrow in the South Tournament was determined by their results against South.
“The team played a solid game, and I was really happy with the result,” de Sousa said. “But we definitely need to improve on not letting teams back into the game.”
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