The Heat moves on ; A 3-2 PDL playoff victory
TIMES STAFF REPORTS
07/29/2006
GREENSBORO, N.C. The Laredo Heat is one win away from hosting the Premier Development League semifinals next Saturday, Aug. 5 at the SAC. On Friday, Laredo reached the Southern Division finals of a four-team tournament with a 3-2 win over the Augusta (Ga.) Fireball before 1,300 fans.
If Laredo wins tonights game that starts at 6:30 against the Bradenton, Fla. Academics, the Heat is home next week.
Bradenton edged the host Carolina Dynamo 1-0 in overtime in Friday nights nightcap.
Laredos youngest player, Arnoldo Presas, the senior-to-be at United High School, was Fridays star, scoring two second half goals.
"Arnoldo played an awesome game. He showed a lot of composure for a 17-year-old kid, Laredo general manager and CEO J.J. Vela said.
Presas scored the eventual deciding goal in the 80th minute.
"It was a heady play, Vela noted. "He challenged him (the Augusta goalie) with his speed and beat him.
Laredo (15-2) scored first in the 38th minute on a goal by Jacob Almack, the Alvin native who plays at Midwestern State University. Jesus Sanchez, the former Texas A&M International University star, got the assist.
The Heat led at halftime 1-0.
Augusta (9-4-4) tied in the 52nd minute on Brennan Williams score, assisted by Brazilian Federico Moojen, the PDLs leading scorer.
Presas scored in minute No. 75 with Sanchez assisting again.
The final score came unassisted.
"Presas was for sure the games MVP, Vela said. "And Sanchez was right behind.
Augustas Dan Zuizan scored in the final second of the game, assisted by Michael Castillo.
The Laredo goalkeeper was Ryan Shaughnessy.
The games are being played at MacPherson Stadium, which is part of the city of Greensboro-owned Bryan Park. The complex includes 10 soccer fields and a golf course.
"Its an outstanding facility, Laredos Vela said.
©Laredo Morning Times 2006
