Huertas' goal gives Patriots district title

Bobby Huertas scored with less than two minutes remaining in the first overtime to help No. 2 Freedom upset top-seeded Wharton in the district final at King.

By JOEL POILEY Times Correspondent
Published January 27, 2007

Bobby Huertas scored with less than two minutes remaining in the first overtime to help No. 2 Freedom upset top-seeded Wharton in the district final at King.

After being thwarted on several scoring chances during regulation, Huertas created his game-winning goal on pure hustle. He made a run to the left corner, stole an attempted clearing pass and beat Wharton goalie Clete Goddard on the short side.

The Patriots (9-3-4) will host 5A-7 runner-up Wesley Chapel Thursday at 7 p.m. Wharton (16-2-1) travels to 5A-7 champ Land O' Lakes.

"We just told him to keep working, keep knocking on the door," Freedom coach Dennis Derflinger said of Huertas. "It was only a matter of time before he put one in."

Wharton dominated play in the first half, but the emotions of the heated neighborhood rivalry took a toll in the second, Wildcats coach Scott Ware said.

"We got a little too emotional in the second half, and it took us out of our game," Ware said. "They definitely created more chances in the second half."

Goddard and Freedom goalie Hector Castillo kept their teams in the game, both making key second-half saves. The teams, who played to a 3-3 tie during the regular season, could meet a third time this year if both advance to the regional final.

[Last modified January 26, 2007, 23:36:49]