ENID, OKLAHOMA โ Oswaldo Herrera showed why Enid boys soccer coach Jorge Cabada calls him a “freak of nature.”
Herrera, who missed the Plainsmen's first two games with an injury, scored three goals Friday as EHS defeated Crooked Oak, last year's Class 3A state runner-up, 4-1 at D. Bruce Selby Stadium.
The Pacers won the women's game 10-0 on the mercy rule, and the win completed the sweep of Enid. The game was played in Selby due to wind damage at the Advance Soccer Complex.
Herrera scored with 3:22 left in the first half to make it 2-0, and was relieved by scoring twice with 24:25 and 11:52 left in the second half.
“We know his potential,” said Enid assistant coach Brian Romero, who led the team on the sideline with Cavada sitting in the press box following an OSSAA suspension. “We had to take care of him a little bit, but he showed what he can do.”
David Smith, who has also battled injuries, scored the first goal on a penalty kick at 19:24.
“David Smith is a baller,” Romero said.
Goaltender Jonathan Wallace made 11 saves to slow down the aggressive Rough Nex defense.
“He was phenomenal,” Cavada said.
Cabada said Enid's backline, led by Ethan Ritchie, had a big impact on the game. The quickness and strength of the Plainsmen were likewise exhibited.
Cabada said Romero “followed the game plan perfectly.”
The Pacers also had a hat trick from Marysol Delgadillo, who scored three goals. He scored one goal in the first half to give EHS a 7-0 lead, then scored two goals in the second half.
Eva Barnett scored two goals, but was sent off midway through the first half when EHS had a big lead. Tabitha Miller, Vanessa Real, Bayley Ross, Valeria Gutierrez and Julie Hernandez scored.
Hernandez scored a goal with 23 minutes and 20 seconds left in the second half to end the game.
“We went out knowing it was cold outside, but this will be the last time we talk about it,” EHS coach Tim Lavoie said. He said, “I was excited to be able to rotate a lot of guys that haven't had a lot of playing time. All the guys on this team are hungry for playing time. They showed they deserved the opportunity.”
Enid's defense was so dominant that goaltender Carly Earhart, who came on in place of the sick Brie Lamoreaux, only needed to touch the ball once.
Lavoie was pleased with Delgadillo's great night. He was plagued by injuries a year ago, but he has grown in confidence and Laovie expects him to play a big role for the rest of the season.
The 2-1 Enid teams will host U.S. Grant next Friday at the Advance Soccer Complex in a women's vs. men's doubleheader starting at 5:30 p.m.