KELSEYVILLE >> Tiko Landa, a final-minute substitution for Kelseyville, collected a ricochet off Middletown keeper Trevor Smith and hit a curling shot into the net late in the second half to give the Knights a dramatic 1-0 win over the Mustangs in North Central League I boys” soccer action on Tuesday in Kelseyville.
It was a big win for the Knights (7-1-1 league, 10-2-3), who entered play tied with Fort Bragg for the league lead. Kelseyville has three games remaining.
“We were tired and I needed speed,” Ledesma said when asked why he went to Landa in the game”s final minutes. “His control might not be as good but he”s fast.”
A free kick by Omar Rodriguez set the stage for Landa”s game-winning shot. Smith blocked it to his left and Landa was there to scoop up the rebound. His kick tailed to the left and tucked into the net near the side of the frame (see the Record-Bee”s Facebook video).
Both teams missed scoring opportunities in the final three minutes. Smith made a great save to stop another Kelseyville shot while a kick by Middletown”s Victor Lopez missed being a goal by a couple of inches as it slid off the frame.
“Everybody plays us tough,” Ledesma said. “I can”t get an easy win.”
On the tight league race between Kelseyville, Fort Bragg and Cloverdale, Ledesma said the Knights are thrilled to be in the position they”re in and know what they have to do in their final three games against Clear Lake, Lower Lake and Willits.
“We”ve just got to win the rest,” added Ledesma, who said he has never finished higher than second in the league standings.
Middletown coach Luis Chairez said his Mustangs turned in a solid performance in defeat.
“We played hard and were right there with them,” Chairez said. “They”re a good team but so are we. Things just didn”t go our way.”
Middletown (3-8, 3-11) has been competitive in nearly all of its league losses this season.
“We”re getting there,” Chairez said.
