POTTER VALLEY — Jason Martinez scored what proved to be the winning goal with five minutes remaining, but it was a save by keeper Victor Santana in the final minute that preserved Upper Lake’s 2-1 victory over the Potter Valley Bearcats in North Central League III boys soccer action Friday in Potter Valley.
“We gave them a free kick about five yards outside the box and their guy hit a beautiful shot over our wall heading to the upper left corner (of the goal),” Upper Lake coach Kyle Moore said. “Victor Santana jumped every inch he had in him and punched it away. That really made our hearts beat.”
Potter Valley scored the only goal of the first half. Upper Lake (2-2-1 league, 2-6-1 overall) tied it 10 minutes into the second half on a goal by Benat Love, who also assisted on the Martinez goal later in the half.
There were several standouts as Upper Lake won its second game in a row. They included Martinez in the midfield and Blaine Rhodes all over the field, according to Moore.
“We moved him (Rhodes) where we needed him and he did really well,” Moore said.
“They are definitely improving,” Moore added of his squad. “I’m proud of them.”
Upper Lake plays two more league games on the road next week. The Cougars travel to Mendocino on Wednesday and to Geyserville on Friday. Both matches start at 4:30 p.m.
