Hawks defeat Rams in penalty shootout behind Gallardo’s heroics
North Lenoir goalie Orlando Gallardo clears the ball during the Hawks’ game against Greene Central Monday. Photo by Laieke Abebe / Neuse News
LA GRANGE— Orlando Gallardo was out to make amends for a missed penalty kick last year against Greene Central and he certainly did.
The North Lenoir senior goalkeeper saved a kick and then scored the winning penalty in a victory over Greene Central on Monday. In a back and forth matchup, it was the Hawks (3-2-1, 1-0 ECC) who kept their cool in a match that ended in a 2-2 tie before the Hawks took the 5-4 win in penalty kicks.
“We did everything could to win that game,” Gallardo said. “We had our chances and we capitalized against a great team. Last year, I missed my penalty kick against them, so I had to make sure to help my team win this time.”
Greene Central (5-2, 0-1) got on the board first when junior forward Alan Rubio scored off an assist from Alejandro Nunez 12 minutes into the contest. North Lenoir answered off of a Taiwan Hines throw in found the head of Luis Henriquez midway through the first half.
The Hawks scored 10 minutes into the second half after Henriquez once again scored off a long throw in from Hines. However, the Rams would score the tying goal when freshman midfielder Ariel Nunez scored with a low right-footed shot.
The ended regulation tied at 2, playing two five-minute overtime periods. The Rams had chances to win the game, but Rubio barely missed a header over the keeper’s head with one second left.
“I felt we dominated that game” Greene Central coach Matt Gnau said. “It’s frustrating to come out of that with a loss, but we didn’t mark well on their throw ins. Their only big chances came from that, but we have to give them credit for it. This is something we can build on and I can’t fault my kids because they gave a great effort.”
In penalties, each team converted on their first four attempts. Greene Central’s Ariel Nunez had his attempt saved by Gallardo, much to the delight of the Hawks crowd. Gallardo scored the final penalty of the match to send North Lenoir into a celebration.
“We showed a lot of perseverance”, Hawks head coach Chris Evans said. “We’ve been dealing with a lot of injuries, but our effort was great all the way through. We knew it was going to take the entire match because (Greene Central) is a good team. I had a lot of confidence in my five penalty takers and they were money tonight.”
Greene Central and North Lenoir are in action on Wednesday. The Hawks travel to face conference opponent Washington while the Rams host Farmville Central.
