Miller boys soccer team is up to Victor Valley in Division 6 semifinal after penalty shootout

FONTANA-- For the Victor Valley kids soccer group, it was wait until after overtime. For Miller, it's wait till next year.

For the fourth time in the 2023 playoffs, Victor Valley triumphed in a shootout, scoring seven goals to six after a 2-2 tie through 100 minutes of regular time and 2 overtime durations.

Victor Valley junior goalkeeper Emmanuel Lopez made 2 conserves in the shootout after an amazing performance during the entire game, and his younger brother, freshman Alex Lopez, scored on the last shot of the shootout.

" I honestly thought we had the much better of play," Miller coach stated Anthony Torres stated. "In the end, we just didn't have the luck today."

Miller practiced their penalty shot throughout the playoffs, but Victor Valley had video game experience with the shootout.

" We've been here before," Victor Valley coach Julio Hernandez stated. He understands due to the fact that he was a gamer on the 2018 group. "We played well on defense and had the ability to counter attack well."

In addition to the two goals, Miller hit the crossbar and an objective post. Emmanuel Lopez said his finest conserve remained in the second half when Daniel Barraza's shot towards goal was deflected off the post.

" I deflected the ball toward the post and kept that one out," Lopez stated. "It was stressful early in the video game. We wished to put on an excellent program for the fans."

Lopez made numerous outstanding saves in the first half to keep the Jackrabbits in the game. The offenses picked up steam after halftime.

Barraza scored on a header in the 43rd minute to provide Miller a 1-0 lead. When Armando Rodriguez's complimentary kick dribbled into the goal, Victor Valley connected it five minutes later. One minute later, Brian Solis transformed a penalty kick to raise Victor Valley to a 2-1 benefit.

When Jesus Pineda's free kick hit the crossbar in the 75th minute, Miller nearly tied it. Barraza tied the game on a penalty shot in the eleventh hour of policy. Miller had some exceptional opportunities in the overtime periods, however Lopez was there to stop them each time.

Miller's disappointing loss left Torres considering next year. The Rebels lose just 5 elders, and Torres thinks this year's group was the best in the history of the school.

" This is the best team we have actually ever put on the field," Torres said. "Their goalkeeper was amazing. I believe we can depend on our younger gamers."