By TODD FERTIG
TopSports.news
Having led city rival Topeka West 1-0 for more than 60 minutes of game time, the Topeka High soccer team could have been devastated when it allowed the Chargers to tie the score with 9:18 remaining. But the Trojans didn’t wilt. They struck back.
Topeka High freshman Emyr Vargas scored the game's first goal in Thursday's 2-1 win over rival Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Barely a minute after surrendering the lead, Trojan senior Neri Diaz-Mayorga raced downfield with a pass from fellow senior Santiago Ovalle and crossed up the Topeka West goalkeeper to reclaim the advantage.
Topeka High senior goalkeeper Billy Lutz (right) and Topeka West senior Morris Blick battle for the ball in Thursday's 2-1 Trojan win over the Chargers. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High then played keep away and blasted the ball deep into the Charger end to run out the clock and take a 2-1 win.
Diaz-Mayorga said it was important for the Trojans to respond right away to the Topeka West goal.
“I could see how the defense was looking crumbled,” Diaz-Mayorga said. “So, I just thought we, the attackers, had to step up. We started pressing hard, attacking.
“I saw (the Topeka West defender) coming at me … I took a big touch. I knew I was going to beat the other guy on pace. I saw the short post and I just tapped it by him. It feels amazing. I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
Topeka High coach Derek Snook said while the Charger’s game-tying goal was deflating, it wasn’t surprising. He was proud that his team didn’t surrender all the momentum.
“Those are the most intense, the two or three minutes after the other team, or you score a goal,” Snook said. “It could be a little bit of a letdown. But the mentality of these guys has been fantastic. This year, if we go down or maybe aren’t finishing the way we should, they just keep after it and keep after it.”
Snook said it was key that his team regain the lead quickly.
“If it goes any longer, I think they have the run of play at that point,” Snook said. “They were taking it to us, and we knew they would in the second half. West has a really good team. We were lucky to get out of here (with a win.)”
Topeka High took the lead just four minutes into the game on a goal by Emyr Vargas, assisted by Carlos Acosta-Martinez.
The Chargers’ goal was scored by Valentin Del Real off an assist by Diego Gonzalez-Talavera.
Diaz-Mayorga called his coach earlier in the day to report he was sick and wasn’t sure he would be able to play. He said he was glad he could be there for his teammates.
“(Our biggest strengths) are family, friendship, companionship. Our teamwork … I think that’s the biggest,” the senior said. “I want to keep building from this. At least get to double-digit wins.”
The Trojans picked up win number six against four losses with six more to play. Their next four games, including a rematch with Topeka West, will all be on the road.
The Chargers fell to 8-2.
TOPEKA HIGH 2, TOPEKA WEST 1
Topeka West (8-2-0) 0 1 — 1
Topeka High (6-4-0) 1 1 — 2
Topeka West — Goal: Del Real. Assist: Gonzalez-Talavera.
Topeka High — Goals: Vargas, Diaz-Mayorga. Assists: Acosta-Martinez, Ovalle.
